The 2025 Iskanchi Book Prize
Iskanchi Press has opened submissions for the 2025 Iskanchi Book Prize, an award that celebrates bold, boundary-pushing prose and hybrid manuscripts by African writers around the world. This annual prize champions experimental work that defies stereotypes, uplifts minority voices, and deepens conversations about the African immigrant experience.
Writers who challenge literary conventions and explore underrepresented narratives are encouraged to submit their most daring manuscripts.
Eligibility Requirements for the Iskanchi Book Prize
The Iskanchi Book Prize welcomes submissions from both emerging and established African writers, regardless of country of residence. Manuscripts must be written in English or submitted in translation (with appropriate permissions).
Writers must submit only one manuscript. Multiple entries from the same author will not be considered.
Requirements
To be considered, applicants must:
- Submit a completed prose or hybrid manuscript in .pdf, .doc, or .docx format (writing advice from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.)
- Include a short writer’s bio (max 150 words) in the body of the email
- Use the subject line “Iskanchi Book Prize Submission” to ensure the manuscript is properly tracked
- Refrain from sending multiple submissions
- Notify Iskanchi immediately if the manuscript is accepted elsewhere (simultaneous submissions are allowed)
- Ensure translations include permission from the original author or rights holder
Send all materials to Submissions@Iskanchi.com.
Submissions Open: February 21, 2025
Deadline: April 21, 2025
Benefits
The winning author receives a $1,000 honorarium and book publication through Iskanchi Press, a respected publisher of avant-garde African literature.
In addition to financial support, Iskanchi provides a collaborative editorial process and wide-reaching visibility for the winning manuscript. Authors join a growing community of writers redefining what African literature looks and sounds like in the 21st century.
Writers who push boundaries—this is your platform. Submit your work to the 2025 Iskanchi Book Prize and amplify your voice on a global stage.
For more information, visit www.iskanchi.com or follow Iskanchi on social media.
