The Hamlet John Award for New Writers

An annual writing award to support emerging Grenadian fiction writers in developing their craft

Applications for the 2022 Hamlet John Award for New Writers will open on April 17th 2022

About the Award

The Hamlet John Award for New Writers gives $1,000 to a previously unpublished writer whose submission of 5,000-10,000 words demonstrates unmistakable talent, authenticity and appeal. The submitted work must be fiction which is either set in Grenada, or draws on heavily on Grenadian influences. Though there is no age limit, the applicant must be a citizen of Grenada in order to be considered.

The award was started by Russel M. John and Sherry E.A. Hamlet as part of our commitment to supporting the Grenadian literary industry. We firmly believe that there is a space and audience for our stories among the pantheon of literary works and wish to encourage more Grenadian authors to tell our stories. The award therefore aims to support new authors and encourage the documentation and publication of our unique culture, voice, and style.

Timeline
Jan 31st - Official Introduction of the Award

April 17th - Award opens for submissions

July 1st - Submissions close

Oct 19th - Announcement of Semi-finalists

Dec 29th - Winner announced

Submissions

  • Applications should be made via this website after the opening date has been announced.

  • Submissions should take the form of a 7,500 - 10,000 word sample of a work in progress, fiction, which is not under option or contract.

    1. Should your work be shortlisted, you will be invited to submit your completed work for consideration

  • Submissions should be formatted using Arial, 12pt font, double spaced.

    1. Include a Header with book title and page number in upper right hand corner

  • Submissions should be accompanied by a one page story synopsis and a short biographical note.

    1. -Also include a cover page stating: Author Name, Address, Contact Number & Email

Eligibility

The award is open to you if you:

  • are a citizen of Grenada (there is no age limit)

  • possess a completed manuscript or work in progress written in English

  • are not under contract to any publisher for any work or title in any language.

  • have not previously published or self-published a full-length book (with the exception of a collection of poetry).


We will not consider applications from persons who:

    • have previously received a Hamlet John Award

    • are currently in receipt of another award from the Writers Association of Grenada or the Spice Word Festival

    • already have a book publishing deal in place


Applicants who submitted work for previous Writers Awards may re-apply but the work submitted must be new. By submitting your application, you confirm that you meet the criteria to the best of your knowledge. Please note that applicants retain all copyright regarding their work submitted work.

Prizes

$1,000 Cash Prize

A $1,000 cash prize to support the completion &/or publication of the work in progress

Publication Development

A tailored mentorship &/or consultation on publication & distribution

Creative Design Deal

Cover Art/Illustration or professional photography for the launch of the novel

Published Literary Review

A published review of the book, in addition to press releases & media promotion through our channels

Support

The Hamlet John Award is funded entirely by out of pocket donations from its founders. We aim to raise a fund large enough to offer more diverse awards in support of the creative industry. For now we are starting where we are, with what we have. knowing as the saying goes "one-one cocoa, fill a basket"

If you would like to help us increase the size and scope of the award please click here to pledge your support in cash or kind.

We will be eternally grateful for your support.

Questions?

Contact fac.inc.gd@gmail.com to get more information on the award