Funded: 11 Opportunities for African Writers
Up to $30,000, Contests, Print Publication, Masterclass, Jobs
This newsletter is published every Wednesday at 5pm WAT.
1. The Place & Emotion Masterclass- Abebi Institute
“The Place & Emotion Masterclasses is devoted to exploring the relationship we, as writers and as women have with the spaces we occupy in this world.” The masterclass will be held at The Library of the Mike Adenuga Centre, Victoria Island on Saturday 17th of August from 2.00pm-5.00pm. Applicants must therefore be based in Lagos, or be in town for the duration of the masterclass.
Deadline: 9th Aug 2024, 6pm WAT | Prize: Masterclass
To Apply:
To participate in this masterclass, you will need to produce a piece of writing that explores the relationship between place and emotion. The writing prompt is as follows:
Take us to a place in your mind that houses a version of yourself that you miss, or that you would like to go back to. Ground us in the physical terrain of the place, with descriptions that put the reader exactly where you are. Even as you focus on the outside, give us an insight into the emotional landscape you occupied in that place, what was going on inside you as the outside world cradled you?
Your flash essay should not exceed 500 words.
Successful applicants will be sent emails with further information and pre-assigned readings in preparation for the class.
Previous winners and shortlisted winners from The Abebi Award and selected writers for previous masterclasses are not allowed to apply for the masterclass.
2. Call for Podcast Scriptwriters: The Republic
The Republic is looking for two podcast scriptwriters to support the next season of their podcast. Writers will script the trailer and up to nine episodes for the podcast while undergoing supplementary research for each episode, media research and transcriptions of archival videos and audio
Deadline: 10th Aug 2024 | Type: Hybrid (Lagos) | Pay: N500,000-N700,000
Requirements:
Familiarity with Season 1 of The Republic.
Experience writing podcasts or audio documentary projects.
Availability between 12th Aug and Sept 30th to write.
Demonstrable historical research experience.
Based in Lagos (familiarity with Niger Delta history and/or cultures is a plus).
Interested candidates should send their CV and work samples to podcast@republic.com.ng with the subject ‘The Republic Podcast Writer’.
3. Eugenia Abu/SEVHAGE Prize for Creative Non-Fiction 2024
The Eugenia Abu/SEVHAGE Creative Non-Fiction Prize looks to encourage exploration into the non-fiction genre among writers, while celebrating Mrs Eugenia Abu, one of Nigeria’s cherished broadcast journalists. Like the ALINEA Prize, a sister prize, this prize looks “for work that reaches beyond truth.”
Deadline: 29th Aug 2024 | Prize: N750,000
Things to note
Entrants can submit only one original and unpublished creative non-fiction piece.
No simultaneous submissions.
Word count: 500 – 2000 words
CNF here refers to factual stories or writeups that are well written. As Sean Glatch notes, creative nonfiction (CNF) is a form of storytelling that employs the creative writing techniques of literature, such as poetry and fiction, to retell a true story. Creative nonfiction writers don’t just share pithy anecdotes, they use craft and technique to situate the reader into their own personal lives.
All entries should be sent in a single Microsoft Word document. (format: Times New Roman font, single line spacing, font 12).
Do not include your name in the attached document. Any entry that violates this guideline will be automatically disqualified.
You can only make one entry, which cannot be resubmitted or changed. So, make all changes before you submit.
For emphasis, no mention or reference to the author or the author’s personal details should be made in the attached story or it will be disqualified.
Shortlisted writers might be required to produce evidence of country of origin.
They will be publishing the shortlisted entries for this short story competition before the announcement of the award. Therefore, only those who are okay with having their works published should enter for the award.
4. The E. E. Sule/SEVHAGE Prize for African Literary Criticism 2024
In celebrating and making more visible the culture of criticism, SEVHAGE will award the E. E. SULE/SEVHAGE Prize for African Literary Criticism for an outstanding well-researched work of literary criticism or critical appraisal in form of the essay. This prize is in honour of Nigeria’s prominent scholar and literary critic, Prof. Sule Emmanuel Egya (aka E. E. Sule), an outstanding writer, whose lifelong works in criticism are visionary and inspiring.
Deadline: 29th Aug 2024 | Prize: N285,000
Things to note:
Submissions will only be accepted via this link.
Entrants can submit only one original critical essay.
The essay should be a well-researched piece on African Literature and/or African literary theory focusing on a specific contemporary text or area of literature.
Word count is 4500-6000 words.
All entries should be sent in a single Microsoft Word document. (format: Times New Roman font, single line spacing, font 12).
Do not include your name in the attached document. Any entry that violates this guideline will be automatically disqualified.
You can only make one entry, which cannot be resubmitted or changed. So, make all changes before you submit. Be sure before you submit.
For emphasis, no mention or reference to the author or the author’s personal details should be made in the attached story or it will be disqualified.
Shortlisted writers might be required to produce evidence of country of origin.
The judges’ decisions are final and not open to debate.
Shortlisted writers will be contacted by September.
