The Caine Prize is awarded to a work (a short story) by an African writer published in English, whether in Africa or elsewhere. (Please refer to the rules for further details about criteria for entry).
The Prize is named in celebration of the late Sir Michael Caine, former Chairman of Booker plc, who was Chairman of the ‘Africa 95’ arts festival in Europe and Africa in 1995. His friends and colleagues decided to carry this idea forward and establish a prize of £10,000 to be awarded annually in his memory.
ELIGIBILITY
Unpublished work is not eligible for the Caine Prize. Submissions should be made by publishers only. Only one story per author will be considered in any one year. Submissions should specify which African country the author comes from. Requires 6 copies of the work in its originally published version. If the work is published in a book or journal, the Caine Prize would like to receive at least one copy of the book journal and five photocopies; but particularly where several stories are submitted from one anthology we would like if possible to receive six copies of the book/journal itself. If the work is published online, the Caine Prize would like to receive six photocopies. Only fictional work is eligible.
Please note that works which do not conform to the criteria will not be considered for the prize. Please do not waste your own time and postage by sending in material which is unsuitable.
Works not eligible for entry include stories for children, factual writing, plays, biography, works shorter than 3,000 words and unpublished work. If you are not sure whether your work is eligible, please email us for advice.
HOW TO ENTER
Publishers should post six hard copies of the story for consideration to:
Lizzy Attree
The Caine Prize for African Writing
The Menier Gallery
Menier Chocolate Factory
51 Southwark Street
London SE1 1RU
Entries should be accompanied by a letter from the publisher conveying a short CV or brief biography of the writer, and specifying which African country the writer comes from.