Submissions for The Island Prize for Fiction are now openThis prize, now in its third year, seeks to recognize and provide support for emerging literary talents from Africa. Its submissions are open to any unpublished debut literary manuscripts from authors across the African continent!

The Prize, named after Karen Kenning’s novel of the same name, is administered by Jennings and the Holland House (UK), alongside Karavan Press (South Africa). There is a £500 reward for the winner, alongside £200 reward for the two finalists–plus all finalists are introduced to a publishing agent and receive detailed feedback from industry professionals. Rather than centering around prize money, the goal of The Island Prize is to assist writers through the tricky and oftentimes unkind publishing industry.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Entrants must be citizens of African countries or officially recognized permanent residents. Evidence will be required if longlisted.
  • Authors cannot have previously published a novel – non-fiction/short stories/poetry are fine.
  • Author cannot have an agent.
  • Entries over 120,000 words will be automatically disqualified.
  • Novels that were entered previously may not be submitted again.

How to Enter: Writers must send the opening 3 chapters/10,000 words of a finished novel, along with a short synopsis to [email protected].

Deadline: February 16, 2025, 12AM CAT

You can find out more about this year’s Island Prize, submission guidelines, and more at their website!