Are you a writer or a wannabee writer? Then you’ll be happy to know that the Bessie Head Literature Awards has extended its deadline for submissions to 23 August, 2013 with winners announced mid-October, 2013. Theses Awards are sponsored annually by the Bessie Head Heritage Trust and Pentagon Publishers. This year the prize money to be won stands at P10, 000 for winners in three categories, namely novel (40,000 words and above), short story and children’s story (up to 10,000 words or 10 pages). There is also the possibility of having your work published. So if you’ve always wanted to be a writer, now’s the time to put pen to paper!
The Awards started in 2006 to honour Botswana’s most celebrated writer, Bessie Head, author of such classics as When Rain Clouds Gather, Maru and A Question of Power. The objective of the Awards is to encourage the growth of writing and literature in the country. To date, 45 citizens and residents have been awarded prizes. Many of the winners have gone on to establish themselves as writers or up and coming writers, including: Gothataone Moeng, Wazha Lopang, Legodile Seganabeng, Jenny Robson, Lauri Kubuitsile, Wame Molefhe, Bontekanye Botumile, and Cheryl Ntumy, to only mention a few.
Those wishing to enter need to post their submissions to: Bessie Head Literature Awards, P.O. Box 70401, Gaborone before 23 August, 2013. All submissions must include one cover page with the following information: author’s name, at least two ways the author can be contacted, a clear statement of the category of the manuscript, and its title. All submissions must also include one photocopy of Omang, passport and residence certificate, or other form of ID.
The first page of the manuscript (not the cover page) must also state clearly the category and title of the manuscript. Except for the cover page, manuscripts must not have the author’s name on them. Four copies of the manuscript must be sent. All submissions must be typed and in English.
Only those following the guidelines will qualify. Entrants must be citizens or residents of Botswana.
For the complete submission guidelines go to: http://thuto.org/bhead/html/awards/awards.htm
For any queries contact: [email protected]
