2027 J. Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Prize Entry Form

J. Anthony Lukas Work-In-Progress Award 

Materials for this award must be received by Thursday, December 3, 2026, 11:59 pm Eastern time. No entry fee is required for this prize. 

Guidelines: Two J. Anthony Lukas Work-in-Progress Awards, in the amount of $25,000, are given annually to aid in the completion of significant works of nonfiction on topics of American political or social concern. Recognizing that a nonfiction book based on extensive research often overtaxes the resources available to its author, the project envisions the awards as a way of closing the gap between the time and money an author has and the time and money that finishing a book requires.     

How to Enter: 

• Anyone, including the author, may submit a work-in-progress.
• Applicants for this award must already have a fully executed contract with a U.S.-based publisher to write a nonfiction book.

 Materials Needed for Entry: 

• Statement addressing how the award will advance the progress of the book
• A 12,000-20,000 word sample from the work-in-progress
• The original book proposal accepted by the publisher
• Proof of signed contract that includes the details of the advance and payment schedule as well as the signature page or signed letter of intent by the publisher
• Details on any other financial support for the book, such as a grant (if any)

 *Please make all submissions in PDF format.