The Iskanchi Book Prize is open for submissions until Jan 30, 2024. Open to all African writers, the prize results in one winner who will be able to publish a full-length manuscript and receive $1,500.

Iskanchi Press showcases the best expressions of African realities in all perspectives and forms, featuring diverse works in English as well as works in translation. As a platform for literary activism, Iskanchi Press is a response to the call for diversification of the publishing industry.

Iskanchi Book Prize aims to recognize exceptional prose and hybrid book manuscripts and offer the winners a chance to be published. This competition is open to both emerging and established African writers living anywhere in the world. The winner will receive publication of a full-length manuscript plus $1,500.

Submission categories include prose, both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts (novels, novellas, short story collections, essay collections, memoirs, etc.); and hybrid, that is manuscripts that blend multiple genres or mediums (e.g. poetry and visual art, prose and photography, experimental formats, etc.).

Submission Guidelines:

  • Book submissions should be previously unpublished and between 50,000– 120,000 words.
  • Simultaneous submissions to other publishers or competitions are allowed, but please notify us immediately if your manuscript is accepted elsewhere.
  • Subject of submission should be “Iskanchi Book Prize”

Submit to [email protected].

Deadline: January 30, 2024

Finalists and the winner of the prize will be announced in February 2024. The winning manuscript will be published in Fall 2025.

Good luck to all writers taking part!