New England Review Announces 2026 Award Finalists

Six emerging writers selected for prestigious literary prize

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New England Review has announced the six finalists for the 12th annual New England Review Award for Emerging Writers. The finalists are Michael Carson, Joel Cuthbertson, Tom DeBeauchamp, Abigail Dembo, Maja Lukic, and Paul S. Ukrainets. The winner will receive a full scholarship to the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference in August 2026.

Why it matters

The New England Review Award for Emerging Writers is a prestigious honor that provides a major career boost for up-and-coming literary talents. The award recognizes exceptional new voices and helps launch the careers of promising writers, many of whom have gone on to achieve widespread acclaim.

The details

The six finalists were selected from a pool of writers who have been published in the New England Review over the past year. The winner will be announced in April and will receive a full scholarship to the prestigious Bread Loaf Writers' Conference.

  • The New England Review Award for Emerging Writers is given annually.
  • The winner will be announced in April 2026.
  • The Bread Loaf Writers' Conference takes place in August 2026.

The players

New England Review

A literary journal that has been publishing exceptional writing since 1978.

Bread Loaf Writers' Conference

A prestigious annual writers' conference held in Vermont, offering workshops, readings, and networking opportunities for emerging and established writers.

Michael Carson

A writer and teacher who has published work in various literary journals, including the New England Review.

Joel Cuthbertson

A writer and librarian from Denver who has published short stories and essays in publications such as the New England Review.

Tom DeBeauchamp

A writer and book club organizer in Portland, Oregon, who has published work in the New England Review and other literary journals.

Abigail Dembo

A poet living in Iowa City, Iowa, whose work has appeared in the New England Review and other prestigious poetry publications.

Maja Lukic

A poet and editor who holds an MFA from Warren Wilson College and has published in the New England Review and other literary journals.

Paul S. Ukrainets

A post-Soviet poet and translator living in Oakland, California, whose work has been published in the New England Review and other publications.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The winner of the 2026 New England Review Award for Emerging Writers will be announced in April 2026.

The takeaway

The New England Review Award for Emerging Writers is a prestigious honor that recognizes exceptional new literary voices and helps launch the careers of promising writers, many of whom have gone on to achieve widespread acclaim.