The 2019 Graywolf Press Africa Prize is now accepting submission entries from May 1 to May 31. Graywolf accepts submissions for the Graywolf Press Africa Prize every other year. The Graywolf Press Africa Prize will be awarded for a first novel manuscript by an African author primarily residing in Africa, and will be judged by author and novelist, A. Igoni Barrett, in conjunction with the Graywolf editors.
Graywolf Press is looking for distinctive work, that is artistically singular, and of a high literary quality. For this prize, the Graywolf editors are seeking novels that are engaged with the current moment and that approach contemporary issues with innovative prose and fresh perspectives.
The winning manuscript will receive a $12,000 advance and publication by Graywolf Press, which will include a dedicated effort to making the book available in major markets in African countries. The winning manuscript will also be published in Italy by 66thand2nd, in partnership with Graywolf Press.
Submission Criteria
Applicants must primarily reside in Africa.
Submissions must be full-length, previously unpublished novel manuscripts.
Submissions must be in English, but translations are acceptable.
Applicants with prior books are eligible, so long as none of those books is a novel.
How to Submit
Upload your complete manuscript as a PDF or Word document (either .doc or .docx), and include a cover letter in the provided field. In your cover letter please include relevant biographical information and a summary of the novel.
For instructions on using Submittable, click here. If you have questions about using the site, please email africaprize@graywolfpress.org for assistance.
