The Africa Book Club “Short Reads” Competition features short stories drawn from contributors across the African continent. We accept unpublished fiction and creative non-fiction submissions, not exceeding 3,500 words, and whose setting and context are primarily set in Africa, or written by African authors.

Competition Rules

• Submissions will be received throughout the year and can be made at any time through this online submission page.
• Entries must not exceed 3,500 words (suggested minimum length is 1,000 words).
• Entries must be written in English.
• There are no theme or style restrictions. We are interested in works of fiction and creative non-fiction. All genres will be considered. What we are looking for are good stories that our readers will enjoy.
• Writers can enter as many stories as they like. However, each entry can only have one story.
• Submitted stories must not have been published previously in any form. If you enter your story in another competition and you win, please notify us and withdraw your submission.
• Copyright remains with Africa Book Club. Entrants are deemed to grant us first publication rights and exclusive worldwide license over each entry submitted for one year after publication, and for publicity purposes thereafter. Selected pieces will appear in electronic format on the Africa Book Club site, or in print and other electronic forms. Entrants will be notified electronically upon receipt of their submissions.
• We reserve the right to cancel this competition, and not to publish our annual anthology, where circumstances are beyond our control, of if we determine that the quantity and quality of submissions do not meet the required parameters for publication.
• By submitting an entry, you agree to be bound by the above rules.