Calling all first time African authors... deadline for top literary prize approaches

By Ng'ang'a Mbugua
Internet Photo
First time creative writers in Africa and their publishers have only five days before the close of submissions for the inaugural Etisalat Prize for Literature, which is open to all writers of African origin wherever they may be in the world.

For one to qualify, one's creative work must have been published in the last twenty four months. It is important to note that this prize is only open to writers whose first full length novel of upto 30,000 words was published in the last two years. That means books published before 2012 do not qualify.
A submitting publisher must also have published at least 10 books. Companies that have fewer books and self-published authors are, therefore, not eligible.
The winner of the prize will receive £15,000, a Samsung Galaxy Note and a Montblanc Meisterstuck (a high-end pen that must be very good for signing autographs, I guess).
Says the organiser of the prize: "In line with our vision of promoting upcoming writers, Etisalat will sponsor a book tour to three African cities. The winning writer will also embark on the Etisalat Fellowship at the University of East Anglia mentored by Professor Giles Foden (author of The Last King of Scotland)".
The fellowship is an opportunity for the winning author to meet publishers and other writers - plus one will get the time and opportunity to pen a subsequent title.
"Shortlisted writers will win a Samsung Galaxy Note and also go on a book tour to two major African cities," says the sponsor.
The sponsor has also pledged to buy 1,000 copies of the winning entry, as well as the shortlisted titles. The books will be donated to various schools, book clubs and libraries in Africa.
For more information, click here