Call for Entries for Etisalat Prize for Literature 2015

The Etisalat Prize for Literature is the first ever Pan African prize celebrating debut African writers of published fiction.
According to Matthew Willsher, Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, “The Etisalat Prize for Literature serves as a platform for the discovery of new creative writing talents out of the African continent.”
The CEO highlighted that following the success of the second year which was concluded early this year, the literary community is eagerly awaiting the third year. NoViolet Bulawayo won the maiden edition of the Etisalat Prize for Literature with her highly celebrated debut novel, We Need New Names, while Songeziwe Mahlangu emerged winner of the second year of the prize with his novel, Penumbra.

The Etisalat prize is designed to foster writing in Africa, bring exciting new African writers to the attention of a wider audience, and promote the reading culture. The winner receives a cash prize of £15,000 in addition to a fellowship at the prestigious University of East Anglia under the mentorship of the award-winning author, Professor Giles Foden. The winner will also receive a sponsored three-city book tour while the two other shortlisted writers will receive a sponsored two-city book tour to promote their books. The Etisalat Prize for Literature also supports publishers by purchasing 1000 copies of the shortlisted books for distribution within the continent.
This prize accepts submitted works which must be a writer’s first work of fiction over 30,000 words, and published within the last 24 months. The Etisalat Prize will also launch the online based flash fiction prize later in the year to engage the rising stars of fiction.
About Etisalat
In just 6 years of operations, Etisalat Nigeria has become a major industry player with a growing subscriber base of 22 million in a highly competitive market. Its portfolio of voice and data-centric products include – Easy starter, Easycliq, Easybusiness and Easyblaze; all tailor-made to meet the needs of its customers.
Etisalat Nigeria is one of the 19 operations of the Etisalat Group spanning Africa, the Middle East and Asia and serving over 182 million subscribers. Etisalat Nigeria is committed to delivering innovative and quality services to its growing subscribers.
Criteria for Entry:
Submissions will only be accepted from publishing houses.
All books entered must have a registered ISBN number or equivalent.
Entries by new writers published within the last 24 months before submission
Entries for fiction books will be submitted by publishers who have published a minimum of six (6) authors.
Publisher should have been a registered business (with certificate of incorporation as a publisher) for minimum of six years
Each publisher will be allowed to enter a maximum of three (3) books – however books maybe called in by the judges.
Each entry will be required to be accompanied by Seven (7) copies of the book being entered along with acceptance of publicity terms.
The Etisalat Prize for Literature is not open to employees of any organisation under Emirates Telecommunications Corporation with branded trade name Etisalat.

How to Enter:
All applications for the prize competition will be accepted via post only. Download application form from – www.prize.etisalat.com.ng/resources
The application form should be submitted along with seven (7) copies of the submitted books by June to the following address:
Etisalat Prize for Literature
Etisalat Nigeria
6th Floor
Building 2, Oriental Office Building
3, Lekki Road, Victoria Island
Lagos
Contact Telephone: +234 (0) 8184754985 (Phone will be activated two weeks before call for entries)
2015 Calendar:
Call to enter                                    18th June 2015
Entry Deadline                                27th August 2015
Longlist announced                        12th November 2015
Shortlist announced                       12th December 2015
Grand Finale/Winner announced   13th March 2016

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