most underrated famous literary prizes and awards

While many literary prizes like the Nobel Prize in Literature and the Booker Prize often capture global attention, there are several lesser-known awards that deserve more recognition for their contributions to the literary world. These underrated prizes honor diverse voices and genres, often highlighting works that might otherwise be overlooked by mainstream audiences.

One such underrated award is the International Dublin Literary Award, formerly known as the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. This prestigious prize boasts one of the largest monetary rewards for a single novel, yet it doesn’t receive the same level of media attention as other major awards. The prize is notable for its inclusive and democratic nomination process, where libraries from around the world can nominate books, ensuring a broad and diverse range of entries. Another overlooked gem is the Lambda Literary Awards, which celebrate LGBTQ+ literature across various genres, bringing much-needed visibility to voices that are often marginalized. Additionally, the Neustadt International Prize for Literature, awarded biennially, is another significant yet underappreciated award. Often dubbed the "American Nobel," it honors a writer's entire body of work rather than a single piece, and its jury is composed of international writers, ensuring a global perspective. These awards play crucial roles in enriching the literary landscape, and their contributions merit greater acknowledgment.