Writers Room
PEN America is an organization of writers, translators, and like-minded lovers of the written word.
In a climate such as this, it is the artists who will lead the opposition. It is our stories and films and plays and translations that will spark readers to resist authoritarianism and prevent history from repeating itself.
Board member Jodi Picoult
Discover New Opportunities
PEN America offers fellowships, workshops, and trainings as well as grants and awards to support writers and uplift their work.
-
Literary Awards
Literary Awards -
Literary Grants
Literary Grants -
Fellowships, Workshops & Trainings
Fellowships, Workshops & Trainings -
PEN America’s Prison Writing Mentorship Program
PEN America’s Prison Writing Mentorship Program
Defending the Freedom to Write
What does it mean to be a writer now? Bestselling author Rebecca Makkai and journalist Natalie Y. Moore talk about the importance and demands of writing in challenging times.
Tips for Writers
PEN America regularly hosts panels featuring authors, literary agents, editors, and publishers for writers at all stages of their careers.
-
How to Get Your Book Published: 5 Takeaways from You Are A Writer
How to Get Your Book Published: 5 Takeaways from You Are A Writer -
How to Build Literary Habits and Community: 4 Takeaways from ‘You Are A Writer’
How to Build Literary Habits and Community: 4 Takeaways from ‘You Are A Writer’ -
How to Write Fiction in Today’s World: 5 Takeaways from ‘You Are A Writer’
How to Write Fiction in Today’s World: 5 Takeaways from ‘You Are A Writer’ -
How to Research for Narrative Storytelling: 5 Takeaways from ‘You Are A Writer’
How to Research for Narrative Storytelling: 5 Takeaways from ‘You Are A Writer’ -
How to Publish a Book With the Big 5: 6 Experts Weigh in
How to Publish a Book With the Big 5: 6 Experts Weigh in -
6 Experts Pull Back the Curtain on Publishing
6 Experts Pull Back the Curtain on Publishing -
10 Pieces of Writing Advice | The PEN Ten
10 Pieces of Writing Advice | The PEN Ten -
The PEN Ten: 12 Days of Writing Advice
The PEN Ten: 12 Days of Writing Advice
Defend Yourself and Your Writing
PEN America defends writers against censorship and abuse, and supports writers in need of emergency assistance.
Join Our Translation Community
Join our passionate community of translators, add your name to the database, and find other translation resources.
Add Your Voice
Contribute your thoughts on free expression to America Speaks, our multimedia project marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Read Our Interviews
PEN America speaks with writers, including for our weekly PEN Ten interview series, to give their work a vital boost. Become a member and have the chance to have your work spotlighted in an interview.
-
Stephana Ferrell, Co-Founder of the Florida Freedom to Read Project, Is Fighting to Keep the Sunshine State out of the Dark
Stephana Ferrell, Co-Founder of the Florida Freedom to Read Project, Is Fighting to Keep the Sunshine State out of the Dark -
‘1991 and 2026 Share a Sickness’: Debut Novelist Adam Nelson on Racial Representations in America
‘1991 and 2026 Share a Sickness’: Debut Novelist Adam Nelson on Racial Representations in America -
20 Years Ago, Patricia McCormick Wrote a Novel About Sexual Violence to ‘Open Hearts.’ Now It’s the Most Banned Book in the Country.
20 Years Ago, Patricia McCormick Wrote a Novel About Sexual Violence to ‘Open Hearts.’ Now It’s the Most Banned Book in the Country. -
‘Time to Get off the Couch’: Multicultural Children’s Book Publisher Urges Anti-Censorship Advocacy
‘Time to Get off the Couch’: Multicultural Children’s Book Publisher Urges Anti-Censorship Advocacy -
On Love, Loss, and the Sweetness That Surrounds Them: Nao-Cola Yamazaki Discusses U.S. Publication Debuts
On Love, Loss, and the Sweetness That Surrounds Them: Nao-Cola Yamazaki Discusses U.S. Publication Debuts -
Isabel J. Kim’s Sci-Fi Debut Cracks the Immigrant Experience Wide Open
Isabel J. Kim’s Sci-Fi Debut Cracks the Immigrant Experience Wide Open -
Literary Photographer Beowulf Sheehan’s Ode to Cormac McCarthy Captures the Elusive Author’s Sense of Mystery
Literary Photographer Beowulf Sheehan’s Ode to Cormac McCarthy Captures the Elusive Author’s Sense of Mystery -
3 Years After Winning the PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize, Sonia Feldman Publishes Vibrant Coming-of-Age Debut Novel
3 Years After Winning the PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize, Sonia Feldman Publishes Vibrant Coming-of-Age Debut Novel -
In ‘Brother Epistles: A Sister’s Memoir,’ Shanda McManus Navigates Grief and Her Own Identity After Loss
In ‘Brother Epistles: A Sister’s Memoir,’ Shanda McManus Navigates Grief and Her Own Identity After Loss -
With Ruta Sepetys’ A Fortune of Sand, A Book Idea Sewn 50 Years Ago Blooms at Last
With Ruta Sepetys’ A Fortune of Sand, A Book Idea Sewn 50 Years Ago Blooms at Last
Need a Space to Work in NYC?
Professional members of PEN America receive an application waiver to The Writers Room, New York City’s only not-for-profit workspace dedicated entirely to the creation of literature in all of its forms.
Sign up for free expression updates
Get periodic news about our advocacy, interviews with featured authors, and upcoming events.