INTRODUCTION 

The ethos of the modern world  is defined by immigrants. Their stories have always been an essential component of our cultural consciousness, from Isaac Bashevis Singer to Isabel Allende, from Milan Kundera to Yiyun Li. In novels, short stories, memoirs, and works of journalism, immigrants have shown us what resilience and dedication we’re capable of, and have expanded our sense of what it means to be global citizens. In these times of intense xenophobia, it is more important than ever that these boundary-crossing stories reach the broadest possible audience.  With that in mind, we are proud to present The Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing. We are looking for extraordinary unpublished submissions from emerging writers of sharp, culture-straddling writing that addresses identity in a global age. Each year, a distinguished panel of judges will select a winning manuscript to be published by Restless Books. We can’t wait to read and share what the new voices of the world have to say.  

—Ilan Stavans, Publisher

SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES AND ELIGIBILITY

The Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing (hereafter referred to as “the Prize”) will now accept unpublished adult fiction and nonfiction submissions each year. Submissions in both genres must be complete. Fiction submissions can take the form of a novel or a book-length collection of short stories or some creative combination of the two. Nonfiction submissions can take the form of narrative nonfiction, memoir, polemic essay, a collection of essays, or some creative combination of these. 

• All manuscripts in fiction and nonfiction must be complete and full-length. All submissions must be in English. 
• Candidates must be first-generation residents of their country. “First-generation” can refer either to people born in another country who relocated, or to residents of a country with parents who were born elsewhere.
• Fiction and nonfiction candidates must not have previously published a book-length work in English in the genre in which they’re applying. This includes self-published work. We encourage applicants to look at the other titles Restless has published and previous contest winners to get a sense of our aesthetic.
• We will accept only one submission per candidate per submission period. Submissions must be under the author’s real name, not under a pseudonym. Agented submissions are welcome.*
• Candidates may not submit the same manuscript for the Prize in subsequent years unless specifically invited to do so by Restless.
• Restless reserves the right to invite writers to submit for the Prize.
• Restless reserves the right to consider any Prize submission for publication.
• The winning manuscript will be published by Restless Books in paperback, electronic, and audio format. Restless Books reserves world (translation) rights.
• By applying, candidates agree to travel at their own expense for festivals or awards in connection with the Prize should they win.
• Submitted manuscripts may be simultaneously under consideration for publication by other publishing houses. Please withdraw the submission immediately if it is accepted elsewhere. Once a manuscript is selected as the winner of the Prize, Restless will ask that the manuscript be withdrawn from consideration elsewhere. A publishing contract between the winning author and Restless Books must be signed before the winner is announced.

* Please note that while Restless Books welcomes all submissions for the Prize, we do not accept unsolicited manuscripts for our regular publishing program.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Candidates are asked to submit the following:

• A CV and one-page cover letter: the letter should address the candidate’s background as a writer, experience as an immigrant, and a succinct paragraph describing the submitted work and the inspiration for it.
• All files must be submitted together in one document. Please include the CV and cover letter as the first pages of your submission.
• The text should be double-spaced, in twelve-point font, with numbered pages. 
• The submission must be uploaded as a PDF. 
• Please adhere to the required word length. All manuscripts must be complete, with a minimum of 45,000 words.
• Restless will accept only electronic submissions by way of our submissions manager. 
• There is a $20 fee to submit a manuscript for consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact us if this presents a hardship for you.

SUBMISSIONS PERIOD

Submissions for the 2025 Prize will be accepted from January 1 through May 31, 2025.

PROCEDURE     

Restless will accept open submissions in addition to soliciting nominations from authors and professionals in the field. The Restless editorial staff will review submissions and recommend a shortlist to the judges, who will select the finalists and winner.