The Caine Prize Online Editing Programme

As part of its landmark 25th anniversary celebrations, the Caine Prize for African Writing is pleased to announce the return of its Online Editing Programme. In celebration of its silver anniversary, the Prize will be doubling the number of emerging writers to be mentored and opening the application process to the public, offering broader access to this opportunity for emerging African writers across the African continent and diaspora. Applications open on Monday, 30th June, and will remain open for just one month, closing on Monday, 28th July 2025.

The Online Editing Programme is a tailored, 12-week initiative focusing on fiction writing. It provides structured support to selected emerging African writers through one-to-one guidance, group workshops and verbal and written feedback enabling writers to develop new short stories from first or early drafts to publishable standard. In addition to developmental and line editing support, participants gain valuable industry insight and have the opportunity to build a strong network of fellow African writers through interactive Q&A sessions and masterclasses led by some of the most influential voices in contemporary literature.

The programme will be led by Vimbai Shire, an editor, skills trainer, mentor, and publishing consultant with over 25 years’ experience in publishing and the creative arts. She is the founder and director of Beyond White Space, a publishing services company providing training, editorial expertise and support to publishers, businesses, institutions, and authors. Vimbai has edited fiction and non-fiction for both emerging and established authors, including Leila Aboulela, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi and Moses McKenzie, and has worked with over 20 publishing clients, including Bloomsbury, Canongate, HarperCollins, and Penguin Random House.

This opportunity is specifically for African writers working on short stories. To be eligible, applicants must meet all the following criteria:

• Be 18 years or older at the time of submission.
• Be an African writer – this is taken to mean someone who was born in Africa, or who is a national of an African country, or who has a parent who is African by birth or nationality.
• Have not published a full-length book (fiction or non-fiction) or short story collection.
• Have not won or been shortlisted for any national, regional, or international literary award.
• Have at least two short stories published in established print or online outlets. Self-published work does not qualify.

To apply, writers must submit:

• A story summary (no more than 300 words) outlining the short story they wish to develop; and
• A brief bio (no more than 150 words) that highlights relevant writing experience.
• At least two proofs of publication.
• Each applicant may submit only one entry. Multiple entries from the same writer will lead to disqualification.

If you have any questions regarding eligibility or the submission process, feel free to contact them at info@caineprize.com.

Click here for more information.