The 2019 Writivism Short Story and Koffi Addo Nonfiction Prizes—Apply (Prizes: Approx $3000)

Writers of short fiction and creative non-fiction are invited to apply forThe 2019 Writivism Short Story and Koffi Addo Nonfiction Prizes. This prestigious writing contest is free to enter and there are no restrictive themes. Writers can let their imaginations run wild. Submissions  opened on November 1, 2018, And the deadline is the 31st of December, 2018. Akwaeke Emezi is the chair judge for this edition of the prize.

Who Can Apply?

• An African Writer who hasn’t yet published a full-length book.
• Writer who has written a story between 2,500 – 3,500 words
• Deadline: December 31, 2018, at midnight GMT.

How Can Writers Apply For The 2019 Writivism Prize?

• Entries must be sent via the 2019 Writivism Prize Google Doc Page
• Email submissions will not be considered
• Ensure that you read the guidelines on the google doc page before submitting
• The first page of the story should include the name of the story and the word count.
• Format: The entry must be typed in Times New Roman 12 point font and 1.5 line spacing.
• Your name or identity should not appear anywhere on your application, else your entry will be disqualified. Before you hit the submit button, be sure to remove the writer’s name from the file name and the manuscript.

A longlist of 20 writers will be published on 1st March 2019. Afterwards, all 20 longlisted writers (10 for short story, 10 for nonfiction) will  partner with professional writers mentors for two months. The goal of this mentorship is to make their stories better. On May 1, 2019, the organizers will announce the 2019 shortlist (3 stories for the Writivism short story prize and 3 for the Kofi Addo non-fiction prize.)

In the meantime, all the twenty longlisted writers will keep working on their stories based on the feedback they will receive from their editorial team. The goal is to prepare the stories for publication in the annual anthology.

Prize/Awards:

• The overall winners will receive a cash award of $500 for the short story prize and $400 for the Koffi Addo Writivism Prize for Creative Nonfiction,
• Shortlisted writers will be given an opportunity to edit their stories with a commissioned editor prior to publication in an annual anthology.
• An all expense paid trip to the Writivism Annual Festival in Kampala, Uganda. The award ceremony is expected to hold between 15th – 17th August, 2019.
• Overall winners will get a one month fully-funded writing (editing) residency at Stellenbosch University
• All longlisted writers will get the opportunity to participate in the annual two-month online Writivism mentoring program.

This edition of the award promises to be unique. This year, each of the overall winners..will be required to submit a full manuscript draft within one month of receiving the cash award. After the presentation, the writers will be given the opportunity to travel for a one month fully-funded writing (editing) residency at Stellenbosch University.

According to the press release:

All longlisted writers are advised to work on a manuscript in anticipation of this), which will be prepared for publishing by Black Letter Media.

Previously shortlisted writers have won bigger prizes and scholarships. Some of the writers include Pemi Aguda, Nnedinma Jane Kalu, Blessing Christopher, Suyi and so on. This is definitely one of the most important prizes available to Africans.

The University of Iowa has just begun a new free creative non-fiction course. You can enroll for this free course and develop your award winning essay while learning from the professional writing teachers.

Not sure what you should write about? Get inspired by listening to some fantastic podcasts. Choose the right point of view. And read some of our recommended great online reads.

recommended great online reads 1

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Before you send off your work. Get constructive feedback from your literate family and friends (get  feedback from people will can be genuinely honest with you. Don’t show your mother though.) Alternatively you can join a vibrant online critique group..

Good luck to you

Picture Credit: Writivism Prize Page