For Writers

The Peterson Literary Prize

The Peterson Literary Prize is a biennial international book prize recognizing original works of nonfiction written in English or Ukrainian. The prize is awarded in even-numbered years. The prize recognizes books that promote a better understanding of Ukraine or the Ukrainian people or whose subject matter is relevant to the worldwide Ukrainian community. 

JUDGING CRITERIA

Value

The Peterson Literary Prize is valued at $30,000 Canadian. The winning author will receive a prize of $25,000 Canadian dollars. An additional $5,000 CAD will be awarded to the book’s publisher.

Shortlisted Finalists will each receive $5,000 CAD. 

Depending on the number and quality of submissions received in a given year, the Awards Jury has the discretion to name up to 5 Finalists.


Established Writers Grant

The Established Writers Grant is designed for established writers whose proposed manuscript has received approval from a reputable publisher. The grant is awarded to a work of fiction or non-fiction, written in English or Ukrainian, whose subject matter promotes a better understanding of the Ukrainian experience or is deemed relevant to the global Ukrainian community. 

JUDGING CRITERIA

Value

The size of a grant ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 Canadian dollars, depending on the complexity of the project. The size of the grant will be determined by the Awards Jury on a case-by-case basis. 

An accompanying publication support grant of $3,000 CAD will be provided towards the publication of each grant-winning manuscript to support the publication and distribution of the books.

Depending on the number and quality of submissions received, the Peterson Literary Fund may award several Writers Grants in a given year. The number of grants awarded in a single year shall be within the discretion of the Awards Jury.  

An individual applicant cannot apply for more than one writers grant per cycle.


Emerging Writers Grant

All Writers Grants offered by the Peterson Literary Fund are awarded in two-year cycles, in even-numbered years.

The Emerging Writers Grant is designed for new writers who have not yet been published in book form. Grants are given to writers of both works of fiction and non-fiction, written in English or Ukrainian, whose subject matter promotes a better understanding of the Ukrainian experience or is deemed relevant to the global Ukrainian community. 

JUDGING CRITERIA

Value

The size of a grant ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 Canadian dollars, depending on the complexity of the project. The size of the grant will be determined by the Awards Jury.

An accompanying publication support grant of $3,000 CAD will be provided towards the publication of each grant-winning manuscript to support the publication and distribution of the books.