We will be publishing the shortlisted entries for this competition before the announcement of the award. Therefore, only those who are okay with having their works published should enter for the award.
5. Call for Submissions: K & L Fiction Prize
The SEVHAGE Prizes category for Short Fiction 2024, is open to African writers globally. This year, they are open to stories that focus on mental health and reduce stigma while encouraging positive stories to promote well-being. This is open to the interpretation of the writer.
Deadline: 29th Aug 2024 | Prize: N500,000
Things to note:
Entrants can submit only one original unpublished story and ONLY via this link.
Ensure that your story is within the word count (800 – 2000 words).
All entries should be sent in a single Microsoft Word document. (format: Times New Roman font, single line spacing, font 12).
Do not include your name in the attached document. Any entry that violates this guideline will be automatically disqualified.
You can only make one entry, which cannot be resubmitted or changed. So, make all changes before you submit. Be sure before you submit.
For emphasis, no mention or reference to the author or the author’s personal details should be made in the attached story or it will be disqualified.
Shortlisted writers might be required to produce evidence of country of origin.
Shortlisted writers will be contacted by September. If any entrant does not hear from us by then, it might be safe for them to assume that their work did not make it to the short list or long-list.
We will be publishing the shortlisted entries for this short story competition before the announcement of the award. Therefore, only those who are okay with having their works published should enter for the award.
Winners will be announced latest November 2024.
6. The Journal of African Youth Literature is Open to Submissions
They publish creative writing, poetry, prose (stories and narratives), plays, with a storyline in ANY language used in Africa, such as Swahili, Amharic, Yoruba, Zulu, Chichewa, English, French, etc. Submissions must be by, about, and/or for born-in-Africa youths. For the purposes of the Journal, ‘African’ is defined according to place of birth or heritage. It is not related to colour or race.
Deadline: 29th Aug 2024 | Compensation: Publication + entry for annual prize
Things to note:
All submissions must be the original creation of the individual submitting them, and they cannot have been previously published elsewhere.
– Use 12-point Times New Roman
– Double-space your work with justified alignment
– British and American English are accepted, but please be consistent
– Add page numbers at the bottom of each page
– Send documents in MS Word format
Simultaneous submissions are accepted.
If your submission is not in English please include a short summary in English of what your submission is about when you send it.
Poetry:
For short poems, they want poems of up to 20 lines each. You can submit up to 5 short poems at once. For longer poems, they want 21-50 lines. Please submit only one long poem at a time.
Please send your submission to poetry.submissions@jaylit.com. In the subject line, indicate if your submission is a long poem or short poem(s), put your name and the title of your submission. If you’re submitting a packet of poems, put the number of poems in the subject line instead.
Prose:
For short stories and personal essays (CNF), they want between 1,000 and 4,000 words. For shorter prose (flash fiction or flash CNF), they want between 250 and 1,000 words.
Please send your submission to prose.submissions@jaylit.com. In the subject line, indicate if your submission is a short story, a personal essay, a flash fiction, or a flash CNF, put your name and the title of your submission. E.g. [Short Story – Sipho Adewale – Laugh Laugh Laugh].
Plays:
For short plays, they want up to 4,000 words. For longer plays, they want between 4,000 and 20,000 words.
Please send your submission to prose.submissions@jaylit.com. In the subject line, indicate if your submission is a short play or a long play, put your name and the title of your submission. E.g. [Long Play – Sipho Adewale – Laugh Laugh Laugh].
Reviews:
Send reviews to ibrahim.ibrahim@jaylit.com. Word count should not exceed 2,000 words.
7. Call For Submissions: The Muse Journal
The Muse is a journal of critical and creative writing, an annual publication of the Department of English and Literary Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. With a focus on fostering creativity and critical thinking, Muse Journal features a range of content including essays, poetry, short stories, and articles that delve into the craft of writing and the broader cultural implications of literature.
Deadline: 30th Aug 2024 | Compensation: Publication + unstated prize
To enter:
Entries must be the original work of the author and must not have been published elsewhere. While publication is open to all, prizes are reserved for student writers.
Each entry category must have the minimum requirements of words as follows:
Poetry must have a maximum of 3 poems of not more than 40 lines each.
Plays (One Acts) must not exceed 3500 words. Submit a single entry
Short stories should be between 1500-3500 words. Submit a single entry.
Pidgin Poetry: Submit a maximum of 3 poems of not more than 30 lines each.
Creative Non-fiction should not exceed 2500 words. Submit a single entry.
Flash Fiction must not exceed 1000 words.
Critical Essays/Research Papers on Language or Literature must not exceed 3500 words. Submit a single entry.
Literary Reviews must be of a book not published earlier than 2021 and must not exceed 2500 words. Submit a single entry.
Hybrids should not exceed 2500 words. Submit a single entry.
Include a bio of not more than 100 words in a separate doc. attachment
Entries must be sent in as doc. or docx attachments in 12 font size, Times New Roman font. Do not include your name in the body of work. Also include a brief, well-written cover letter.
Subject of the email should follow this format: SUBMISSION FOR THE MUSE 52: GENRE: Title of the work.
