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The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), in collaboration with the Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association of South Africa (ANFASA), is thrilled to announce the 2024/25 DSAC Publishing Hub Open Call for Manuscripts. This ground breaking initiative is designed to empower South African authors, breathe new life into the book publishing industry, and celebrate the rich tapestry of our nation’s stories and heritage.
Why This Matters:
South Africa boasts a vibrant and diverse literary scene, and this initiative aims to foster even greater creativity and expression. The DSAC Publishing Hub is not just a project; it’s a movement to:
– Cultivate a Dynamic Literary Sector: By supporting authors from all walks of life, we aim to enhance the richness and diversity of South African literature.
– Empower Creators: This initiative provides the resources and platform for authors to create meaningful, impactful works across various genres.
– Celebrate Linguistic Diversity: We are particularly keen on promoting literature written in previously marginalized official languages, including Khoi and San languages.
What we are looking for:
We invite manuscripts in any of South Africa’s official languages across the following categories:
- Novels: Dive into fictional worlds and bring your characters to life.
- Poetry Collections: Share your verse and rhythm with the world.
- Short Story Collections: Captivate readers with your short but powerful narratives.
- Dramatic Texts: Bring drama to the page and perhaps the stage.
- Narrative Non-Fiction: Explore politics, current affairs, history, biographies, health, humor, finance, and more.
- Children’s and Young Adult Literature: Inspire the next generation with your stories.
What we are not looking for:
To maintain a focused and impactful selection, the following are ineligible:
- Religious works
- Television and film scripts
- Novellas or novelettes
- Self-help or motivational materials
What is In It for You?
Selected authors will receive a substantial R25,000 grant for content development. But that’s not all:
Professional Guidance: Successful applicants will be paired with a publisher to guide them through the production and publishing process.
Broad Reach: A total of 22 books will be published, with two audiobooks produced and four titles converted to Braille, ensuring accessibility for visually impaired readers.
How to Submit:
Ready to take the next step? Submit your manuscript by midnight on June 28, 2024. Be sure to download and thoroughly review the program guidelines before submission to ensure your work meets all requirements. This is more than just an open call—it’s a chance to be part of a national movement celebrating South African voices and stories. We encourage all eligible writers to seize this incredible opportunity to gain recognition and contribute to our nation’s flourishing literary landscape. Don’t miss out! Submit your manuscript and be a part of the 2024/25 DSAC Publishing Hub.
For more information and to download the guidelines, visit https://www.anfasa.org.za/dsac-manuscript-application/ .
Your story deserves to be told. Let the world hear it!