The Pulitzer Prize is awarded for achievements in journalism (newspaper, magazine or online), literature (books, drama, history, etc.), and music composition.
It is a US-based prize, and only US citizens are eligible to apply in literature and music.
There are a few exceptions, however.
For example, a work on history by a non-US citizen may be eligible, provided it is about US history.
For Journalism, anyone can apply as long as the work appears in a US newspaper, magazine or news portal.
There are a few reasons why Pulitzer continues to be a big deal.
Reason 1: It is over 100 years old.
The prize was established in 1917.
Reason 2: It was established according to the will of a national hero, Joseph Pulitzer, who died in 1911.
Joseph Pulitzer is credited with making America a nation of newspaper readers.
There was a time when newspapers were meant for the rich and never told the plight of the poor.
Joseph Pulitzer believed that newspapers need to be made accessible to ordinary people for any democracy to survive and progress.
Reason 3: It is administered by Columbia University, the oldest institute of higher education in New York (the fifth oldest in the US).
Reason 4: Less than 1% of the total entries receive the prize.
Entries to the prize can be by paying a $75 fee.
Each year more than 2500 entries are received.
These entries are sorted by 102 judges-all luminaries in their respective fields.
Only one prize is awarded in each of the 21 categories.
This makes the winning rate less than one per cent (21/2500%).
Reason 5: Controversies on ‘what kind of people get it’ help the prize remain coveted.
Now and then, an analysis surfaces claiming that one group is favoured over the other, thereby highlighting the ‘desire’ of it.
There is a common belief that ‘conservatives’ don’t get it enough and that there is a bias against women.
For example, from 1991 to 2012, only 27% of winners were females.
In another 31-year period, only five conservatives won the prize.
Controversies around winners also help the brand recall; e.g. Alex Haley, soon after receiving the prize for the much-celebrated book Roots, was charged with plagiarism in 1977.
I want to enter for The pulitzer this year or whenever .God Bless America. HOPEFULLY FOR FREE MY LUTERARY WORKS HAVE BEEN USED ACROSS TGE WORKD NOT JUST AMERICA.
I want to enter for The pulitzer this year or whenever .God Bless America. HOPEFULLY FOR FREE MY LUTERARY WORKS HAVE BEEN USED ACROSS TGE WORKD NOT JUST AMERICA.