Closed: 2017 Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature

Deadline: Oct. 7, 2016.

Presented by Tafelberg Publishing, the Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature seeks to develop high quality literature for teenage readers (ages 12-18).

The competition is only open to South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Swaziland citizens. You can submit your writings in one of the six language categories: English, Afrikaans, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Nguni and Sotho. Each category will have two prizes: R12,000 and R6,000.

The Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature requires previously unpublished manuscript. And to help with that, it also created its “250 Words a Day” social campaign. Basically, should you write 250 words each day, you will be able to complete your Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature manuscript by the deadline.

Entries can be submitted by email or mail. All submissions must be typed on A4 paper. Document pages should have broad margins and page numbers. Please, only put your name and contact information on the title page of the submission only.

All email submission should be sent to charles.siboto@nb.co.za. While your physical submissions should be mailed to:
The Organizer,
Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature 2017
PO Box 879
Cape Town 8000

You are also to sign this entry form and send it with your submission. Do keep copies of your entry.

A panel of readers will compile a shortlist of 18 manuscripts which will then be judged by literary industry representatives. Manuscripts are judged anonymously so that debut writers are able to compete with established authors. Judges’ decision is final.

Consequently, the prize-winning books will be published by Tafelberg in both physical book and e-book format.

All other enquiries should be sent to Charles Siboto at the address and email given above, and also by calling him at (021) 406-3412 or faxing him at (021) 406-3812.