New Literary Project has revealed the finalists for the Joyce Carol Oates Prize, with five authors in contention for the annual award given to “an exceptionally distinguished mid-career author of fiction, one who has emerged and is still emerging.”
Jennine Capó Crucet, the author of the short story collection How To Leave Hialeah and the novel Make Your Home Among Strangers, made the shortlist; her latest novel, Say Hello to My Little Friend, was a Kirkus Prize finalist.
Sarah Manguso was named a finalist; the writer’s works of fiction include Very Cold People and, most recently, Liars. Julia Phillips, who was a finalist for the National Book Award and the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize for her novel Disappearing Earth, made the shortlist; her latest novel, Bear, was published last June.
Also named finalists were Morgan Talty, the author of the short story collection Night of the Living Rez and Fire Exit, and Willy Vlautin, the musician and writer whose books include The Motel Life, The Night Always Comes, and, most recently, The Horse.
The Joyce Carol Oates Prize, named after the prolific author, was first awarded in 2017. Previous winners include Laila Lalami, Danielle Evans, and Manuel Muñoz. The winner of this year’s award will be announced later this year.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
