Algerian Radio
Applications for the third edition of the "Kitabi El Awal" (My First Book) Prize, dedicated to young authors under the age of 35, as part of the 29th Algiers International Book Fair (SILA), scheduled from October 28 to November 7 in Algiers, are open until August 5, the Fair's organizing committee announced in a statement on Monday.
Open to any author of Algerian nationality, Algerian publishers established in Algeria, and self-published works holding an ISBN legally issued by the National Library of Algeria, the prize rewards debut novels written in Arabic, Tamazight, or one of two foreign languages (English/French), and published in 2026, the organizers specify.
The candidate must send or drop off five (5) physical copies of their published book at the headquarters of the Algiers International Book Fair Organizing Committee at the National Enterprise of Graphic Arts (ENAG) in Reghaïa, Algiers. Additionally, an electronic copy of the book must be sent to the email address: kitabi1@sila.dz.
A jury composed of recognized personalities from the cultural, literary, and academic worlds, chosen for their competence and experience, will evaluate the submitted works and select the winners according to the artistic and literary criteria established for this prize, according to the statement.
The winners of this prize will be honored during the 29th SILA, the organizers specify, emphasizing that this distinction aims primarily to "promote new literary talents while celebrating cultural richness and national identity."
