GLCA New Writers Award

A national literary award program that has been recognizing promising young authors since 1970. Now in its 56th year (as of 2026), the award confers recognition on writers who have published a first volume in one of three genres: Poetry, Fiction, and Creative Non-Fiction.

Geographic Scope: National (open to all writers)

Focus Areas:

• Poetry
• Fiction
• Creative Non-Fiction

Eligibility: Writers who have published a first volume in one of the three genres

What Winners Receive:

• Recognition and honor
• Invitations to visit GLCA member colleges
• Opportunities to give public readings
• Meetings with students and faculty members
• Discussion of technique and creativity in the writing process
• Book signings and engagement with college and community audiences

Award Structure: Three separate awards given annually—one for Poetry, one for Fiction, and one for Creative Non-Fiction

Judges: Faculty members of creative writing and literature from GLCA's member colleges

Contact Information:

• Colleen Monahan Smith ([email protected])
• Gregory Wegner, Director of Program Development ([email protected])
• GLCA Office: 535 West William, Suite 301, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103
• Phone: +1.734.661.2350

Background: The New Writers Award has been awarding recognition to promising young authors since 1970. Past winners have included:

• 2025: Sarah Ghazal Ali (Poetry), Jessica Elisheva Emerson (Fiction), KB Brookins (Creative Non-Fiction)
• 2023: James Fujinami Moore (Poetry), Tsering Yangzom Lama (Fiction), Lars Horn (Creative Non-Fiction)
• 2022: Sumita Chakraborty (Poetry), Michael X. Wang (Fiction), Melissa Valentine (Creative Non-Fiction)
• 2021: Marianne Chan (Poetry), Gabriel Bump (Fiction), Nina Boutsikaris (Creative Non-Fiction)
• 2020: Aaron Coleman (Poetry), Eric Schlich (Fiction), Sarah Viren (Creative Non-Fiction)
• 2019: Marcelo Hernandez Castillo (Poetry), Lesley Nneka Arimah (Fiction), Dawn Davies (Creative Non-Fiction)