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- 60–90 days
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Open now
No closing date listed
JAY Lit publishes literature written by, about, and/or for born-in-Africa youths. Our definition of ‘African’ is not related to colour, race or ethnicity, but rather place of origin and heritage. The youth age category is from 15 to 35 years. We publish literature written by Africans in this age category and by other older individuals who are writing with African youths in mind, whether the writers are resident on the continent or in the diaspora.
Submit only work that fits the stated focus, include a concise cover note with a short biography, and confirm deadlines and submission method directly with the organization before sending.
How to sendWith the world’s youngest population and their outstanding exploits over the decades, it is imperative to have a dedicated platform to showcase and celebrate these talented youths.
That's who we are, publishing work by young Africans and older individuals who are writing with African youths in mind, whether the writers are resident on the continent or in the diaspora. We're open twice a year.
301 pieces from JAY Lit’s site
Masthead
Adetu Yinka
Book Reviewer
Aishat Adesanya
Peer Reviewer
Aminat Adesanya
Business Development
Amuda Abbas Oluwadamilola
Book Reviewer
Anna S. Manyanza
Peer Reviewer
Prizes and nominations
Pacella Chukwuma-Eke, “Post Apocalypse”
Winner · 2025/2026 Bash Amuneni Prize for Performance Poetry · 2025
Anita Nwokoji
Finalist · 2025/2026 Bash Amuneni Prize for Performance Poetry · 2025
Obinna Melody
Finalist · 2025/2026 Bash Amuneni Prize for Performance Poetry · 2025
Read from JAY Lit’s site:/masthead (opens in a new tab)/pacella-chukwuma-eke-wins-the-2025-2026-bash-amuneni-prize-for-performance-poetry (opens in a new tab)
- Adebayo IbraheemSpills, 2026
- Adelehin Ijasan[Featured Post] Introducing A Dying Giant in the Palm of Your Hand: A Novel, 2026
- Ahmad Mubarak Tanimu[Featured Post] Pioneers of a New Frontier: A Decade of Poetic Wednesdays’s Literary Renaissance in Northern Nigeria, 2026
- Anjola KazeemThe Lagos Lagoon, 2026
- Ayo DeforgeThe Orphan, 2026
- C. Anre John‘Untitled’, 2026
- Chidera EchedomBefore Every Rain was Drought, 2026
- Chidera Udochukwu-NdukaChildren of Dust and Puddles, 2026
- Chukwuemeka FamousRecipe for Dissidence: A Review of Ifésinàchi Nwàdiké’s How We Became Heroes, 2026
- Cynthia Nnenna NnadiSalvation Street, 2026
- Daniel Naawenkangua AbukuriHow to Love Like a Child, 2026
- Douglas HajanikaThe Reeds of Kalwanyemba, 2026
Guides to read before you apply
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