The Burt Award For Caribbean Literature #seanocarolan.com

The 2017 Burt Award For Caribbean Literature Is Now Open For Submissions!




Click here to download the Award guidelines and entry form.

The Burt Award for Caribbean Literature is an annual Award that will be given to three English-language literary works for young adults (aged 12 through 18) written by Caribbean authors. Established by CODE – a Canadian charitable organization that has been supporting literacy and learning for over 50 years – with the generous support of the Literary Prizes Foundation and in partnership with the Bocas Lit Fest, the Award aims to provide engaging and culturally-relevant books for young people across the Caribbean.

The intent of the prize is to champion literacy, build language skills and foster the love and habit of reading amongst youth and young adults.


Up to three prizes will be awarded each year to the authors of the winning titles: a First Prize of $10,000 CAD, a Second Prize of $7,000 CAD and a Third Prize of $5,000 CAD. Publishers of winning titles will be awarded a guaranteed purchase of up to 2,000 copies (only publishers registered and operating in the Caribbean are eligible). Copies purchased by the program are donated to select libraries, schools and literacy organizations for distribution throughout the region.

Published books, previously self-published books, and unpublished manuscripts are eligible for the award. Books published between 1 November 2015 and 31 October 2016 and eligible manuscripts must be received at the office of the Bocas Lit Fest by 31 October 2016.