AN ANNUAL prize jointly presented by Morley College London and the award-winning Rachel Mills Literary Agency (RML) relaunched this month after the success of its inaugural year in 2021.
Last years winner Kate Cheka said it was important ‘those often marginalised in mainstream industries’ were recognised for their work and organisers of the award are putting in the endeavour to ensure it happens.
The award is aimed at raising awareness and celebration of works authored by previously unpublished aspiring authors of colour. Cheka’s 2021 entry, Same Dust, scooped the top gong.
This year, the prize will also add a Life Writing and Creative Non-Fiction category in addition to the existing Fiction category.
This is to give new opportunities to writers whose work incorporates personal storytelling in the tradition of authors such as Akala, Michelle Zauner, Sathnam Sanghera and Nina Mingya Powles.
Sponsored by Rachel Mills Literary, the prize seeks to encourage anyone who has not been published, and is not agented, regardless of age or experience. It is intended to nurture and provide opportunities for aspiring novelists or essayists of colour in an accessible way.
The panel of judges comprises RML’s Nelle Andrew (as Fiction lead), Publishing Director Marianne Tatepo (who will lead the Non-Fiction category), novelist Louise Hare, lecturer Billy K. Kahora and author, Ayisha Malik.
Longlist and shortlisting will be announced in the summer, with the winner due to be announced at a special Morley Prize event in October 2022 to coincide with Black History Month.
Cheka enthused: “It is always lovely to have one’s work seen and validated. I was initially surprised to win but it made a great evening even more enjoyable. Nelle is a wonderful agent and gave me good feedback.
“I think it is always good to champion those often marginalised in mainstream industries and, to that end, I think this prize is a great initiative.”
Submission criteria can be found on the Morley Prize web pages. Entries can be accepted via the site until the closing date of July 29.
Criteria comprises:
A manuscript of the first thirty pages of the novel; as well as
A synopsis (three pages maximum) which must describe the complete novel
An author biography (300 words maximum, on the final page of the submission).
For the Life Writing and Creative Non-Fiction category, we ask for:
A storytelling or personal storytelling element to the subject matter
A detailed synopsis of the subject, and table of contents
A 3,000 word sample of the writing
An author biography and outline of your personal interest in writing the above subject. (500 words total maximum, on the final page of submission).
If shortlisted, entrants will have the chance to win an insight and editorial feedback from RML as well as prize money for the best piece of work from an author of a Black, Asian and minority ethnic background (BAME).
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