Requirements and Prizing
To qualify, authors must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, with debut
full-length books or collections of short stories published in 2020. Authors can enter books in one
of three categories: Literary Fiction, Mystery (a different genre is highlighted each year), or
Nonfiction. A winner in each category will be chosen by our judges and awarded $10,000 in cash as
well as promotional, marketing, and communications support. Our goal is to not only recognize
talented individuals but also help boost the winners' careers.
The Kobo Emerging Writer Prize submission period begins on February 9, 2021 at 12:00:01 a.m. Eastern
Standard Time ("EST") and ends on March 16, 2021 at 11:59:59 p.m. EST (the “Competition Period”). To be
eligible, authors must submit an English language, full-length novel or a collection of short stories or
essays, which is their first published book. Author must be a Canadian citizen or legal resident of
Canada who has reached the age of majority in their respective jurisdiction at the time of entry. The
award is eligible only to Entrants who published works during the 2020 calendar year in one of the
categories of Literary Fiction, Mystery, and Non-Fiction. Kobo will select one (1) winner in each
category, for a total of three (3) winners. Each winner will be awarded a cash prize of $10,000 CAD, as
well as support from Kobo through prominent merchandising, marketing and communications activities
during 2021. The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries. For more Kobo Emerging Writer
Prize details and Official Rules, please click here.