Epigram Books Fiction Prize

えぴぐらむぶっくすふぃくしょんしょう

An annual literary prize established in 2015 by Singaporean publisher Epigram Books, targeting unpublished novels written in English.

Literature prizeEnglish-Language NovelsDebut Works

Established: 2015
Organizer: Epigram Books
Category: General Fiction and Popular Fiction
Selection Method: Open call
Target: Newcomer
Frequency: 1 per year
Announcement Period: around January–February
Status: Active

Description

The Epigram Books Fiction Prize was established in 2015. It initially solicited unpublished long novels (including debuts) written in English from Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and Singapore-born writers as an annual award. From 2019, eligibility was expanded to writers from ASEAN countries. The inaugural prize amount was SGD 20,000, later reaching up to SGD 25,000. Winning works are often subject to publication and promotion by Epigram Books, with winner announcements typically held at the beginning of the year (around January to February).

Prize

Main Prize: The winning work receives a cash prize, and publication and promotion opportunities are often provided (past prize examples available).
Cash Prize: 25,000 SGD

Inaugural prize: SGD 20,000 (2015)
Highest subsequent prize example: SGD 25,000
Publication and promotion opportunities for winning works (case by case)

Selection

Selection Process

Stage	Judges	Pass Rate	Announcement
Preliminary Round (Longlist Selection)	Selection Committee (Editors, Writers, Guest Judges, etc.)	—	Longlist (e.g., around 10 works) announced on official website and media
Second Round (Shortlist Selection)	Selection Committee (Editors, Writers, Guest Judges, etc.)	—	Shortlist officially announced
Final Round (Winner Determination)	Panel Review (Guest judges invited depending on the year)	—	Winner announced via Epigram Books official announcement and major media (newspapers, etc.)

Preliminary Round (Longlist Selection)

Judges Selection Committee (Editors, Writers, Guest Judges, etc.)

Announcement Longlist (e.g., around 10 works) announced on official website and media

Second Round (Shortlist Selection)

Judges Selection Committee (Editors, Writers, Guest Judges, etc.)

Announcement Shortlist officially announced

Final Round (Winner Determination)

Judges Panel Review (Guest judges invited depending on the year)

Announcement Winner announced via Epigram Books official announcement and major media (newspapers, etc.)

Criteria

Must be an unpublished long novel written in English
Must meet eligibility (initially Singapore citizens, permanent residents, Singapore-born; ASEAN writers since 2019)
Literary merit, originality, completeness
Publishability (editorial polish, marketability)

Application Tips

Dos

Confirm submission requirements (nationality, residency conditions, unpublished status) in advance
Submit a high-quality English novel manuscript (perform proofreading and revisions)
Strictly follow submission guidelines (format and required documents)
Prepare a work summary (synopsis) and appropriate sample chapters