The Pen/Faulkner Award is a prestigious literary prize established in 1980 to honor outstanding works of fiction by American authors. It is named after the Pen American Center and the renowned writer William Faulkner. The award aims to celebrate the diversity and richness of American literature. Each year, the award recognizes a select number of novels, short story collections, or novellas published in the previous year. A panel of judges, typically composed of writers and literary professionals, evaluates the submissions to determine the winners, who receive a cash prize and recognition in the literary community.