Kazakhstan has officially launched submissions for the nationwide literary competition «Qala Hikayalari» (Urban Stories). The Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan invites authors to submit an unpublished novel exploring life in modern Kazakhstani cities. The Grand Prix award is $100,000.
Applications are open from September 1 to December 31, 2026. Citizens of Kazakhstan are eligible to participate, submitting their manuscripts online via qoljazba.bookfund.kz. The competition stands out not only for its unprecedented prize fund but also for its commitment to publish the winning manuscripts and distribute them across public libraries nationwide.
Key Details of the Competition
«Qala Hikayalari» is a republican competition focused on contemporary urban prose. According to the Ministry of Culture and Information, organizers aim to discover and empower new literary voices capturing modern urban life in Kazakhstan. Core thematic guidelines include urban culture, personal identity within cityscapes, rapid societal shifts, and the synthesis of national heritage with contemporary values.
Submissions are strictly limited to previously unpublished complete novels. The minimum required manuscript length is 10 author’s sheets (approximately 40,000 typographic characters per author’s sheet, totaling roughly 400,000 characters with spaces). Each author may submit only one manuscript.
Eligibility is open to all citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This ensures the contest is accessible not only to established members of writers’ unions but also to emerging debut novelists, provided their manuscripts satisfy the technical parameters.
Prize Structure and Awards
The competition guidelines establish four substantial cash awards: Grand Prix — $100,000, 1st Place — $75,000, 2nd Place — $50,000, and 3rd Place — $30,000. The cumulative prize pool stands at $255,000.
Winners will be evaluated and selected by an independent jury commission comprising prominent literary figures, editors, and cultural leaders. Final decisions will be resolved through open voting.
Beyond monetary prizes, selected works will receive professional editorial support, hardcover publication, and distribution to public and educational library collections across all regions of Kazakhstan.
How to Apply
Submissions opened on September 1 and run until December 31, 2026. The Ministry specifies digital submissions via the official portal qoljazba.bookfund.kz.
This clarifies earlier seasonal notices that referenced physical delivery in Astana; prospective participants should follow the streamlined digital portal instructions. Inquiries can be directed to the Ministry lines at +7 (7172) 74-04-07, +7 (7172) 74-03-84, and +7 (7172) 74-04-08.
Why «Qala Hikayalari» Stands Out
The scale of funding positions «Qala Hikayalari» as a landmark initiative in Central Asian creative industries. A $100,000 Grand Prix rivals major international literary awards. The absence of gatekeeping—such as requiring prior publication track records or guild membership—democratizes entry.
The primary barrier is scope: producing a 400,000-character manuscript demands a complete, mature book. The four-month submission window offers sufficient runway for polishing existing drafts, while demanding intense execution from newly conceived manuscripts.
Key Terms at a Glance
Submission Period: September 1 – December 31, 2026
Eligibility: Citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Accepted Format: Previously unpublished novel in the urban prose genre
Minimum Length: 10 author’s sheets (approx. 400,000 characters with spaces)
Submission Limit: One manuscript per author
Prizes: Grand Prix $100,000; 1st Place $75,000; 2nd Place $50,000; 3rd Place $30,000
Submission Portal: qoljazba.bookfund.kz
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In the RAEM Grants Catalog: «Qala Hikayalari» Novel Contest — complete program rules, judging criteria, application deadlines, and official links.
