Simon & Schuster Launches New Chapter Award for Authors of Color
Simon & Schuster has introduced an exciting initiative, the New Chapter Award, aimed specifically at unpublished and un-agented fiction writers of color. This new accolade is designed to promote diversity within the publishing industry.
Award Details
The recipient of the New Chapter Award will receive:
- A two-book publishing contract with Simon & Schuster UK.
- A substantial advance worth six figures.
The selection process will be overseen by the Adult Fiction editorial team at Simon & Schuster UK, which includes notable figures such as:
- Silé Edwards, a literary agent from Andrew Nurnberg Associates,
- Nancy Adimora, founder of OtherStories.
Selection Process
Initial evaluations will involve a diverse group of readers from Simon & Schuster UK, part of its diversity, equality, and inclusion council. An independent judge will ultimately determine the final winner, ensuring an equitable and unbiased selection process.
Submission Guidelines
Submissions for the New Chapter Award will open for a duration of three months. Authors interested in this opportunity must provide:
- Three chapters from their manuscript.
- A synopsis of their work.
Longlisted authors will be given a unique opportunity to meet with the Simon & Schuster UK publishing team, including Molly Crawford, the editorial director for Adult Fiction.
Insights from Key Participants
Silé Edwards stated, “I have spent a lot of time dreaming up ways to ensure all writers see being published as a realistic and achievable prospect. I am so excited to see the entries. I already know we will have excellent stories to choose from.”
Sabah Khan, the publicity director at Simon & Schuster UK, also expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I was absolutely delighted when Silé proposed the idea and am thrilled that it has evolved to this point. We are committed to ensuring that our publishing reflects the society we live in. I am proud to be working on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will allow us to truly invest in an author of color.”
Conclusion
The New Chapter Award symbolizes a meaningful step toward enhancing representation in literature. By dedicating resources to support authors of color, Simon & Schuster is fostering a more inclusive literary landscape.
For more information and updates on the award, visit Simon & Schuster UK.