British Sierra Leonean writer Memuna Konteh is shortlisted for the Mo Siewcharran Prize. The prize “aims to nurture talent from under-represented backgrounds writing in English.” Konteh was shortlisted for her work titled Ndelei.

The winner takes receives £2,500 prize money and is offered a publishing deal, subject to contract, with Little, Brown and Abacus. First runner up receives £1,500 and a book hamper. Third runner up gets £750 and a hamper of books.

Named after Nielsen Book’s former director of marketing and communications, the prize was founded in 2019 and is part of Hachette UK’s Changing the Story diversity and inclusivity.  It aims to make space for unpublished fiction writers from “Black, Asian and Marginalised Ethnic backgrounds.”

The judging panel includes Executive Publisher, Clare Smith and Publisher, Richard Beswick from Little, Brown and Abacus, author and inaugural winner of the prize Sarvat Hasin, agent Sophie Lambert and co-chair of THRIVE Ebyan Egal.

The winner will be announced on September 29th at an award ceremony held in London.

Congrats to Konteh! Wishing her all the best.