ZAA Short Story Award Call for Submissions


ABOUT THE COMPETITION
Zimbabwean literature continues to flourish, despite a contracted publishing scene. The recent announcement of NoViolet Bulawayo as the winner of the 2011 Caine Prize shows the immense literary potential from Zimbabwe. This is a way to promote the growth of quality Zimbabwean literature. The competition seeks to inspire, encourage and support many young Zimbabwean writers. While the competition is aimed at encouraging Zimbabwean writers who write in Zimbabwe under severe conditions and with fewer resources and opportunities, it is also be open to Zimbabweans outside the country. An anthology of new writings selected from the very best submissions that will be received for the competition will be published and launched. The shortlist will be revealed sometime in December and the eventual winner at the 2012 edition of ZAA. It is hoped that this competition will become an annual fixture on the Zimbabwean literary calendar. Apart from the National Merits Awards (NAMA) and Intwasa Awards, there are no other Zimbabwean literary prizes on offer at the moment. We hope this will become another incentive to positively encourage young and emerging Zimbabwean writers.
ELIGIBILITY

The Award is open to all Zimbabwean nationals resident in the country or elsewhere.

The story must not contain more than 5000 words.

No more than one story per author may be submitted.

The story entered must be unpublished.

The story submitted must be original, entirely the author’s own work.

Entries submitted should be in English only.


JUDGING AND SHORTLISTING

The Zimbabwe literature Award judges will select five outstanding short stories which will constitute the shortlist of the ZAA Literary category. Other submitted entries will be considered for selection for an anthology to be published as a result of this competition.

Winners will be contacted personally by email or by telephone.

The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The judging will be fair and independent. The judging panel will consist of distinguished Zimbabwean literary professionals.

The Award Committee reserves the right to cancel this competition at any stage, if deemed necessary in its opinion, and if circumstances arise outside of its control.

The Award Committee reserves the right to refuse entry to the Award for any reason at its absolute discretion.


DEADLINES

Entries or queries should be submitted to stories@zimachievers.com

Deadline for entries is 20 December 2011.

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