The Carlini Prize
Casa Carlini · New York
The Carlini Prize 2027
For Books That Endure
An international award for outstanding unpublished manuscripts in Fiction and Nonfiction
Too many remarkable manuscripts never find their way into the world. The Carlini Prize exists to change that—to seek out writing of genuine literary distinction and give it the recognition, the editorial attention, and the publishing pathway it deserves.
“We are looking for manuscripts that matter—books that readers will still be discussing years from now.”Charles Carlini, Founder & Publisher, Casa Carlini
Prize Structure
What winners receive
The Inaugural Carlini Prize 2027 recognizes one winner in each category, one overall Grand Prize winner, and one runner-up per category.
Category Winner × 2
$1,000
Cash prize, editorial development process, publication pathway consideration, and promotional support from Casa Carlini
Grand Prize — Book of the Year
+$2,500
Awarded to one overall winner, designated the 2027 Carlini Book of the Year
Runner-Up × 2
$500
Cash prize and a formal editorial report
Fellows Program
Invitation
Selected finalists may be invited to join the Casa Carlini Fellows Program for further editorial development
Casa Carlini guarantees that at least one winning manuscript will receive a publication offer, subject to customary editorial review and contract terms.
Categories
What we are looking for
Fiction
Novels, short story collections, literary fiction, historical fiction, and crime, mystery, or suspense fiction of exceptional literary quality.
Nonfiction
History, biography, memoir, science, current affairs, cultural criticism, narrative journalism, and other works of narrative nonfiction intended for a general readership.
Judging
How manuscripts are evaluated
All submissions are read anonymously by a panel of editors, authors, and publishing professionals. Manuscripts are assessed on the following criteria.
- 01Intellectual and cultural relevance
- 02Originality of vision
- 03Excellence of writing
- 04Clarity of structure
- 05Seriousness of purpose
- 06Long-term significance and readership potential
2027 Schedule
Key dates
15 January 2027 Submissions open
31 July 2027 Submission deadline
September 2027 Longlist announced
October 2027 Shortlist announced
November 2027 Finalists announced
December 2027 Winners and Grand Prize announced
Entry fees begin at $55 during the Early Bird submission period.
Eligibility
Who may enter
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. One entry per category is permitted.
Is your manuscript ready?
Submissions open 15 January 2027 · Entry fee from $55
Questions? Write to us at prize@casacarlini.com