Join us on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 6 PM to celebrate the best published work from 2024 by Wisconsin writers. The award ceremony includes brief readings by first place winners and will be followed by a reception and book signing by the authors. A local bookseller will be on hand selling books.
Don't miss the opportunity to hear some of Wisconsin's best writers reading from their work. This event is free and open to the public.
The Wisconsin Writers Awards was established in 1964 and is Wisconsin’s longest-running literary award for published work. The six awards include three awards for books and three awards for short form works including short stories, poetry, and nonfiction. The awards celebrate works published in 2024 by writers currently residing in or having lived for a significant period of time.
In addition to cash prizes, first-place winners of the Wisconsin Writers Awards each receive a five-day writing residency at Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts in Mineral Point. Honorable mentions receive a cash prize and five-day residency at Ernest Hüpeden's Painted Forest in Wonewoc, WI. Out-of-state judges made the decisions for each award.
Book Awards
Edna Ferber Fiction Book Award
Judge: Gabriela Garcia
Winner: TBA
Honorable Mention: TBA
Blei/Derleth Nonfiction Book Award
Judge: Megan Stielstra
Winner: TBA
Honorable Mention: TBA
Edna Meudt Poetry Book Award
Judge: Gabrielle Bates
Winner: TBA
Honorable Mention: TBA
Short Form Awards
Lorine Niedecker Poetry Award
Judge: K. Iver
Winner: TBA
Honorable Mention: TBA
Zona Gale Award for Short Fiction
Judge: Suzanne Rivecca
Winner: TBA
Honorable Mention: TBA
Kay W. Levin Award for Short Nonfiction
Judge: Kristine Mahler Langley
Winner: TBA
Honorable Mention: TBA
Find out more about the awards.
