Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children’s and Young Adult Novelists

Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children’s and Young Adult Novelists is sponsored by PEN America. Awards $5,000 annually to authors of children's or young adult fiction, supporting writers at critical stages in their careers.

PEN/Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children’s and Young Adult Novelists by PEN America 2026 | Atom Grants PEN/Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children’s and Young Adult Novelists PEN America’s PEN/Phyllis Naylor Grant supports established children’s and YA novelists with a $5,000 award to complete a novel-in-progress that shows strong literary promise.

Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (full application deadline, projected) Funding Amounts: $5,000 one-time grant to support completion of a novel in progress Summary: Supports established authors of children’s or young adult fiction with a novel in progress, providing recognition and financial assistance. Key Information: Graphic novels, picture books, and co-authored manuscripts are not eligible.

The PEN/Phyllis Naylor Grant for Children’s and Young Adult Novelists, administered by PEN America, provides a $5,000 grant to an established author of children’s or young adult fiction for a novel in progress. The grant recognizes high literary merit and aims to assist writers at a pivotal stage in their careers, helping them complete their manuscripts.

Selection is conducted via an anonymous judging process to ensure fairness and expert recognition. The grant is made possible by a contribution from acclaimed author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor and celebrates the creative stamina required to develop impactful fiction for young readers. See the full grant listing