Dusty Manuscript contest set to reward writers with one million naira, publishing deal
From Nurudeen Oyewole, Lagos
Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, the organiser of the maiden edition of the Dusty Manuscript contest has explained that the need to sustain and encourage arts of creativity and the means of livelihood of many talented Nigerian writers inspired the idea of launching the competition.
The bank’s Managing Director, Segun Agbaje who made this known in Lagos, also explained that the Dusty Manuscript contest is opened to all Nigerian writers, especially the up-coming ones with the top three finalists being rewarded with publishing deals and the overall winner earning N1 million.
“At the GTBank, we see art as not just a medium for creative expression but also as a means of livelihood, and by organizing the Dusty Manuscript Contest we are helping budding writers make a living off their works. And by addressing the major barrier that our indigenous writers face in sharing their stories with the world, we hope to inspire and develop the next generation of award-winning and globally renowned authors,” Agbaje said.
Also, the Oyinade Adegbite, Assistant General Manager and Head, Communication and External Affairs, GTBank noted that the Dusty Manuscript Contest is the latest in a long line of GTBank initiatives geared towards promoting the appreciation of Art and supporting creative potential. She said the contest is specifically targeted at writers who have finished manuscripts.
“This is being organized in partnership with publishing houses, Okadabooks and Farafina. The contest is part of the bank’s YouREAD initiative which is aimed at promoting the culture of reading. In 2017, the bank remodelled the old Herbert Macaulay Library, Yaba. And today, the remodelled library has been the venue of regular book readings and art expositions organized under the YouREAD initiative.
“With the Dusty Manuscript Contest, the Bank is seeking to address the challenges indigenous writers face getting their books published. The top three entries in the contest will be rewarded with publishing contracts with Farafina, as well as cash rewards. The top 10 entries will get their books e-published by Okadabooks, including book cover design, book editing, and publicity. The top 25 book authors will also get a two-day boot camp training on writing, marketing and branding,” Adegbite said.
According to the organisers, the entries in the Dusty Manuscript Contest will be assessed by a panel of four judges, comprising Eghosa Imasuen, the author of Fine Boys; Yejide Kilanko, a poet and therapist in children’s mental health; Dr Ainehi Edoro-Glines, an Assistant Professor of English Language and Toni Kan, a writer and Public Relations executive.
Kan, in his remarks, said the panel of judges would be on the lookout for fictional narrative of any sort which presents the message clearly and unambiguously to the readers, among other considerations.
Similarly, Dr EdoroGlines also urged the would-be participants to pay attentions to details guiding the contest and put in their best as the publishing deals are expected to launch them into global acceptability.