Awarding the best Canadian novel or short story collection of the year

Named in honour of Writers’ Trust co-founders and literary couple Margaret Atwood and Graeme Gibson, who started the organization in 1976 with the help of a few fellow writers and an aim to encourage a Canadian literary culture at home, the Atwood Gibson Prize recognizes writers of exceptional talent for the best novel or short story collection of the year.

The finalists are selected by a three-member, independent judging panel and the winner is announced at the annual Writers’ Trust Awards. Thanks to the generosity of the Balsillie Family Foundation, this year’s prize purse has grown to a total of $100,000, with the winner receiving $70,000 (up from $60,000) and each finalist receiving $7,500 (up from $5,000).