Writers' Trust Announces the 2023 Finalists for Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBTQ2S+ Emerging Writers

The Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBTQ2S+ Emerging Writers is unique in the landscape of Canadian literary prizes: It is presented annually to an emerging writer who identifies as (but is not limited to) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or Two-Spirit, for an outstanding debut book in any genre. Founded by Robin Pacific in 2007 in memory of her dear friend Ogilvie, who was a book editor, writer, arts manager and former managing editor of Xtra. The prize is funded in part by the Government of Canada.

Today, the Writers' Trust announced the finalists, nominated for debut books that demonstrate extraordinary literary potential. The $10,000 winner will be announced at the annual Writers’ Trust Awards on November 21. 

Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBTQ2S+ Emerging Writers 2023 Shortlist:

• Scenes from the Underground by Gabriel Cholette, illustrated by Jacob Pyne, translated by Elina Taillon (House of Anansi Press)
• Body So Fluorescent by Amanda Cordner and David di Giovanni (Playwrights Canada Press)
• Chrysalis by Anuja Varghese (House of Anansi Press)

A jury composed of authors S. Bear Bergman, Nicholas Dawson, and Sharanpal Ruprai selected this year’s finalists from 37 titles submitted by 24 publishers. Books published between June 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023 were eligible for submission.

The shortlisted titles will be available in accessible formats for different types of print disability through the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) at celalibrary.ca/awards.