Winterset Award

うぃんたーせっとしょう

Literary award given annually to the best book by writers from Newfoundland and Labrador (any genre).

FictionNonfictionPoetrygeneral literature

Established: 2000
Organizer: Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council
Category: Poetry and Contemporary Poetry
Selection Method: Open call
Target: Open
Frequency: 1 per year
Announcement Period: around March
Status: Active

Description

Winterset Award is a literary prize established in 2000 by journalist and historian Richard Gwyn in memory of his wife Sandra Gwyn. The name “Winterset” derives from the name of Sandra Gwyn's birthplace. Organized by the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council, it is awarded to the “best book” regardless of genre among books published by writers from Newfoundland and Labrador province. The prize amount varies by year, with reports indicating CA$10,000 or CA$12,500 in the past. Winning works are announced annually (e.g., Michael Winter in 2000, Holly Hogan in 2023). Refer to the official website for details and application guidelines.

Prize

Main Prize: Cash prize and recognition (amount varies by year)
Cash Prize: 12,500 CAD

Recognition at the award ceremony (Winterset in Summer festival, etc.)
Introduction in regional media and official website
Past title sponsor mentions (e.g., BMO)

Selection

Selection Process

Stage	Judges	Pass Rate	Announcement
Application reception / Nomination	Selection committee appointed by Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (writers, critics, etc.)	announcement	Stage to compile candidate works from applications and nominations. If a shortlist is published, it is announced on the official website or via news releases.
Final selection / Winner determination	Selection committee (appointed by Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council)	announcement deadline placeholder to conform but unknown should be null or string	The selection committee finally determines the winning work and announces it on the official website, news releases, and at the award ceremony.

Application reception / Nomination

Judges Selection committee appointed by Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (writers, critics, etc.)

Pass Rate announcement

Announcement Stage to compile candidate works from applications and nominations. If a shortlist is published, it is announced on the official website or via news releases.

Final selection / Winner determination

Judges Selection committee (appointed by Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council)

Pass Rate announcement deadline placeholder to conform but unknown should be null or string

Announcement The selection committee finally determines the winning work and announces it on the official website, news releases, and at the award ceremony.

Criteria

Literary quality (style, expression, completeness)
Work structure and narrative (if applicable)
Originality and novelty
Author being from Newfoundland and Labrador or having deep ties to the region
Comprehensive evaluation regardless of genre

Application Tips

Dos

First, check the latest application guidelines and period on the official website
Confirm that the applicant is from Newfoundland and Labrador or has ties to the region
Attach accurate publication (bibliographic) information and publisher details
Proofread and format the manuscript (or book) before submission
Meet the deadline and gather required documents (recommendation letters, publisher consent, etc.) if necessary

Don''ts

Do not apply if you do not meet eligibility requirements (e.g., regional requirements)
Do not apply after the deadline
Do not submit unpublished works (if guidelines require published works) (follow guidelines)
Do not leave application documents incomplete or with typos