Entries Close March 31st: Young Muslim Writers Awards 2013

Deadline: 31 March 2013

The Young Muslim Writers Awards is back, and we're looking for young people who love to write! We are proud to announce the 2013 Awards are presented by the Yusuf Islam Foundation, an umbrella organisation which operates in the field of education, community development and philanthropy.

Whether it's writing a short story or penning a poem that you enjoy, submit your work to the competition.

As always shortlisted entries will be assessed by panels of esteemed judges, and the shortlisted entrants will be invited to a high-profile televised Awards ceremony scheduled for July 2013 in London.

The Young Muslim Writers Awards 2013 is calling submissions from under 16 writers for the following categories:

• Short Story Key Stage 1
• Short Story Key Stage 2
• Short Story Key Stage 3
• Short Story Key Stage 4
• Poetry Key Stage 1
• Poetry Key Stage 2
• Poetry Key Stage 3
• Poetry Key Stage 4

To submit work please click here, where you will be taken to our online submissions manager. Email submissions will not be accepted.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:

• All submissions must be in the English language.
• All entrants must be original and the authors own unaided work.
• All submission should be typed, in a Word document format, double spaced, and in size 12 Times New Roman or Arial fonts with numbered pages.
• Entrants can only submit one entry for the 'Short Story' category, and up to three poems in the 'Poetry' category.
• The name of the author must not appear anywhere on the document.
• Once received, entries cannot be subsequently amended.
• Submissions will not be accepted after midnight on 31at March 2013.
• The decisions of the judging panel are final and binding, and Muslim Writers Awards will not enter into correspondence or negotiation about the results.
• Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony which is scheduled to be held in May 2013. More details will be available closer to the time.
• Details of winners will be made available on the Muslim Writers Awards website after the Awards ceremony.
• Each winner will agree to take part in publicity for the promotion of the Awards which will include ‐ but is not restricted to‐ his/her name and photograph being used. Writers will not receive payment for this.
• Winning entries may be published in the Muslim Writers Awards Anthology. Winners will retain the copyright to their work but grant Muslim Writers Awards the right to publish their work in the anthology and excerpts on the Muslim Writers Awards website.
• Submissions must not infringe any copyright or contain defamatory or otherwise unlawful matter.
• All entrants agree to have their email address added to the MWA mailing list.
• The submission of an entry will be deemed to imply the unqualified acceptance of these conditions of entry.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries: mail@muslimwritersawards.org.uk

For submissions: via Submittable

Website: http://muslimwritersawards.org.uk/

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Call for Entries: The Waheed Samy Award for Excellence in Arabic Writing ($1,000 top prize | worldwide)

Deadline: 20 April 2013

The American University in Cairo (AUC) and the Center for Arabic Study Abroad (CASA) are happy to announce the launch of The Waheed Samy Award for Excellence in Arabic Writing for advanced learners of Arabic.

This award is established in honor of Dr. Waheed Samy who was member of the Arabic faculty at the University of Michigan, the CASA program, and the Arabic Language Institute at AUC. During his teaching tenure at these institutions, Dr. Samy placed much focus on teaching writing and authored Arabic Writing for Style: al-Kitaba wa-l-uslub (1999) as a resource for prospective writers of Arabic. Dr. Samy passed away unexpectedly in February 2012 causing the field of Arabic to lose a teacher of great talents and remarkable commitment and devotion. It is our hope that this award will help commemorate Dr. Samy’s memory and enhance the position of writing as a main ingredient of Arabic learning.

The award will be presented annually to a student of Arabic as a Foreign/Second Language who has distinguished herself/himself in the area of writing. Competition for the award will be open to students in Arabic programs in the US and abroad. Recipient of the award will receive $1,000 dollars and a commemorative plaque in recognition of their outstanding achievement in Arabic writing.

We invite all students of Arabic at the higher levels of proficiency to apply and we call upon teachers of Arabic worldwide to encourage their students to apply.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicant must be enrolled in a regular academic program or an Arabic language program.
• Applicant must possess a minimum of Advanced-High (2+) proficiency or higher.
• Applicant needs to submit 3 representative samples of their writing. Each sample needs to be between 400 and 2500 words. Essays in different genres of writing (narrative, expository, persuasive, etc.) are highly encouraged to demonstrate breadth of writing abilities.
• Applicant will be required to sit for a proctored writing activity in which s/he will be asked to choose one of two topics and write about it. The writing activity will last about 2.5 hours and will be held at the applicant's home institution May 3rd, 2013.
• A letter of endoresment from an Arabic teacher familiar with the student's writing needs to be sent to the committee using the using the following email address: w.samy.writing.contest@gmail.com

APPLY:

To apply to the contest, download the attached application form (below), complete and send to the following email address: w.samy.writing.contest@gmail.com

Please send your zip portfolio and teacher endorsement to same above email address with "writing portfolio of ( name here) in subject blank area.

