David J. Langum, Sr. Prize in American Historical Fiction

A prize to encourage and reward excellent American historical fiction is a natural element in our effort to make the rich history of America accessible to the educated general reader. The David J. Langum, Sr. Prize in American Historical Fiction is offered annually to the best book in American historical fiction that is both excellent fiction and excellent history. Any press may publish the work, with the exceptions that the book may not be self-published or published by a subsidized publisher.

The prize and $1,000 stipend is awarded every July at Wheeler Theater, Port Townsend, Washington, in conjunction with Centrum Foundation’s annual Writers Conference. Winners are asked to come to the ceremony and make a few remarks about the writing of the book. All travel expenses are paid by the Trust. View Past Prize Winners

The Trust makes quarterly requests of publishers to submit specific titles we have noted as probable candidates. This is to keep the Selection Committee busy all year and avoid the blizzard of books at the end of the year that would otherwise result. The general deadline is December 1st for the entire year, except for those works specifically requested, and as to them the deadline is 30 days after request. Books published in December are eligible for that year’s prize and may be submitted in proof or other advanced version. Three copies of each book should be submitted to the address indicated on our Contact page.