Pittsburgh, PA – The University of Pittsburgh Press is excited to announce several important updates to the Drue Heinz Literature Prize, one of the largest prizes for literary short fiction, now in its 45th year.

Most significantly, beginning with the 2027 prize, the winning author will receive $25,000. This $10,000 increase from the current amount underscores our commitment to the work of writers in this important fiction category.  The Drue Heinz Literature Prize has also expanded the eligibility of publications considered to include a wider range of criteria. The Prize jury will now consider reputable digital and online-only publications in response to the evolution of literary media forums. It has always been open to writers who have published a novel or a book-length collection of fiction with a reputable book publisher, or a minimum of three short stories or novellas in reputable magazines, and journals, but now includes well-regarded digital and online-only publications. Additionally, for the first time, manuscripts translated into English will be considered for the Prize. Finally, the submission period has changed from a May-June period beginning with the 2027 prize to July 1–July 31, 2026.  The submission period will continue to be every July annually.

Peter Kracht, director of the University of Pittsburgh Press, says, “The Drue Heinz Literature Prize has long been an important venue for fiction writers on their publishing journey with its focus on discovering powerful and inventive story collections and introducing them to new readers, booksellers, and librarians. With these updates, we ensure there’s always a place for the short story collection in the literary landscape.”

Kelly Sather, winner of the 2023 Drue Heinz Literature Prize, shared, “The joy of winning the Prize goes far beyond publication of my story collection Small in Real Life. With this prize, Drue Heinz has created a vibrant literary community. What an honor to join the writers and publishers at University of Pittsburgh Press. Their care, consideration, and collaboration are extraordinary.”

A detailed list of criteria can be found on our website.

 

About the Drue Heinz Literature Prize

Since 1981, the Drue Heinz Literature Prize has recognized and celebrated the work of short fiction writers. Winners receive a cash prize of $25,000, publication by the University of Pittsburgh Press, and worldwide promotion of their book.

Manuscripts are judged anonymously by internationally known writers.  Past judges include Ann Patchett, Richard Russo, Joyce Carol Oates, Raymond Carver, Margaret Atwood, Michael Chabon, Joan Didion, and Quan Barry.

Recent winners include Patricia Grace King (2026), Bill Gaythwaite (2025), Mubanga Kalimamukwento (2024), and Kelly Sather (2023).

 

About the University of Pittsburgh Press

The University of Pittsburgh Press is a publisher with distinguished lists in a wide range of scholarly and cultural fields. The Press focuses on selected academic areas: Latin American studies, Russian and East European studies, Asian studies, African studies, composition and literacy studies, environmental studies, urban studies, the history of architecture and the built environment, and the history and philosophy of science, technology, and medicine. Our books about Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania include history, art, architecture, photography, biography, fiction, and guidebooks. Our renowned Pitt Poetry Series represents many of the finest poets active today. As the home of the internationally known Drue Heinz Literature Prize, we amplify and expand the reach of literary short fiction to new readers annually.

 

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