Each December, The Center for Fiction gathers a vibrant community to celebrate excellence and leadership in the writing and publishing of fiction.
Esteemed emcees such as Belletrist co-founders Emma Roberts and Karah Preiss; Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jennifer Egan; acclaimed writer and wit Fran Lebowitz; and actor, author, and comedian Yvonne Orji have presided over the evening as we pay tribute to the power of fiction to uphold freedom of expression, expand our knowledge of who we are, and enable connectedness to one another and to the world.
First Novel Prize
Each year, excitement fills the room as the winner of The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize is announced. In 2023 Tyriek White received the award for We Are a Haunting, selected by a panel of distinguished American writers—Hannah Lillith Assadi, Ayana Mathis, Tochi Onyebuchi, and Deesha Philyaw. Previous winners include Noor Naga (If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English), Kirstin Valdez Quade (The Five Wounds) and Raven Leilani (Luster). The longlist for the 2024 First Novel Prize will be announced in July, followed by the shortlist in September.
Medal for Editorial Excellence
The Center for Fiction Medal for Editorial Excellence honors the work of an editor, publisher, or agent who has discovered, nurtured and championed writers of fiction in the United States. In 2023 Graywolf Press accepted the Medal, introduced by author Carmen Maria Machado, in recognition of their nearly fifty-year history of publishing adventurous titles by underrepresented and diverse voices. Sarah McGrath, Editor-in-Chief of Riverhead Books, received the award in 2022. She was introduced by Brit Bennett, one of several authors present from the illustrious list of writers whose work McGrath has edited. Previous recipients include Alvina Ling (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), introduced by author Grace Lin, and Chris Jackson (One World), introduced by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Lifetime of Excellence in Fiction Award
The Center for Fiction Lifetime of Excellence in Fiction Award honors a writer who, through their exceptional body of work, has significantly shaped our culture and perspective. In 2023, we honored author Salman Rushdie for his literary genius and political courage. To accept the award, he appeared in conversation with author Kiran Desai. In 2022, we honored Nigerian-born playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, and human rights activist Wole Soyinka. Joined onstage by The Center’s Board Chair and Vice President and Executive Editor at Alfred A. Knopf, Erroll McDonald, Soyinka spoke to the challenges we face in the fight for freedom of expression. Authors Kazuo Ishiguro and Toni Morrison received the award in 2021 and 2018, introduced by David Remnick and Oprah Winfrey, respectively.
On Screen Award
The Center for Fiction On Screen Award honors the groundbreaking creation of original works on film and television that mirror the complexity and vision of great novels. In 2023, we honored author Percival Everett, filmmaker Cord Jefferson, and MGM Studios for the film American Fiction, adapted from Everett’s 2001 novel Erasure. Previous On Screen Award recipients include Barry Jenkins and Colson Whitehead for The Underground Railroad; James McBride and Showtime for The Good Lord Bird; and Margaret Atwood and Hulu for The Handmaid’s Tale.
Supporting Readers and Writers
The 2024 Annual Awards Benefit promises to be a warm and festive gathering of literary luminaries that raises essential funding for all of The Center for Fiction's work, including public literary programs, Emerging Writer Fellowships, Reading Groups and Writing Workshops, and KidsRead/KidsWrite educational programming for New York City public school students. We look forward to once again reveling in the art and power of fiction with you.
Questions about the event? Please write to Melissa Wyse at melissa@centerforfiction.org
Annual Awards Benefit
Save the Date
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Cipriani 25 Broadway
New York, New York 10004
Honoring Salman Rushdie, Graywolf Press, American Fiction, and the Winner of the 2023 First Novel Prize
A celebration of the power of storytelling, honoring:
Salman Rushdie
Lifetime of Excellence in Fiction Award
Graywolf Press
Medal for Editorial Excellence
Percival Everett, Cord Jefferson,
and MGM Studios for American Fiction
On Screen Award
The 2023 First Novel Prize Winner
Featuring Kiran Desai in conversation with Salman Rushdie; Carmen Maria Machado introducing Graywolf Press; emcees Karah Preiss and Emma Roberts of Belletrist book club; and Ayana Mathis presenting the First Novel Prize to one of the seven finalists:
Funds raised by the Annual Awards Benefit provide essential support for all of The Center for Fiction's work, including public literary events, Emerging Writer Fellowships, reading groups and writing workshops, and KidsRead / KidsWrite educational programming for New York City public school students.
Join Us in Celebration and Support of Fiction
Honoring Patrick Chamoiseau, Kathryn Belden, and the Winner of the 2024 First Novel Prize
A Celebration of the Seven Finalists for the 2023 First Novel Prize
Readings from the Finalists, Open Bar, Personalized Book Recommendations, Literary Tarot, Door Prizes, and More
About the Fête
Presented with Farrar, Straus and Giroux/Picador
Before the First Novel Prize winner is announced at our Annual Awards Benefit, join us at The Center for Fiction to celebrate with the seven shortlisted authors. The First Novel Fête is one of our favorite traditions—a chance to gather for readings from the finalists' stunning work, catch up and mingle over snacks and drinks from our open bar, win door prizes from our generous sponsors, and receive personalized book recommendations and literary tarot consultations. This year's Fête once again promises to be a fun, festive evening—we can't wait to see you there.
Funds raised by the First Novel Fête support The Center's public events, Emerging Writer Fellowships, reading groups and writing workshops, and KidsRead / KidsWrite educational programming for New York City public school students.
The 2023 First Novel Prize Finalists
The Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, first awarded in 2006, recognizes the year’s best debut novel as selected by a panel of distinguished American writers and carries with it an award of $15,000. This year’s judges are Hannah Lillith Assadi, Ayana Mathis, Tochi Onyebuchi, and Deesha Philyaw.
Family Lore
Elizabeth Acevedo
(HarperCollins / Ecco)
Lookout
Christine Byl
(Deep Vellum / A Strange Object)
Pay As You Go
Eskor David Johnson
(McSweeney’s)
Moonrise Over New Jessup
Jamila Minnicks
(Hachette / Algonquin Books)
Night Wherever We Go
Tracey Rose Peyton
(HarperCollins / Ecco)
We Are a Haunting
Tyriek White
(Astra House)
Y/N
Esther Yi
(Astra House)
The Fête Committee
Co-Chairs
Pilar Garcia-Brown (Dutton)
Alex Primiani (Avid Reader Press)
Soumeya Roberts (HG Literary)
Emily Burns (Grove), Kerry Cullen (JMH Scouting), Taylor Damron (CAA), Danielle Davenport (BEM Books). Kyle Frischkorn (Nature Magazine), Eve Gleichman (Liz Gately), Alicia Kroell (Catapult), Meaghan Leahy (Macmillan), Ruby Lee, Shannon Moran (CAA), Karah Preiss (Belletrist), Sophie Pugh-Sellers (Gernert), Jessica Vestuto (Mariner Books)
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Co-Presenter
Farrar, Straus and Giroux/Picador
Interested in sponsoring the Fête? Contact Celeste Kaufman at celeste@centerforfiction.org.