In a weary world, humor can be a balm, a respite, a healant. The Gilda Prize is named for Gilda Radner, whose comedic performances made her an entertainment legend and whose courage and wry mantra won our hearts. The Gilda Prize is open to humorous writing, including fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and collections of short stories and essays; it is not open to poetry, graphic novels or graphic short prose collections, or experimental forms. We look for writing that dares to tell the truth with heart, wit, and originality. These are stories that make us laugh out loud—even when they break our hearts—and that stay with us because they’re fearless, funny, unmistakably real, and always kind (even when satiric). Not sure if your book is a good fit? Check out the Gilda Prize rubric to get a better sense of what we’re looking for.
Eligibility. Works published in North America during the eligibility timeframe (January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2026) are eligible. All submissions must be bound books, in their finished, reader-ready form. Most of our jurors and judges prefer to read ebooks—they’re also easier for our coordinators to work with (and less costly for you). But print is certainly acceptable. See the complete guidelines for further information.
Selection and Award. The final selection of the winner is made by professional librarians in April of the following year. Winners and finalists will be announced on the Story Circle Network website and to its extensive email list.
Entry Fee. Early Bird Entry (through July 31 of the current year): $90. Regular Entry (August 1 through October 31 of the current yer): $110. (All entries include a one-year membership in Story Circle Network).
This application form must be completed online, with entry fee paid online or a check for the entry fee mailed to the address below. If you cannot submit online, please email storycircle@storycircle.org for instructions. However, we would very much appreciate the online completion of the application form.
