General Literary Awards:
* Pulitzer Prize: This is one of the most prestigious awards in the United States, recognizing excellence in journalism, literature, and music. The Pulitzer Prize for Fiction is given annually to a distinguished work of fiction.
* National Book Award: This award is given annually to the best works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and young adult literature published in the United States.
* Man Booker Prize: This prestigious international literary award is given annually to the best novel written in English.
* Nobel Prize in Literature: This award is given annually by the Swedish Academy to an author who has produced "in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal direction."
* PEN/Faulkner Award: This award is given annually to the best work of fiction by an American author.
* National Book Critics Circle Award: This award is given annually to the best works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and autobiography published in the United States.
* The Women's Prize for Fiction: This award is given annually to a novel written by a woman.
Genre Specific Awards:
* Hugo Award: This award is given annually to the best science fiction or fantasy works.
* Nebula Award: This award is given annually to the best science fiction or fantasy works by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
* Edgar Award: This award is given annually for the best mystery and crime fiction.
* Bram Stoker Award: This award is given annually for the best horror fiction.
* R.R.R. Smith Award: This award is given annually to the best romance novel.
* Golden Heart Award: This award is given annually by Romance Writers of America to the best unpublished romance novel.
Regional Awards:
* Commonwealth Writers' Prize: This prize recognizes the best books by authors from Commonwealth countries.
* PEN/Faulkner Award: This award is given annually to the best work of fiction by an American author.
* National Book Critics Circle Award: This award is given annually to the best works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and autobiography published in the United States.
Other Awards:
* Literary Awards from Universities: Several universities offer literary awards for specific genres or categories.
* Awards from organizations like the American Library Association or the National Endowment for the Arts: These organizations often award grants or prizes to authors for specific projects.
Beyond Awards:
* Book Reviews: Positive reviews in major publications can boost an author's profile and sales.
* Bestseller Lists: Making the New York Times Bestseller List or other major bestseller lists is a significant achievement for any author.
* Critical Acclaim: Positive reviews and critical acclaim can help an author gain recognition and build their reputation.
It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other awards given to authors each year. The specific awards an author is eligible for will depend on their genre, their nationality, and the criteria of the award.