The award is an annual publishing cycle that officially begins this year (2021 cycle). This is the third cycle for Kutopia after two unofficial cycles. The publishing house provides financial returns for the various award categories, in addition to publishing all shortlisted works. Entries are accepted from April 1st to June 30th – a three-month period – and a specialized, confidential working team and committee will oversee the selection and acceptance of works according to an appropriate mechanism similar to international competitions and awards... Results announced: Longlists announced on August 15th Shortlists announced on September 6th Winners announced on September 15th Cash prizes (EGP 15,000) have been allocated. The total prizes for the competition will be awarded to five winners according to the distribution mentioned below, starting this year, for the following reasons: - Supporting writers – especially young people – and encouraging them to participate. - Establishing Kutopia's role and position as a leading and distinguished publishing house.
Novel Category: After screening and reading, 12 works will be selected as a longlist, which will then be narrowed down to a shortlist of 6 works, with 3 winning works - the entire shortlist will be published. The three winning works will receive a cash prize: 1st place: 5,000 Egyptian pounds, 2nd place: 3,000 Egyptian pounds, and 3rd place: 2,000 Egyptian pounds. Critical Studies and Historical Research Category: This category is a cornerstone and distinguishes the award, as it is the first among publishing houses. It also provides an opportunity for academics from university professors to present their works. A longlist of only 5 works will be announced, and three winning works will be selected as a shortlist. The first place winner will receive 3,000 Egyptian pounds, and all three works will be published. In the Short Story Collections and Thoughts Category: A longlist of 4 works will be announced, and only two shortlisted works will be published. The first place winner will receive 2,000 Egyptian pounds.
The following conditions must be met: - All submitted works must be previously unpublished. - All submitted works must be submitted exclusively for the Kutobia Award. - All submitted works must be in Arabic, not translated from any other language, and must be the author's own original work. - There are no specific age or nationality requirements for applicants. Works will be selected based on the best literary and intellectual merit in terms of concept, content, writing style, narrative style, and overall message.