The Etisalat Prize for Literature is a Pan African prize that celebrates debut African writers of published fiction. Previous winners include Zimbabwe’s NoViolet Bulawayo (2013), South Africa’s Songeziwe Mahlangu (2014) and Democratic Republic of Congo’s Fiston Mwanza Mujila (2015). The winner receives a cash prize of £15,000 in addition to a fellowship at the prestigious University of East Anglia, U.K. under the mentorship of Professor Giles Foden, the award-winning author of The Last King of England. The Etisalat Prize also incorporates an award for Flash Fiction; an online-based competition for non-published African writers of short stories.
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Etisalat Prize for Literature 2016 Application
Etisalat has announced its call for entries to the 2016 edition of the Pan-African Prize, Etisalat Prize for Literature. This is coming just a few months after the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Fiston Mwanza Mujila won the 2015 edition of the Prize with his first novel, Tram 83.
Prize Profile
The Etisalat Prize for Literature celebrates new writers of African citizenship whose first fiction book (over 30,000 words) was published in the last twenty four (24) months. For the purposes of this definition, first book means first printed production in book form of any type or genre.
Authors and their publishers can be based anywhere in the world. The winner of the Etisalat Prize for Literature receives £15,000, and a high end device. In line with our vision of promoting upcoming writers, Etisalat will sponsor a book tour to three African cities. The winning writer will also embark on the Etisalat Fellowship at the University of East Anglia mentored by Professor Giles Foden (author of The Last King of Scotland) which will include significant opportunities to meet other writers, publishers and most importantly work on their second book. The Etisalat Prize for Literature is unique in that it also aims to promote the publishing industry at large and will therefore purchase 1000 copies of all shortlisted books which will be donated to various schools, book clubs and libraries across the African continent.
About Flash fiction
Etisalat has at the core of its vision, to encourage and inspire creativity. Having this in mind, the Flash Fiction Award has been established in order to cater to the large amount of interest received from unpublished writers across the Continent. In order to garner some publicity for the art of flash fiction writing and the writers themselves, this category of the Prize will be open to the general public to review and contribute to the ultimately selection of a winner.
In today’s fast paced world where communication is right at our finger tips through the use of smart devices; phones, tablets and the likes, consumers prefer to consume information on-the-go and in bite sized chunks. The Flash Fiction Award therefore seeks to marry both of these concepts together thus providing added value to mobile device users across Africa.
Entry Requirements
- First-time writer
- The book was first published between May 1st 2014 & May 31st 2016
- The book was published in english and by an author of african citizenship
- All shortlisted and winning authors will cooperate fully with Etisalat Corporate Communications, making themselves available for interviews, events and other opportunities.
- Shortlisted entries by non-African based publishers require co-publisher partnership with an African based publisher.
- I agree with the terms and conditions of "The Prize For Literature"
Criteria for Entry
- Submissions will only be accepted from publishing houses
- All books entered should have a registered ISBN number or equivalent.
- Entries by new writers must be published within the last 24 months before submission
- Entries for fiction books will be submitted by publishers who have published a minimum of six (6) authors.
- Publisher should have been a registered business (with certificate of incorporation as a publisher) for minimum of six years
- Each publisher will be allowed to enter a maximum of three (3) books – however books maybe called in by the judges.
- Each entry will be required to be accompanied by Seven (7) copies of the book being entered along with acceptance of publicity terms.
- The Etisalat Prize for Literature is not open to employees of any organisation under Emirates Telecommunications Corporation with branded trade name Etisalat.
Prizes
Winners will receive:
- Winning Author
- £1,000 cash prize.
- High end device or iPad
- Published e-book (if available) promoted online and via SMS.
Runners-up (2):
- £500 cash prize (each)
- High end device or iPad
Calendar
- Entries Open - September 1st, 2016.
- Voting Open to the general public - October 7th, 2016
- Top 50 Announced - November 4th , 2016
- Finalists Announced - January 2017
- Award Ceremony/Winner Announcement - March 2017
Application Closing Date
31st August, 2016.
Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click Here to Fill and Print Application Form
Application Procedure
- Stories (no more than 300 words) should be submitted at the Etisalat Prize for Literature Flash Fiction Webpage.
- The application form should be submitted along with seven (7) copies of the published book to our Contact Address
- Moderations will be handled by a panel of Judges that are, writers, authors and literary enthusiasts.