The University of King’s College is pleased to announce the creation of the Penguin Random House Canada MFA Prize for the “best nonfiction work written by a student in their graduating year or by an alumnus of the King’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction program.”
Established by Penguin Random House Canada in partnership with Westwood Creative Artists literary agency, the prize — $2,500 plus an offer by Westwood to represent the author — celebrates excellence in creative nonfiction.
“We are delighted to have the support of Penguin Random House Canada in funding this prize, and Penguin Random House and Westwood Creative Artists for providing such a significant career-boosting opportunity for King’s MFA students and alumni,” said Kim Pittaway, the Executive Director of the King’s MFA Program.
Diane Turbide, publishing director at Penguin Canada, at the announcement of Penguin Random House Canada MFA Prize for the King’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction.
Diane Turbide, the publishing director at Penguin Canada, said, “The King’s MFA program in Creative Nonfiction program has been a remarkable success. It offers great mentorship for writers, sound advice on the publishing landscape, and a place to explore and complete a writing project. We have bought and published several books from its graduates, as have other publishers. We’re delighted to sponsor this prize as a measure of our confidence in the program and our belief in the power of nonfiction. We hope it will encourage students and prospective students.”
Hilary McMahon, executive vice president of Westwood Creative Artists, concurred. “Nonfiction is essential in sharing ideas and perspectives, provoking debate and change, and providing diversion and entertainment. The King’s MFA program provides unrivalled support in developing compelling nonfiction projects and guiding writers as they find their voice. Westwood Creative Artists is always looking for new talent and fresh ideas, and is proud to have secured publishing contracts for numerous King’s students and graduates.”
Applicants should submit a proposal for a work of nonfiction (maximum of 50 pages, including sample chapters) to the Penguin Random House MFA Prize, c/o Kim Pittaway, before February 28.
A jury, consisting of a Penguin Random House Canada nonfiction editor, a representative from the King’s School of Journalism or a published MFA graduate, and an agent from Westwood Creative Artists, will select the winner. The prize will be awarded in May each year.
Penguin Random House Canada is the Canadian division of Penguin Random House, the largest trade book publisher in the world.
Westwood Creative Artists, based in Toronto, is one Canada’s most respected literary agencies, handling international literary, film, television and stage adaptation rights for its literary clients.
King’s MFA Executive Director Kim Pittaway announces the new prize for “best nonfiction work written by a student in their graduating year or by an alumnus of the King’s Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction program.”
“King’s MFA in creative non-fiction is a one-of-a-kind program in Canada and we’re so proud it’s a place where people come to be mentored, supported and taught how to bring their aspirations of writing a book to fruition,” said King’s President William Lahey. “The fact that we can offer this scholarship with such esteemed publishing partners as Penguin Random House and Westwood Creative Artists is a credit to the MFA faculty and students. I’m excited to read the books that will result.”
For more information about — or to apply to — the King’s MFA program, visit our website or contact MFA Executive Director Kim Pittaway. Applications for the 2019-20 academic year are now open.
