NEW YORK: One of the country’s top short story writers Richard Bausch, author of eight story collections and winner of numerous other honors, is this year’s recipient of the Rea Award for the Short Story.

The prize, announced Thursday, is given for making a ”significant contribution” to the art of short story writing. Bausch will receive a cash prize of $30,000.

Bausch’s books include ”Something is Out There” and ”Someone to Watch Over Me.” He also has written 11 novels and has been praised for his lyrical style and his insights into a wide a range of people and emotions.

The Rea Award was established in 1986. Previous winners include Eudora Welty, John Updike and Lorrie Moore.