Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize Now Accepting Submissions

First-time Canadian authors, take note: The sixth annual Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer Prize is now open for submissions!

Sponsored by audiobook and ebook retailer Rakuten Kobo, the Prize recognizes exceptional Canadian debut authors in three categories: Literary Fiction, Genre Fiction (this year's selected genre is Speculative Fiction), and Nonfiction.

Winners will be announced in June 2020 and will be awarded a cash prize of $10,000 as well as marketing and communications support for their book through the rest of the year. Past recipients of the award include Robyn Doolittle (Crazy Town: The Rob Ford Story), Omar El Akkad (American War), and Maria Qamar (Trust No Aunty).

Winning titles are selected by a panel of three prominent Canadian authors. This year's judges include Marissa Stapley for Literary Fiction, Andrew Pyper for Speculative Fiction, and Tim Caulfield for Nonfiction.

Submissions are open until March 1, 2020 and can be made via author or publisher, with both traditionally published and self-published books being eligible. Those interested in submitting or learning more about the Prize can do so by visiting www.kobo.com/emergingwriter