We’re looking for the next great Southeast Asian novel.
Do you have a great story that you’ve always wanted to publish? Why not submit your manuscript for the next edition of the Epigram Books Fiction Prize (EBFP)?
Previous editions of the Prize were dedicated to Singaporean writers, however, in 2018, the decision to champion Southeast Asian literature was made. In 2019, we opened our call to writers from the other ASEAN countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Last month, Joshua Kam from Malaysia was the inaugural winner of the ASEAN edition.
This year is no different. While manuscripts have to be in English, new original translations of non-English works can also be submitted. You have until 1 August 2020 to do so. The prize ceremony and gala dinner will be held in January 2021.
What is the Epigram Books Fiction Prize?
Established in 2015, the EBFP was originally initiated to promote contemporary Singapore creative writing. Since then, it has expanded its scope to include manuscripts from ASEAN.
Participants for the Prize must either be citizens or permanent residents of the country they represent, and they are invited to submit a non-published work in the English language (For example, works that are self-published or have been made available online are considered to be published). However, those who submit a new original translation for a non-English language work will be considered.
The winner of the Prize will receive SGD25,000 and a publishing contract. Three other shortlisted finalists will each receive SGD5,000, as well as a publishing contract.
The closing date for submissions is 1 August 2020.