Five Big National Prizes for Writing in Canada
The CBC, the CAA, the Giller, the Griffin and the GG.
Jul 9, 2008
Writing is often a solitary occupation, undertaken in silence with few accolades. Yet after a book of poems, a story, a play or a novel is completed, entering competitions can be one of the rewards for one's creative struggles. Prizes bring financial incentives, publicity and other kinds of support for a writer to fulfill her visions. Winning or losing doesn't necessarily reflect the quality of the writing, so it's always fun to enter, or get one's publisher to submit, to literary awards.
The CBC/Air Canada Literary Awards
This contest is offered annually for literary works in both English and French in the genres of short story, poetry and creative non-fiction. This is not a prize for a book-length work, but for one story, essay or, in the case of poetry, a linked sequence of no more than 20 pages. Individuals can submit to this contest. Short-lists are announced first, followed by the six winners, each of whom receive 10 000 dollars.
The winning entries are also published in Air Canada's En Route magazine. Each winner is additionally interviewed on the CBC. This contest is a great way to get one's name out!
The CAA or Canadian Authors' Association Award
The CAA is a venerable association in Canadian history. Each year, the organization offers prizes of between 1000 and 2500 to book-length projects published by Canadian citizens or immigrants. These works can be historical, fictional or poetic. Along with the cash prize, winners also receive a silver medal.
The author or his publisher can submit to this award. The monetary amount may be smaller than the other contests, but the literary value of the prize is a commendable one.
The Giller/Scotiabank Award
This prize is solely for fiction writers. Given out each year by the Giller foundation, formed in 1994 to honour the esteemed journalist Doris Giller, this award is worth 40 000 for the winner and 2500 to each of the four finalists. In 2005, the Gillers obtained corporate sponsorship to increase the monetary value of the prize.
Those who win the Giller receive an excessive amount of publicity and world-wide recognition. Only publishers can submit texts for consideration.
The Griffin Prize
This prize, conversely, is solely for poets. It is the largest award in Canada. Each of the two finalists receive 50 000 dollars. One prize goes to a Canadian poet, the other to an international one. The award was established in 2000 by Scott Griffin and a host of Canadian authors, including Michael Ondaatje and Margaret Atwood.
Only publishers can enter books to this award. Shortlisted and winning authors are promoted through the media and evenings of performances.
The Governor General's Award
Canada's oldest and most widely recognized award, the GG is given out each year to authors writing in multiple genres, including translation and children's literature. There are 14 winners, each of whom receive 25 000, a fee that has risen from 10 000 since 1999. Commencing in 1937, the GG is a respectable way to see greater promotion of one's book.
Publishers are gifted with 3000 for distribution and advertising and even non-winners are reimbursed for their efforts. Winners additionally receive a hardbound copy of their winning text. Only publishers can submit volumes to this prestigious prize.
