September, 2026

Event Details
The Young Lions Fiction Award is an annual literary prize presented by the New York Public Library, established in 2001 by Ethan Hawke, Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, Rick Moody, and Hannah
Event Details
The Young Lions Fiction Award is an annual literary prize presented by the New York Public Library, established in 2001 by Ethan Hawke, Jennifer Rudolph Walsh, Rick Moody, and Hannah McFarland. It recognizes early-career American fiction writers aged 35 or younger.
Eligible works are novels, graphic novels, or short story collections written for adults, published in the qualifying calendar year, by a US citizen who is 35 or younger at the time of publication. Entries are made by the author’s publisher only; authors cannot submit their own work. Five finalists are chosen by a reading committee of NYPL’s Young Lions members, writers, editors, and librarians, and a panel of judges selects the winner from that shortlist.
The winner receives $10,000 and is honored at an award ceremony held each spring at NYPL’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. Past winners include Alexander Sammartino, Carrie R. Moore, E.J. Koh, Zain Khalid, Catherine Lacey, Bryan Washington, and Ling Ma.
Is this event legit?YES! – Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any opportunity, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work. Check the organizer’s website and carefully read the terms and conditions!
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