Iskanchi Writing Competition

Embrace the 'Iskanci' spirit! Submit your boldest work to the Iskanchi writing competition, celebrating African literature. Winners receive publication and the coveted 'Iskanchi Magazine Prize.' Our editors seek the most irreverent, disobedient, and wayward voices—be a part of the rebellion in African literature. Fuel literary rebellion by entering the Iskanchi writing competition! Iskanchi editors will serve as the preliminary readers and will select 10 pieces for the longlist. Unleash your unique voice and help spread African perspectives.

-  Guest Judge (TBA) will select three winners:

  •   First Place: $200
  •   Second Place: $150
  •   Third Place: $100

-  Remaining writers on the long list to receive $50 each.

-  All long listed pieces will be published in Iskanchi Magazine’s Spring Issue and considered for publication in the Best African Experimental Writing (BAE) Anthology.

When to submit:

 -  Feb 15 - April 15

Submission Guidelines

  • Iskanchi considers work in most styles, forms, or genres. For a better idea of our preferences, we recommend reading our previous issues.
  • Subject of submission should be “Magazine Prize”
  • Include a short cover letter, third-person bio, and social media links.
  • We do not accept previously published work in print or online, including on personal blogs and social media. 
  • Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but we ask that you inform us immediately should your work be accepted elsewhere.
  • We accept .doc, .docx, or .pdf file formats.

Please send all submissions to Submissions@iskanchi.com

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