Our 2022 Shortlist!
We are pleased to announce the shortlisted titles for the 2022 Republic of Consciousness Prize, United States and Canada, based upon submissions received from eligible small publishers of literary fiction.
Blood Red by Gabriela Ponce, translated from the Spanish by Sarah Booker. Restless Books.
God’s Children Are Little Broken Things: Stories by Arinze Ifeakandu. A Public Space Books.
A New Name, Septology VI-VII by Jon Fosse, translated from the Norwegian by Damion Searls. Transit Books.
Pollak’s Arm by Hans von Trotha, translated from the German by Elisabeth Lauffer. New Vessel Press.
The Sleeping Car Porter by Suzette Mayr. Coach House Books.
The aim of the prize is to support small presses for their on-going commitment to work of high literary merit. Most often it is the small publishers who take the largest creative and financial risks and yet, in a purely financial sense, they are least able to do so.
“The quality of submissions for this, our inaugural year, was extraordinary. It says much about the novelty and creative range of small press literary fiction that we can highlight these superb, longlisted titles.” Prize Director and co-owner, Interabang Books, Lori Feathers
"What an honor to be on the inaugural Republic of Consciousness Prize committee. Celebrating small presses in this fashion will shine a much-needed spotlight, and I for one am excited to see this award gain followers in the coming years." Judge and co-owner, Exile in Bookville, Javier Ramirez
“This has been a joy. The small press landscape in the US and Canada is as rich as the UK’s. There are more than a few books here I will be lobbying to win. You know the field is strong when you find yourself arguing with yourself.” Judge and Founder of the UK Republic of Consciousness Prize, Neil Griffiths
"Small presses are a vital part of our literary ecosystem, and I'm delighted to play a part in the inaugural Republic of Consciousness Prize, an endeavor that will bring well-deserved exposure and support to the work of these fine presses in the United States and Canada. Reading this year's submissions, I've been extremely impressed by the artistry, energy, and often mind-blowing creativity of the authors put forward by their respective presses. Serving as a judge for this year's prize has been a complete pleasure and privilege." Judge and award-winning author, Ben Fountain
The prize fund for the 2022 awards is $35,000, of which $20,000 will be distributed equally among the ten presses on the longlist. The remaining $15,000 will be split equally among the five titles on shortlist: 50% to the press, 50% to the author, or where applicable 1/3 each to the press, author and translator. The winner gets bragging rights.
For more information about the prize, see our website: www.republicofconsciousnessprize-usa.com
Follow us on Twitter: @USRofC
To donate, go to: www.republicofconsciousnessprize-usa.com/donate