US Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize 2024 longlist announced.

The longlist for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize 2024 was announced on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. These are the writers of African descent on that list.

The Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize is an annual award presented by The Center for Fiction, a non-profit organization in New York, USA, since 2006. It recognizes the year’s best debut novel as selected by a panel of distinguished American writers and carries an award of $15,000. Previous winners include De’Shawn Charles Winslow, Tiphanie Yanique, Junot Diaz, Margaret Wrinkle, and Raven Leilani. Noor Naga and Wole Soyinka were honoured in 2022.

The 25-book longlist from the 144 submitted titles with U.S. publication dates between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024 was announced on Wednesday.

The award organisers said “These 25 books speak meaningfully to the present moment in literary art, and the powerful stories they impart underscore the importance of supporting writers at all stages of their careers. With the release of the longlist, these authors become part of a web of writers whose achievements will be celebrated and recognized at The Center this year—and, we hope, throughout the entirety of their careers.”

The following writers of African descent made the list:

• The Lions’ Den, Iris Mwanza, Published by Harlequin Trade Publishing / Graydon House
• Swift River, Essie Chambers, Published by Simon & Schuster
• They Dream in Gold, Mai Sennaar, Published by Zando / SJP Lit
• God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer, Joseph Earl Thomas, Published by Hachette Book Group / Grand Central Publishing

Responses

SWIFT RIVER has been longlisted for the @Center4Fiction First Novel Prize! This is one of my favorite lists every year- it’s unreal to be on it. It’s an honor to be here with my friend @vanjchan & faves @MorganTalty + @RitaBullwinkel!  😍Congrats to all! Thank you CFF!!!

Essie Chambers

The Lions’ Den has been longlisted for the @Center4Fiction’s First Novel Prize! 📖 So grateful for your support! 💖 #TheLionsDenBook

Iris Mwanza

Thank you for including They Dream in Gold! @Center4Fiction

Mai Sennaar

The First Novel Prize winner will be announced at The Center’s Annual Awards Benefit on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

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