2026 Denneny Award for Editorial Excellence

The Denneny Award for Editorial Excellence is named in honor of Michael Denneny, who founded the first ever LGBTQ+ imprint at a major publishing house, was essential in the publishing of literature dealing with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and so generously shared his talents with writers right up until the end of his life. The award will go to an editor whose commitment to the publication of LGBTQ+ writers and literature contributes significantly to the advancement of the LGBTQ+ community. The Denneny Award for Editorial Excellence is the only editorial award that not only recognizes the support provided by editors to the literary community, but also the importance of editors in the advancement of a social movement. The winner will receive a cash prize of $2,500.

Eligibility
 

• The award will go to an editor whose commitment to the publication of LGBTQ+  writers and literature contributes significantly to the advancement of the LGBTQ+  community. Candidates can work in any genre, be at any publication, and be at any stage of their career.
• Nominations for the Denneny Prize may be made by anyone. Submission materials will require that the applicant provide samples of the nominee’s work as well as a personal statement on how the nominee has impacted their work/life and why they should be awarded this prize.

Additional Information
This award is for an editor, not a specific piece of editorial work. Applicants’ contributions to the LGBTQ creative field beyond their writings and publications shall also be considered.