Open Call: Cover Art Design for Unathi Slasha's Award-Winning Book

We invite artists to create a cover art design for The Hollow Sound of Lightweight Bodies by Unathi Slasha, winner of the 2025 Iskanchi Book Prize. The selected artwork will become the official cover of the book.

About the Book

The Hollow Sound of Lightweight Bodies follows Mxabanisi Bulawayo, a 21-year-old crematorium technician by night and amateur obituarist by day. His life takes an uncanny turn when he encounters Baba Bouka, a mythical guardian of ancient animals and dream creatures. In this darkly playful narrative, Unathi Slasha blends folklore, fantasy, gossip, and grief into an audacious meditation on violence, despondence, and the fragile line between the real and the surreal.

What We're Looking For

• A striking, original cover art design that captures the spirit of the book
• All artistic mediums are welcome: illustration, painting, digital art, collage, mixed media. Let your creativity lead.
• The winning design will feature on the published edition of the book

Submission Details

• Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Format: High-resolution JPEG or PNG (minimum 300 dpi)
• Size: Standard novel cover dimensions (~6×9 inches), leaving space for title and author text
• Include: A short artist statement (100–200 words) about your design
• Send to: submissions@iskanchi.com with the subject line: Cover Art Submission – Lightweight Bodies

Prize

• $200 cash prize
• Credit as the cover artist in the published book and promotional materials
• Feature on Iskanchi's platforms and social media
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