The Nine Dots Prize, “a prize for creative thinking that tackles contemporary societal issues,” is offering writers an opportunity to win $100,000 and a book deal with Cambridge University Press. Entrants are to respond to a question in 3,000 words. The winner will then complete a 40,000-word book on their answer. The prize aims “to promote, encourage and engage innovative thinking to address problems facing the modern world.” The Nine Dots Prize question is: “Is there still no place like home?”

Funded by the Kadas Prize Foundation, the Nine Dots Prize judging panel comprises Professor Anne Applebaum, Cassava Republic founder Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, Professor Steve Connor, Professor Diane Coyle, and Peter Kadas.

THINGS TO NOTE

The winner will receive:

  • US$100,000 from the Kadas Foundation, payable in three stages: on announcement of the winner, on delivery of the manuscript to CUP, and on publication of the book.
  • a book deal with Cambridge University Press.

SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES

  • Deadline: 11:59 am GMT on 21 January 2019.
  • Entrants are to submit 3,000-word responses to a question set by the Board. The 2019 question is: “Is there still no place like home?”
  • The application will be made in three parts: (1) A summary response to the question. This response can be up to 3,000 words in length and will form the basis of the short book (of between 25,000 and 40,000 words) that the winner will produce. The summary should cover the main arguments the proposed book will make, the previous research or ideas on which it draws and the key conclusions it will reach. (2) An outline structure of this short book, including provisional chapter headings, which can be up to 1,000 words in length. (3) A justification of their ability to complete the book in the time given (approx. seven months). This will outline the entrant’s previous experience in communicating effectively about research and ideas, and a commitment from them that their responsibilities will allow the book to be completed in the seven-month period. Where applicable this should include confirmation of support from the entrant’s institution(s) or employer(s) that time off has been approved. It can be up to 1,000 words in length.

METHOD OF APPLICATION

  • All submissions must be submitted through the online submission form on their website www.ninedotsprize.org. No entries submitted via other routes will be accepted. Late submissions will not be accepted. Ensure that your submission doesn’t exceed the word limits.
  • Entrants should receive emailed confirmation of their submission. If they do not hear within five working days, they should contact the Prize at [email protected].
  • The Foundation is not responsible for contacting or responding to entrants who provide unclear or incomplete information or for submissions that are lost, misdirected, delayed or destroyed.
  • You will promptly comply with all reasonable requests of the Foundation to provide further information or supporting documentation relating to your application.
  • All are welcome to submit: the only stipulation is that applicants must be 18 years of age or over. Responses and the resulting book must be in English.
  • By submitting a response, you agree that your response and resulting book will consist of original work.
  • Individuals can only submit one application (whether alone or with others). There is no limit to the number of applications from author(s) engaged or employed by an individual institution or employer.

KEY DATES

  • Submission deadline: 11:59 am GMT on 21, January 2019
  • Announcement of prize winner: 29th May 2019
  • Optional Visiting Fellowship at CRASSH, University of Cambridge: October-December 2019
  • Book publication by CUP: May 2020