The Heart2World Book Prize
The Heart2World Book Prize is dedicated to discovering and publishing a poetry collection by a Nigerian writer that explores everyday life and universal human experiences. The winner will receive a comprehensive 1-year book publishing and marketing package with expert guidance valued at ₦5,000,000, a ₦250,000 cash prize upfront, and 100% royalties from net sales revenue.
This Prize is Sponsored By
We are very grateful for your generous support of our sponsors. To donate and learn more about our sponsorships, please email H2Wbookprize@gmail.com.
Prize Package & Publishing Details
The Heart2World Book Prize is a comprehensive publishing and promotion deal for 1 winner with a prize package that includes:
₦250,000 cash prize awarded to the winner.
100% royalties on net sales revenue directly from bookstores and e-book platforms.
12 months of editorial, publishing, and structured marketing support, including interviews, book reviews, events, and more, valued at ₦5,000,000.
Printing and distribution of 500 paperback copies and an e-book edition, including bookstore placements in Nigeria.
Timeline
May 25, 2026: Application opens
August 5, 2026: Application closes
August 6 - August 31, 2026: Review of submissions
September 5, 2026: Release of long list
September 10, 2026: Release of short list
September 15, 2026: Winner announcement
Eligibility
Be a Nigerian writer residing in Nigeria
Submit an unpublished poetry manuscript
Individual poems may have been published previously, but not the entire manuscript.
Not have the manuscript under consideration elsewhere
Commit to a 12-month editorial, publishing, and marketing process guided by industry experts
Submit an original collection of poems
AI-generated or plagiarized work will be disqualified (zero tolerance policy)
What We’re Looking For
*Please read our guidelines to understand the type of book we are looking to publish.
We are seeking commercial, accessible poetry—work that invites a wide range of readers into the genre. We especially value collections that:
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We are looking for poetry that celebrates the subtle insights of life’s mundanities across diverse themes, in relatable ways: the ubiquitous, seemingly unimportant moments of everyday life, human experiences, and motivations. We prefer writings that remind us of what humans have in common (no matter how trivial) over contemporary issues or what sets us apart (no matter how urgent).
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We prioritize accessibility over pedantry and adherence to traditional poetry rules and enjoy works that balance depth with readability.
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We are looking for collections that are carefully curated, not randomly assembled, and offer fresh perspectives and originality.
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You may explore Issues 1 & 2 of The Poetry Journal to better understand the kinds of writing styles, themes, accessibility, and emotional resonance we appreciate in the works submitted for this prize; we highly encourage originality rather than imitation.
Important Guidelines
Genre: We are ONLY accepting poetry submissions.
No prose, fiction, or non-poetry submissions are allowed.
Submissions must be written in English.
References to other languages may be included, provided they are accompanied by brief interpretations for clarity.
Submit an entirely original work.
AI-generated or plagiarized work will be disqualified (zero tolerance policy).
All submissions and representations must be made directly by the author of the work.
Upon selection, all editorial, publishing, and promotional engagement will be conducted directly with the author; agents or third parties, and requests for engagement through them, will not be accommodated.
Cash Prize: The ONLY direct cash component of the award paid to the winner is ₦250,000, plus 100% royalties on net sales revenue after publication.
Printing and Marketing Value: The ₦5,000,000 prize value represents the total estimated worth of the publishing and marketing package, including editorial support, book production, printing, marketing, publicity, and distribution.
Publishing and Distribution Rights: Publishing and distribution rights for the winning manuscript will be signed exclusively to Heart2World Publishing for this project. This means Heart2World Publishing will serve as the sole publisher for printing the book in all formats.
Paperback Print Quantity: The prize package covers the printing and distribution of the initial 500 paperback copies ONLY for bookstore distribution and marketing purposes. Once the initial print run is exhausted, the author may choose to continue reprints with Heart2World Publishing at their own expense.
Manuscript Submission Requirements
Format: Microsoft Word document (.doc/.docx)
Font: Times New Roman, 12pt, single-spaced
Page 1: Manuscript Title only
Page 2: Book Summary (250 words max)
Page 3: Author Bio - 100 words (min) - 250 (max) words. Your bio should be brief, factual, and written in the third person. Include relevant details such as your name, educational background (if applicable or relevant), writing experience, publications, awards, or notable achievements. You may also mention your profession or other interests if they relate to your writing. Avoid exaggerated, flattery, or promotional language—keep the tone simple, honest, and informative.
Page 4-5: Table of Contents
Pages 6–55: Add your 30 poems (min) - 35 poems (max), and each poem must have a title.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please ensure you have read through all the prize details and publication guidelines on this page BEFORE you proceed.
Only one submission per writer is allowed.
All submissions are final and can’t be updated, revised, or withdrawn.
All submissions must be made through the form below.
We will NOT accept, acknowledge, or respond to any submissions made via email.