In an exciting opportunity for literary talents across the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Short Story Prize is set to begin accepting submissions from September 1.
Writers from the 56 Commonwealth countries, regardless of prior experience, are encouraged to participate for a chance to win the coveted £5,000 prize.
Aspiring authors are required to submit a compelling 2–5,000 word story before November 1st, 2023, to be eligible for consideration. An intriguing aspect of the prize is its inclusivity, accepting stories in 13 languages and translations into English from any language.
This prestigious prize, bestowed by the Commonwealth Foundation, has been a launching pad for numerous writers onto the global stage since its inception in 2012. Previous winners include Kritika Pandey, whose victory in 2020 facilitated her journey to securing agent representation and working on her debut novel. Similarly, Kevin Jared Hosein, the 2018 victor, unveiled his first adult novel earlier this year to resounding acclaim.
Beyond the monetary reward, the prize offers shortlisted and regional-winning authors an opportunity to showcase their work in online publications, garnering substantial media attention. As the literary world anticipates the unveiling of the 2024 victor, the Commonwealth Short Story Prize undoubtedly stands as a remarkable platform for recognition and career advancement in the realm of storytelling. For more information and updates, writers can visit the Commonwealth Foundation’s official website and join their mailing list.