International competition to award cash prizes, publication opportunities, and editorial development to emerging and established writers
NEW YORK, NY — June 19, 2026 — Casa Carlini today announced the launch of the inaugural Carlini Prize 2028, an international competition dedicated to discovering exceptional unpublished manuscripts in Fiction and Nonfiction. The prize recognizes books of lasting literary, intellectual, and cultural significance, works that will continue to be read and discussed for years to come.
Created in alignment with Casa Carlini’s commitment to literature, history, biography, and ideas, the Carlini Prize seeks completed manuscripts that demonstrate originality, clarity of voice, and broad readership potential. The competition is open to writers worldwide.
“Too many talented writers struggle to find meaningful pathways into publishing,” said Charles Carlini, Founder and Publisher of Casa Carlini. “The Carlini Prize was created to discover remarkable books and help bring them into the world. We are looking for manuscripts that matter, books readers will return to and discuss for years to come.”
Prize Structure
The Carlini Prize 2028 will recognize winners in two categories: Fiction and Nonfiction.
Each category winner will receive:
- A $1,000 cash prize
- A dedicated editorial development process
- Consideration for publication
- Promotional support from Casa Carlini
One manuscript will be selected as the Grand Prize Winner, receiving an additional $2,500 and designation as the 2028 Carlini Book of the Year.
Each category will also include one runner-up, who will receive a $500 cash prize and a formal editorial report.
Categories
Fiction
Novels, short story collections, literary fiction, historical fiction, and crime, mystery, or suspense works of exceptional literary quality.
Nonfiction
History, biography, memoir, science, current affairs, cultural criticism, narrative journalism, and other narrative nonfiction intended for a general readership.
A Publishing Pipeline, Not Just a Competition
Unlike many writing competitions that offer recognition alone, the Carlini Prize is designed as a true publishing pipeline. Casa Carlini guarantees that at least one winning manuscript will receive a publication offer, subject to standard editorial review and contract terms. Selected finalists may also be invited to participate in the Casa Carlini Fellows Program, a developmental initiative designed to help promising manuscripts reach publication readiness.
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated anonymously by a panel of editors, authors, and publishing professionals based on:
- Intellectual and cultural relevance
- Originality of vision
- Excellence of writing
- Clarity of structure
- Seriousness of purpose
- Long-term significance and readership potential
Key Dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| January 15, 2028 | Competition Opens |
| July 31, 2028 | Submission Deadline |
| September 2028 | Longlist Announced |
| October 2028 | Shortlist Announced |
| November 2028 | Finalists Announced |
| December 2028 | Winners & Grand Prize Announced |
Entry fees begin at $55 during the Early Bird submission period.
Eligibility
The Carlini Prize is open internationally to writers aged 18 and older, submitting unpublished, English-language manuscripts in Fiction or Nonfiction. Previously self-published work is not eligible.
For complete submission guidelines and official contest rules, visit: https://casacarlini.com/pages/the-carlini-prize-official-contest-rules
About Casa Carlini
Founded in New York, Casa Carlini is an independent publisher dedicated to literature, history, biography, science, and culture. Through its growing catalog and editorial programs, the company publishes books that endure—works that contribute meaningfully to public conversation while standing the test of time.
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