FIRST DRAFTS COMPETITION 2018: ‘NEW DAUGHTERS OF AFRICA’
For this special edition of Myriad’s annual award to launch unpublished writers, Myriad are inviting submissions from Women Writers of African heritage or Descent.
Deadline: Friday 6 July 2018
Longlist: Monday 3 September 2018
Shortlist: Monday 15 October 2018
Winner: November 2018
Myriad say: ‘In celebration of Myriad’s forthcoming publication New Daughters of Africa, edited by Margaret Busby OBE, we are delighted to announce a special theme for the 2018 First Drafts Competition: we are inviting submissions from unpublished women writers who identify as being of African heritage or descent.’
The winning entry will be published in this major new international anthology in 2019, alongside 200 notable writers including Malorie Blackman, Aminatta Forna, Warsan Shire and Zadie Smith.
This is an exceptional opportunity for the winner and finalists to bring their work to the notice of publishers and agents. This year’s judges include:
Margaret Busby OBE, writer and broadcaster
Elise Dillsworth, literary agent
Kelsi Farrington, New Internationalist editor
Martine McDonagh, novelist and West Dean College programme leader for Creative Writing
Entries must be:
• an excerpt or complete work (story or essay, for example) of fiction or narrative nonfiction, including memoir
• written in English (there is no UK residency requirement)
• not exceeding 5,000 words
Now in its ninth year, First Drafts recognises promising works in progress from writers who have not yet published a collection of stories, novel, or work of narrative nonfiction. First Drafts is a collaboration between Myriad and West Dean College. In addition to publication in New Daughters of Africa, the winner will be offered a week’s writing retreat at the college, a centre of creativity and tranquillity in West Sussex.
Myriad Editions, an imprint of New Internationalist Publications, is an independent publisher committed to discovering and nurturing new writers, and publishing books that push boundaries and embrace diversity.
West Dean College offers a part-time MA in Creative Writing and Publishing for writers who want to develop the skills required to succeed in a modern publishing environment. www.westdean.org.uk
For more information please visit: www.myriadeditions.com/competitions/first-drafts/ or contact [email protected]