• An Application form is attached to this page (below).
• Applicants can download the application form, fill them out and then send them to the w.samy.writing.contest@gmail.com .
• A letter of endorsement from an Arabic teacher familiar with the student’s writing needs to be sent to the committee using the e-mail indicated above.
• Deadline for submitting applications and writing samples is April 20, 2013
• Sit in writing activity (to be held at the applicant's home institution) is May 3, 2013
• Award winner will be announced by June 30, 2013
• Award will be presented in October 2013 at the MESA conference in New Orleans.

Download: application form

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries: Dr. Mahmoud Al-Batal at albatal@austin.utexas.edu

For submissions: w.samy.writing.contest@gmail.com

Website: https://sites.google.com/a/aucegypt.edu/arabic-writing-contest/

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Call for Submissions for an Edited Collection of Essays: Islam and Postcolonial Literature

Deadline: 1 May 2013


Religion has long been a marginal topic in postcolonial studies. Robert Young has observed, “an absolute division between the material and the spiritual operates within postcolonial studies, emphasizing the degree to which the field is distinguished by an unmediated secularism, opposed to and consistently excluding the religious that have taken on the political identity of providing alternative value-systems to those of the west.” In particular, Islam, outside the fundamentalist or extremist expressions, has been absent from critical conversations. Far too often in postcolonial scholarship—and indeed, in literary studies generally— Islam is identified as simply a form of oppression or as a vehicle for political manipulation.

A tendency within postcolonial scholarship to link Islam with terrorism, and an overwhelming focus on radical manifestations of the faith, has led to a complete disregard for moderate positions within that faith community. Such critical formulations are obviously counter-productive: the absence of a range of Islamic subjectivities within postcolonial scholarship has created a void where misinterpretations and hostilities thrive, and where faith becomes synonymous with violence. This lack of discussion persists even as Muslim immigration to the West continues to increase and as Islam becomes an ever-more central part of modern Western life and culture.

With this in mind, we seek submissions which explore various depictions of Islam and Muslim identity in postcolonial literature. The possible topics include but are not limited to the study of

• the formation of Muslim diasporic communities in the West and the notion of resistance and integration
• the relationship between Islam and other religions in the West
• the differentiation between cultural and theological practices as well s local and transnational formations of Islam
• the identification of a range of Muslim subject positions—be they secular, moderate, fundamentalist, or extremist
• the impact of 9/11 and 7/7 in and on literary narratives
• gender ideology and female agency in Islam (including contested symbols such as the veil)
• sacred spaces and their influence on cultural practices
• teligions’ challenge to hybridity
• secularism within the Islamic context
• the role of the ummah (the Islamic community) within the national/transnational space
• Islamic minorities in the West and the notion of the Muslim subaltern
• Islamophobia

This collection does not intend to intensify or indeed even enter into the sensationalistic debate about Muslim “allegiances.” Nor does it aim to treat the Muslim subject as an uncomplicated, uniform entity. Rather, it aims to understand the impediments to the integration of the Muslim “Other” in the current cultural/political climate and analyze the way literature responds to such apprehensions through an empathetic lens.

The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2013. Please send abstracts (500 words maximim) and a short CV both to Esra Mirze Santesso (santesso@uga.edu) and James McClung (jmcclung@uga.edu).

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: santesso@uga.edu, jmcclung@uga.edu

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Call for Papers: Arabic in Context (congress at Leiden University, Netherlands)

Deadline: 15 August 2013

The year 2013 marks the 400th anniversary of Leiden’s chair in Arabic Language and Culture. To celebrate this memorable event, the Leiden Institute for Area Studies and the Leiden University Centre for Linguistics will convene a congress that will bring together Arabicists, Semiticists, historians, and epigraphists to discuss original research on the pre- and early history of Arabic.

The papers presented at this congress will be published in a volume commemorating this important anniversary. It is hoped that the 400th year of Arabic at Leiden will mark an important contribution to our understanding of Arabic in its earliest stages.

PROGRAM: Professor John Huehnergard (University of Texas, Austin) will deliver the keynote address entitled “Arabic in its Semitic Context.” The rest of the congress details will be available (also via this website) late September 2013.

SUBMISSIONS & TIMELINE:

• Submissions on all topics dealing with the relationship between Arabic and other the Semitic and Afro-Asiatic languages are welcome. We especially encourage interdisciplinary approaches that combine the fields of linguistics/philology and history to shed light on problems such as the distribution of Arabic epigraphy, the development of the Arabic script, the language of the Qur’an, and the linguistic geography of pre-Islamic Arabic. These topics should only be considered as general guidelines and are not exhaustive. Any paper dealing with Arabic in its historical and linguistic context will be considered.
• We welcome abstracts for papers (not exceeding 2 pages) before 15th August 2013. Please do not forget to mention your institutional affiliation.
• Successful applicants will be informed early September 2013.
• Participants must register in order to take part in the conference. The registration fee is Euro 50. Meals and drinks will be provided for on both congress days.
• Details on how to register will be on available on this website soon.

