The Commonwealth Short Story Prize has officially opened entries for its 2025 competition, with renowned Fijian writer and filmmaker Vilsoni Hereniko set to chair the judging panel.
The announcement was made via commonwealthfoundation.com.
This annual literary contest, administered by the Commonwealth Foundation, invites submissions from citizens of all Commonwealth countries aged 18 and over.
The diverse panel of judges includes literary luminaries from across the Commonwealth: Cameroonian author Nsah Mala, Malaysian writer Saras Manickam, Nigerian-British author Irenosen Okojie, Trinidadian writer Lisa Allen-Agostini and New Zealand poet Apirana Taylor.
The prize offers substantial rewards, with five regional winners each receiving £2,500 and the overall winner taking home £5,000.
In a move to promote linguistic diversity, entries are accepted in 13 languages, including English and various regional languages. Translated works are also welcomed, with translators of winning stories eligible for prize money.
Winning stories will gain exposure through publication in Granta magazine and a print collection by Paper + Ink.
The competition’s closing date is set for November 1st, 2024.
This announcement follows the success of Indian writer Sanjana Thakur, who clinched the 2024 prize, continuing the contest’s tradition of spotlighting emerging literary talent from across the Commonwealth.
