Literary Awards

Established in 1970 the Cultural Endowment Prize was originally named after and handed by the Estonian writer Juhan Smuul. Since 1995, there are several awards included, honoring the best literary works in different categories such as translation from and into Estonian, children’s and youth literature and are awarded by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia.

The tradition of the Romaanivõistlus, the Estonian novel competitions, was started by the publishing house Loodus (Nature) in 1927. The competitions are held irregularly and serve to acknowledge Estonian novels. The organization of these competitions is mainly reserved for publishers or publishing houses. In 2014 the novel competition was revived by the Eesti Kirjanike Liit (Estonian Writers’ Union) with the support of private companies. The Estonian Writers’ Union Novel Competition is held every year and is endowed with 10,000 EUR.

Established in 1990 the Betti Alver Literary Prize is awarded by the Tartu department of the Estonian Writers’ Union with the support of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia. It is annually awarded according to the last wish expressed in Betti Alver’s will and honors an outstanding debut work in poetry or prose (fiction). The current prize amount is 2000 EUR and is accompanied by a corresponding certificate.

Founded by Friedebert Tuglas in 1970, the Friedeberg Tuglas Short Story Award is the oldest continuously awarded literary prize in Estonia. There are two awards each year honoring the best short stories published during the previous year. The prize consists of a special edition publication and a cash prize dedicated to the laureate.

The Estonian Science Fiction Award Stalker is designed to honor the best science fiction novels and collection as well as the best original and translated stories, published in Estonian during the calendar year. The award is non-monetary, in addition to a certificate, the winner is determined by a fan survey and receives a sculpture, which varies from year to year.