New literary voices from refugee and migrant backgrounds are to be given a platform with the launch of the £15,000 Footnote x Counterpoints Prize for Fiction. The award aims to amplify stories that capture the complexities of displacement, courage, and belonging, offering a unique opportunity to writers whose experiences often go unrepresented in mainstream literature.
Footnote Press and Counterpoints Arts have partnered once again to support emerging talent, this time focusing on fiction as part of their collaboration. A £7,500 cash prize and a further £7,500 advance will be awarded to the winner, who will also receive publication with Footnote Press.
The open call invites writers living in the UK or Ireland to submit an 8,000-10,000 word sample along with a synopsis of at least 1,500 words. The judging panel includes acclaimed authors and industry experts, including Dina Nayeri, Bea Carvalho, Serena Arthur, and Almir Koldzic.
In a bid to counter growing divisions and intolerance, the prize is seen as timely and necessary. "We hope it will help us amplify remarkable new literary voices and lived experiences of displacement," said Almir Koldzic, director of Counterpoints Arts. The winner will be announced during Refugee Week in June, with a public event hosted by the Southbank Centre in London.
The Footnote x Counterpoints Prize for Fiction follows their successful inaugural prize for nonfiction in 2023, which was won by Sabrin Hasbun for her memoir Crossing: A Love Story Between Italy and Palestine. The award is now set to shed light on fiction that explores the intricacies of migration and its profound impact on individuals and society.
The application deadline is February 13th, with full eligibility details available on the Bonnier Books UK website.
Footnote Press and Counterpoints Arts have partnered once again to support emerging talent, this time focusing on fiction as part of their collaboration. A £7,500 cash prize and a further £7,500 advance will be awarded to the winner, who will also receive publication with Footnote Press.
The open call invites writers living in the UK or Ireland to submit an 8,000-10,000 word sample along with a synopsis of at least 1,500 words. The judging panel includes acclaimed authors and industry experts, including Dina Nayeri, Bea Carvalho, Serena Arthur, and Almir Koldzic.
In a bid to counter growing divisions and intolerance, the prize is seen as timely and necessary. "We hope it will help us amplify remarkable new literary voices and lived experiences of displacement," said Almir Koldzic, director of Counterpoints Arts. The winner will be announced during Refugee Week in June, with a public event hosted by the Southbank Centre in London.
The Footnote x Counterpoints Prize for Fiction follows their successful inaugural prize for nonfiction in 2023, which was won by Sabrin Hasbun for her memoir Crossing: A Love Story Between Italy and Palestine. The award is now set to shed light on fiction that explores the intricacies of migration and its profound impact on individuals and society.
The application deadline is February 13th, with full eligibility details available on the Bonnier Books UK website.
. I mean, have you seen the state of books lately? They're still stuck in this old school way of thinking. This prize is like a breath of fresh air, and I'm excited to see what all these talented writers from refugee and migrant backgrounds come up with 
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. The fact that they're recognizing the struggles people face when they're displaced is already half the battle. And who knows, maybe this prize will inspire some more writers to share their stories and help break down those divisions 
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. And can we get more prizes like this? It's long overdue 
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This prize is like a breath of fresh air, you feel me? It's all about highlighting those voices that are often ignored or left in the shadows. I mean, think about it, displacement and migration are huge issues we're dealing with globally, but so much of what gets told in literature is from the perspective of those who have the privilege of stability and security.
I mean, it's about time we see more stories from people who have experienced displacement and migration in literature. It's like they're speaking to each other's experiences, you know? And £15,000 for a novel is insane! 
Like, that's a lot of money to write with. Interesting how they're trying to counter growing divisions too... maybe this prize can bring people together through stories? 
I mean, what about the ones who don't need the validation? And what's to stop this just being a way for literary gatekeepers to control the narrative again? 
Let's not forget that there are already amazing presses and organizations doing this kind of work. We shouldn't rely on one prize to make all the difference...
. the fact that they're focusing on fiction this time around is great, because i feel like nonfiction can be really impactful too, but it's not always represented in awards 
. i think this prize has the potential to make a real difference in amplifying new literary voices and lived experiences of displacement 
. can't wait to see who's going to win!