To apply, kindly send in your entry to museunn@gmail.com
8. Submit to Akewi Magazine
Akéwì Magazine is a biannual literary and art publication dedicated to celebrating the diverse voices and artistic expressions of the writers/artists of colour. They warmly invite wonderfully crafted stories, emotionally charged poetry, and captivating one-act plays that explore the interplay between place, location, culture, and identity.
Deadline: 31st Aug 2024 | Compensation: Publication + Prize nominations
Prose (Fiction and Creative Non-Fiction):
Word Limit: Up to 5,000 words. NOTE: This is not a firm limit, but longer pieces would need to earn their space.
Formatting: Double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font
Submit to prose.akewimag@gmail.com
Poetry:
3 – 5 poems in a single document (no more than one poem per page)
Formatting: Single-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font
Submit to: poetry.akewimag@gmail.com
Drama (One Act Plays):
No more than 3 main characters and 5 side characters
Formatting: Times New Roman, 12-point font
Submit to drama.akewimag@gmail.com
All submissions must be original, unpublished works. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but kindly notify us immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere (we want to celebrate with you).
Prose, poetry, and drama submissions should be sent as either .doc, .docx, or .rtf formats.
Include a brief cover letter in the body of your email. State your name, contact information, a short bio (150 words max), and the category of your submission (Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, or Drama).
9. Abena Korantemaa Oral History Prize (2024)
Writers Project of Ghana announces the opening of submissions for the 2023 Abena Korantemaa Oral History Prize, an annual prize for Oral History narrated by a woman who is 65 years or older. The prize is set up to encourage younger Ghanaians to document history and contribute to its preservation. The prize also seeks to encourage the production of creative non-fiction from Ghana.
Deadline: 6th Sept 2024 | Prize: GHC 3,500
Things to note:
The narrator must be an African woman who is resident in Ghana, and is at least 65 years old (and must not be you).. Proof will be required by means of identification issued by authority (example: passport, national ID card, etc).
The recorder/ prize entrant must be an African resident in Ghana, and be 18 years or older at the time of submission.
To enter the competition, send a 15- to 25- minute recording of an oral history narration. The recording may be done using a voice recorder, a mobile phone, a computer, or other recording device.
The story may be in English or a Ghanaian language.
Send the recording (audio file) to the Writers Project of Ghana WhatsApp number 0267668890, or via email to info@writersprojectghana.com.
Multiple submissions are allowed.
Please answer the following and add to your submission:
Name of recorder/ prize entrant.
Email address.
Telephone number.
Town/ City and Region.
Name of narrator.
Age of narrator.
The language of the story/ narration.
What the story/ narration is about.
Why you think people should hear this story.
10. Call for Submissions for Anthology of Poetry by Sexual Assault Survivors
Sundress Publications announces an open submission call for a new anthology of poetry written by sexual assault survivors. Submissions can but do not need to directly deal with sexual assault. “We hope to both provide an avenue for publishing work about sexual assault, as it can be challenging to find markets open to that topic, and showcase the full, vibrant lives survivors lead outside their trauma.”
Deadline: 30th September 2024 | Compensation: Publication + unstated honorarium
Things to note:
Interested poets should submit up to (3) poems along with a short bio (max. 100 words), and a preferred email address.
Previously published work will be considered as long as you retain the right to reprint it and note where it first appeared.
Simultaneous submissions are acceptable as long as the author notifies the editor at sundresspublications@gmail.com that the work has been accepted elsewhere before notification of acceptance in the anthology.
11. Safal Kiswahili Prize for African Literature 9th Edition
This prize was founded by Mukoma Wa Ngugi and Lizzy Attree in 2014 to promote writing in African languages and encourage translation from, between and into African languages. The Prize sets a historical precedent for African philanthropy by Africans and shows that African philanthropy can and should be at the centre of African cultural production.
Deadline: 30th November 2024 | Prize: Total of $30,000
How to enter:
Only unpublished manuscripts across various categories are accepted
Fiction manuscripts must be at least 50,000 words.
Poetry manuscripts should be no less than 60 pages.
Short story collections and memoirs must be at least 40,000 words, with each short story ranging between 1,000 and 6,000 words.
Kindly send in your entry to kiswahiliprize@kiswahiliprize.org
Prose of The Week
Blindsided | Michael-Angello Sarbah
What he had silently feared was confirmed formally. She did have a fever. Jude Sampson looked gravely at his wife. He held up the thermometer for her to see. It said she had a temperature of forty degrees Celsius. “We need to go to the hospital,” he said in a hard voice. “We can’t ignore this.” “Maybe it’s just a coincidence; it isn’t so strange to get sick. It isn’t possible... we’ve been taking every precaution.”…
Poetry of The Week
Fig Tree | Tjizembua Tjikuzu
Fig tree, do you remember the hands that planted, pruned,
and guided your white-fleshed limbs to the sun? That planter grandfather
who died before my birth, was he of short or tall stature? Were his hands like my hands…
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T’u gha miẹ aroọma (may you find good fortune—Edo, Western Nigeria)