WHAT
The Mark Twain American Voice in Literature Award (MTAVL) is an annual national literary award sponsored generously by novelist David Baldacci and administered by the Mark Twain House and Museum. Honoring excellence in a work of fiction that tells a distinctly American story, the award helps maintain the legacy and spirit of Mark Twain’s writing. The honored writer receives a $25,000 prize. Last year’s winner was Absolution, by Alice McDermott.
HOW
At-large volunteer readers (you!) perform the first round of judging, selecting from the 150+ entries to form the 30-book Long List. Finalists and winner will be selected by a panel of five judges.
Your Role as an At-Large Reader
- Read a minimum of two books from our list of submissions — either books of your choice or, if you prefer, assigned by us. You can read more if you’re on a roll (many readers do!)
- Find the book at your local library or bookstore, get a Kindle version, inquire about an e-book version at a library… or use a free PDF version available on our website
- Give each book a grade and fill out a short form with review notes
The Process
- The reading period begins in mid-February and ends in May — plenty of time!
- All at-large volunteer readers receive the 20% employee discount at our gift shop (both online and at the Mark Twain House & Museum) and the same discount for a ticket to the exciting award-night celebration in November
- All “super-reader” volunteers who read and score 5 books or more will be included in a drawing, with three lucky winners receiving a signed copy of the winning book and a FREE ticket to the awards dinner ($250 value)
- You don’t have to be a Twain scholar to judge; the only criterion in the first round is literary excellence – whether you find the books you read to be worthy of acclaim
Sign Me Up!
- Contact Omar Acevedo, Omar.Acevedo@marktwainhouse.org, to register as a volunteer reader
- Please share this invitation with someone you know who would enjoy being a reader. (Book Clubs are welcome too!)
Further information about the MTAVL at: https://marktwainhouse.org/american-voice/