Literary Book Prizes

Posted by Simone Preuss Jul 19, 2009

Though book awards are not quite the Oscar’s, there are a few international book prizes like the Nobel Prize in Literature, the Man Booker and others that draw worldwide attention to books, if only for a short time.

What book prizes do, long-term though, is work miracles for a book’s sales. Take Japanese writer Kenzaburo Oe for example – though an established writer in his home country, hardly any international critic had heard his name. When he was announced as the Nobel Prize winner in 1994, journalists had to scramble for information on this great writer (If you don’t believe me, check the announcements of the time – they are fairly short compared to previous ones.). Soon though, more information was unearthed and Oe’s books soared in popularity. He didn’t have to spell his name again. Ever. Such can be the power of a literary prize.

The list of literary book prizes below will focus on the international ones but also well-known or simply unusual national ones. As more prizes are established every year, this list will be growing so make sure to check back often. Feedback, as always, is appreciated.

The Nobel Prize in Literature - world's most prestigious literary award

The Man Booker Prize for Fiction - the most coveted literary award

The PEN Faulkner Award for Fiction – best American fiction

The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award – world’s biggest children’s literature prize

The Strange Book Titles Award – odd book titles from around the world