The Africa Book Club Short Reads Competition is open to submissions. African writers can enter fiction or nonfiction pieces of not more than 3,500 words for a chance to win monetary prizes—$250 for 1st Prize, $150 for 2nd Prize, and $100 for 3rd Prize. The contest is also open to non-Africans, provided their submissions are set in Africa. The top three works and 27 other entries will be compiled for an anthology, for which contributors would receive $25 per entry. Submissions must not have been previously published. There is no entry fee. The deadline for entries is 30 June. Winners will be announced on or before July 15.

Submission Guidelines

  1. Submissions will be received throughout the year and can be made at any time through our online submission page – Click Here to Submit Your Entry.
  2. Entries must not exceed 3,500 words (suggested minimum length is 1,000 words).
  3. Entries must be written in English.
  4. There are no theme or style restrictions. We are interested in works of fiction and creative non-fiction. All genres will be considered. What we are looking for are good stories that our readers will enjoy.
  5. Writers can enter as many stories as they like. However, each entry can only have one story.
  6. Submitted stories must not have been published previously in any form. If you enter your story in another competition and you win, please notify us and withdraw your submission.
  7. Copyright remains with Africa Book Club. Entrants are deemed to grant us first publication rights and exclusive worldwide license over each entry submitted for one year after publication, and for publicity purposes thereafter. Selected pieces may appear in electronic format on the Africa Book Club site, other electronic forms, and in print. Entrants will be notified electronically upon receipt of their submissions.
  8. We reserve the right to cancel this competition, and not to publish our annual anthology, where circumstances are beyond our control, or if we determine that the quantity and quality of submissions do [not] meet the required parameters for publication.
  9. By submitting an entry, you agree to be bound by the above rules.

For enquiries send an email to: [email protected].

Find out how to enter HERE.