New Lit Prize for Debut Novelists

A year after Syrian novelist Khaled Khalifa’s untimely death at the age of 59 — on September 30, 2023 — a group of his friends announced the launch of a literary prize that will honor his literary legacy by supporting the work of debut writers.

On their website, organizers write that this new award “is aimed at novelists publishing their first novel and seeks to honor and support novelists who embody the spirit of innovation, freedom of expression, and cultural depth, reflecting the ethical and intellectual values that Khalid Khalifa championed throughout his career.”

Although the award’s first cycle will be open to only Syrian novelists (including anyone who holds Syrian nationality or has a Syrian mother), future cycles will include writers of other Arab nationalities, organizers write.

Submissions are set to open on January 1, 2025, close on March 15, 2025, and a winner announced in June of that year. Organizers say the award will include a monetary prize of $1000, publication, the possibility of translation, and a shield with their image alongside Khaled Khalifa’s.

The prize’s board of trustees includes Syrian literary critic and translator Subhi Hadidi, “and several other prominent personalities from the Arab literary community,” according to the release.

Those interested in submitting can find more information at khaledkhalifaaward.org.