Commonwealth Writers opens prizes up to works in translation and self-published work

“This year’s exciting expansion of the Prizes gives even more writers the chance to be heard. It also brings a greater diversity of stories from all parts of the world to Commonwealth Writers’ growing international readership.” Lucy Hannah, Programme Manager, Commonwealth Foundation said. Awarded for best first book, the Commonwealth Book Prize is open to […]

“This year’s exciting expansion of the Prizes gives even more writers the chance to be heard. It also brings a greater diversity of stories from all parts of the world to Commonwealth Writers’ growing international readership.” Lucy Hannah, Programme Manager, Commonwealth Foundation said.

Awarded for best first book, the Commonwealth Book Prize is open to writers who have had their first novel (full length work of fiction) published between 1 January and 31 December 2012. Regional winners receive £2,500 and the overall winner receives £10,000.

“This year’s decision to include translated and self-published works will finally unite the tributaries of fiction and imagination from diverse corners of the Commonwealth into one powerful, rushing river of new writings, from which the best will be selected, recognized and celebrated.” Godfrey Smith, Chair, Commonwealth Book Prize

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is awarded for the best piece of unpublished short fiction (2000-5000 words). Regional winners receive £1,000 and the overall winner receives £5,000. Commonwealth Writers is delighted to partner with Granta Magazine again this year to give the overall and regional winners of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize the opportunity to have their stories edited and published by Granta online.