The HS Book Prize

The HS Book Prize is dedicated to discovering and publishing writing that reaches beyond traditional audiences. It is a comprehensive book publishing and marketing deal for 1 winner, executed by Heart2World Publishing and valued at ₦5,000,000.

Cash Prizes include:
₦250,000 cash prize for the winner.
₦100,000 for the first runner-up
₦75,000 for the second runner-up

Eligibility
Eligibility
Guidelines
Guidelines

The Winning Prize

The HS Book Prize is a comprehensive publishing and promotion deal for 1 winner, executed by Heart2World Publishing and valued at ₦5,000,000, including a ₦250,000 cash prize. The prize and publishing package includes:

  • 6 months of editorial, publishing, and marketing support from industry experts.

  • 6 months of structured marketing, book launch campaign, and promotional support, including interviews, book reviews, events, and more.

  • Book production and distribution (500 print copies in the first round and e-book), including bookstore placement. All terms beyond the first print round will be determined in alignment with the project’s performance and mutual agreement.

  • Royalties: The winner will earn 30% royalties on net sales revenue in the first year of publication, paid quarterly. All terms beyond the first year will be reviewed and adjusted based on performance and mutual agreement.

  • Important Note: The ₦5,000,000 prize value represents the total estimated value of the publishing and promotional package, which includes editorial support, book production, marketing, and distribution. The cash component of the award to the winner is ₦250,000 with 30% royalties on net sales revenue in the first year of publication, paid quarterly.

Eligibility

  • Be a Nigerian writer residing in Nigeria

  • Submit an unpublished manuscript

    • Individual poems may have been published previously, but not the entire manuscript.

  • Not have the manuscript under consideration elsewhere

  • Be available to attend the Heart2World 10th anniversary event in person in September 2026

  • 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:

  • 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).

  • We are looking for entertaining and engaging collections. We appreciate humor, irony, and sarcasm. However, we love it best when it’s used like seasoning in food – don’t overdo or force it.

  • We prioritize accessibility over pedantry and adherence to traditional poetry rules and enjoy works that balance depth with readability.

  • We are looking for collections that are carefully curated, not randomly assembled, and offer fresh perspectives and originality.

  • These works offer a sense of the accessibility and voice we appreciate (though we encourage originality, not imitation):

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.

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 (maximum 250 words). 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 or promotional language—keep the tone simple, honest, and informative.

  • Page 4: Table of Contents

  • Pages 5–55: Add your 30 poems (min) - 35 poems (max), and each poem must have a title.

*All submissions must be made through the form below. We will NOT accept, acknowledge, or respond to any submissions made via email.

SUBMIT
SUBMIT

The HS Book Prize is a collaborative prize presented by Heart2World Publishing, Sprinng, and Poetry Journal. Submission information may appear on multiple partner platforms, but applicants only need to submit once.

Our Prize Sponsors

We are very grateful for your generous support of our writers.
To donate and learn more about our sponsorships for the HS Book Prize, please email contact@sprinng.org.