As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, the Caine Prize for African Writing has announced the return of its Online Editing Program, set to begin this fall. Applications close on Monday, July 28, 2025. The program is open to emerging African fiction writers across the continent and the diaspora.

This 12-week initiative offers tailored editorial support, guiding participants from early drafts to polished, publishable short stories. Writers will receive one-on-one mentoring, group workshops, and both written and verbal feedback from experienced professionals. In addition to developmental and line editing, participants will benefit from Q&A sessions and masterclasses with leading literary figures, gaining valuable insight into the industry and building connections with a pan-African network of peers.

The program will be led by editor and publishing consultant Vimbai Shire, who brings over 25 years of experience in the publishing and creative industries. Shire is the founder of Beyond White Space and has worked with major publishers including Bloomsbury, Canongate, HarperCollins, and Penguin Random House. Her editorial work spans fiction and nonfiction by both emerging and acclaimed authors, including Leila Aboulela, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, and Moses McKenzie.

Submission guidelines:

  1. The program is open to emerging African writers residing either on the continent or in the diaspora. To be eligible, applicants must meet all the following criteria:

    • Be 18 years or older at the time of submission.

    • Be an African writer – this is taken to mean someone who was born in Africa, or who is a national of an African country, or who has a parent who is African by birth or nationality.

    • Have not published a full-length book (fiction or non-fiction) or short story collection.

    • Have not won or been shortlisted for any national, regional, or international literary award.

    • Have at least two short stories published in established print or online outlets. Self-published work does not qualify.

  2. This opportunity is specifically for African writers working on short stories. The following genres are not eligible:

    • Novels

    • Children’s literature

    • Non-fiction (including journalism, essays, memoirs, biographies, etc.)

    • Academic writing

    • Drama or plays

    • Poetry
      Only fictional short stories will be considered.

  3. To apply, writers must submit:

    • A story summary (no more than 300 words) outlining the short story they wish to develop; and

    • A brief bio (no more than 150 words) that highlights relevant writing experience.

    • At least two proofs of publication.

  4. Each applicant may submit only one entry. Multiple entries from the same writer will lead to disqualification.

  5. All submissions must clearly state:

    • The writer’s African country of origin; and

    • The title or working title of the proposed short story.

  6. Selected participants must agree to have their completed stories published in the Caine Prize anthology. By participating, writers grant the Caine Prize exclusive global print and digital rights, effective from the date of contract signing.

Please note that submissions that do not meet these criteria will not be considered. The Caine Prize reserves the right to request proof of nationality.

If you have any questions regarding eligibility or the submission process, contact [email protected].

Review the guidelines and submit here.