The longlist has been selected for the 2026 Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, which "recognizes the best debut novel of the year and supports emerging voices in fiction." Check out the longlisted titles here.
The shortlisted authors, to be announced this fall, receive $1,000 each and will read from their work at the Center for Fiction First Novel Fête on December 4. The $15,000 First Novel Prize winner will be named at the Center's Annual Awards Benefit on December 8.