/ Imprimatur Index / PEN/Faulkner Award

PEN/Faulkner Award

Literary Prize · US · Founded 1981
B+

Good (B+) — Imprimatur Grade

The PEN/Faulkner Award is a leading US literary fiction prize. Peer-juried selection (authors judge authors). Strong institutional reputation; smaller scale than Pulitzer + National Book Award.

85
Composite / 100
/ Subscore Breakdown · 5 Dimensions

Where this grade comes from.

Author Treatment
A-
Editorial Quality
A-
Sales / Distribution Reach
B+
Adaptation Track Record
B
Rights Posture
A-
/ Key Events & Disclosures

Timeline & positioning.

  • Founded 1981
  • Peer-juried structure
  • Washington DC-based
  • Multi-decade institutional standing

/ Best for

US literary fiction authors; peer-respected literary recognition.

/ Watch out for

Verify the institution operational status and your specific agent or editor relationship continuity before signing.