The Burt Award for African Literature Calling for Manuscripts

The Burt Award for African Literature

Supporting and encouraging a love of reading for young adult

Reminder – Calling for Manuscripts

The National Book Development Council of Kenya (NBDCK) in partnership with the Canadian Organization for Development through Education (CODE) and with the generous support of a Canadian patron, Mr. Bill Burt, have the pleasure to invite Kenyan-based and duly registered publishers to submit engaging and educational story-based manuscripts for the youth (12 – 18 years old) to be considered for the 2013 Burt Award for African Literature.

Objectives of the Award

1. To support and motivate the development of supplementary reading materials in both primary and secondary schools.

2. To stimulate and support the Kenyan publishing industry and contribute to the literary wealth of Kenyan literature.

3. To recognize excellence in literature for youth.

4. To publish stories which strengthen the English language skills of the youth and help foster enthusiasm and a love for
reading.

5. To increase the stock of English reading materials in school and community libraries.

Rules Governing the Award

1. Eligible entries must be in manuscript form, and submitted by publishers only.

2. The quality of content shall be the overriding criterion. The story should:

a) Be written in English.

b) Be between 30,000 to 40,000 words (approximately 90 to 120 pages).

c) Be prose fiction in chapter form, containing content and language appropriate for ages 12-18 years old.

d) Demonstrate a solid command of English through a clear cohesive language and proper sentence structure, vocabulary and punctuation.

e) Be thought-provoking and original with an excellent story telling style e.g. strong imagery, lively dialogue, and vivid
description to arouse young readers’ interest and curiosity and keep them turning pages.

f) Have a strong literary merit including:

i. Engaging characters with whom young readers can identify and a protagonist who overcomes challenges or obstacles in a positive way.

ii. A well-developed plot with a good flow of events.

iii. The effective use of literary devices, such as flashbacks.

g) Reflect current issues and challenges of concern to contemporary Kenya.

3. The author has to be a Kenyan national, preferably a resident in Kenya.

4. Six non-returnable, spiral-bound copies of the submitted title(s), accompanied by an entry form and entry fee must be
delivered to the undersigned not later than 12.00 noon, Friday 28th September 2012.

A summary of the work and reasons for its suitability must be submitted together with the entry form (download the entry form from the NBDCK website).

5. The submission cost is Kshs. 10,000 per title. Payment should be through a banker’s cheque payable to National Book
Devt Council of Kenya.

6. The decision of the Committee for the Burt Award for African Literature will be final. No further correspondence will be entered into in connection with the Award.

Modality of submission

Electronic format, accompanied by six (6) spiral-bound hard copies of each submitted title. The soft copies should be sent to info@nationalbookcouncilkenya.org, while the hard copies should be delivered at the NBDCK offices, Suite No.3, Pittaway Building, Ralph Bunche Road (off Ngong Road, next to Prof. Nelson Awori Building).

The Awards

1st Prize – CAD$ 9,000
2nd Prize – CAD$ 7,000
3rd Prize – CAD$ 5,000

Presentation

The Awards will be presented during the Book Week period which will be held in September 2013.

Deadline for Submission

All manuscripts must be submitted by 12.00 noon, Friday 28th September 2012.

For more information about the Award, please contact:

The National Book Development Council of Kenya
P.O. Box 10904 – 00100
Nairobi, Kenya

Tel. 254 020 2721876; 2725006

Cell Phone +254 770 108 556

Email: info@nationalbookcouncilkenya.org,
www.nationalbookcouncilkenya.org