Please submit your abstracts (or questions) to the congress convener, Dr. Ahmad Al-Jallad.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: a.m.al-jallad@hum.leidenuniv.nl

Website: http://400yearsarabic.weebly.com

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Call for Applications from Arab Journalists: Goethe-Institut's Cultural Journalism Training Course in Germany

Deadline: 15 May 2013

In autumn 2013 the Goethe-Institut is offering a two-month advanced training course in Germany for cultural journalists from the Arab world. A four-week seminar phase in Berlin and Munich is followed by individual internships at institutions in all of Germany.

The aim of the programme is to enhance the professional skills of Arab cultural journalists, to set up a self-supporting Arab network between the journalists and their organizations, and to promote the dialogue between German and Arab institutions.

CULTURAL JOURNALISTS

• Training: September 2 to 27, 2013 in Berlin and Munich
• Internships: September 30 to October 11 or 15, 2013
• (2-4 weeks individually) nationwide

PARTICIPANTS:

• Independent journalists from the fields of print, online, radio, or television with initial experience in cultural reporting
• Age: between 25 and 40 years
• Verifiably at least three years of professional experience
• Verifiably good English skills

From the following countries: Egypt, Algeria, Iraq, Yemen, Gulf States, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia.

SEQUENCE:

• Application deadline: May 15, 2013 at the Goethe-Institutes in the countries named above
• September 2013: Advanced training in cultural journalism
• (4 weeks, trainer: Patricia Corniciuc, Andreas Unger)
• October 2013: Internship at German media institutions
• (2-4 weeks)
• Followed by: Awarding of certificates
• 2014: Follow-up meeting

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries: Dr Jörg Schumacher, Institute Director Ramallah, at director@ramallah.goethe.org

For submissions: applications should be made at the Goethe-Institutes in the countries named above

Website: http://www.goethe.de/

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Call for Submissions: Special Issue of Arab Studies Journal

Deadline: 30 April 2013

Arab Studies Journal invites submissions analyzing contemporary and historical forms of popular cultural resistance on the topic of “Cultures of Resistance: The Case of Palestine and Beyond.” Papers should be between 6,500 and 10,000 words, double-spaced, including endnotes.

Mainstream literature on the Arab world has largely focused on formal politics and classic notions of civil society (such as high-level diplomacy, political parties, electoral systems, voting patterns, trade unions, and NGOs.). Scant attention has been devoted to the ways in which cultural production can function as crucial site of political expression, as well as for (re-)thinking identity formations, nationalisms, forms of power, and resistance. The central role that street art, music, forms of dressing and sartorial practices, religious and secular rituals, and popular songs have played in forging new political subjectivities and new political cultures during the recent uprisings in the Middle East indicates the extent to which such research into cultural forms of ‘doing politics’ is timely and needed.

The case of Palestine takes center stage as a paradigm of contemporary forms of settler colonialism, and, historically, as a lively laboratory for different and changing cultures of resistance. Here at stake is the relation between resistance and cultural production in a context of ongoing occupation and simultaneously, of normalization. Resistance, as expressed in cultural production, has historically centered predominantly against Israeli occupation, but more recently it also increasingly targets different internal actors who are seen to be complicit in normalizing the occupation, such as the Palestinian Authority and other political elites. By looking at the “aesthetics” of politics, power and resistance, we would like to investigate whether and how cultural productions can spur the emergence of new political subjects and projects that can function as counter-publics, alternative and/or in opposition to hegemonic discourses, and what kinds of gender and generational shifts are under way in these processes. We also welcome analyses of other contexts within the Middle East and comparative studies elsewhere that are similarly characterized by occupation, conflict, resistance, revolutions, and uprisings.

Particular questions that this special issue will address include:

Are contemporary forms of art, cinema, literature, music, humor, or other forms of cultural production contributing to the emergence of new political projects, subjectivities, and expressions in Palestine and beyond? How do they compare to past forms of cultural resistance? Which lines do they continue, with which do they break? How does the Palestinian case compare to cultures of resistance in other contexts? For example, what new insights can the study of cultural productions provide on the political dynamics of the recent uprisings in the Arab world? How do notions of resistance, dissent, and solidarity circulate locally, regionally, and globally? Who are the agents (artists, producers, audiences, etc.) of cultures of resistance, and within which structures do they operate? More specifically, how, why, and by whom can political messages of dissent and resistance become appropriated, co-opted, and commodified?

Articles should be submitted to editor@arabstudiesjournal.org by 30 April 2013. Please follow the Journal’s submission guidelines. If you would like to discuss your article before submission, please contact the special issue editors, Ruba Salih, ruba.salih@soas.ac.uk and Sophie Richter-Devroe, s.richter-devroe@exeter.ac.uk.

Link: submission guidelines

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries: contact the special issue editors - Ruba Salih, ruba.salih@soas.ac.uk and Sophie Richter-Devroe, s.richter-devroe@exeter.ac.uk.

For submissions: editor@arabstudiesjournal.org

Website: http://www.arabstudiesjournal.org

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Call for Submissions from Muslims around the Globe: UmmahSpeaks

UmmahSpeaks is an online magazine that unites the different voices of Muslims around the globe. The intention is to create a shared platform of people who want their voices to be heard on different issues, aspects such as historical, political, inspirational and also in literary perspectives.

Do you want to share what you feel, what you see, what you aspire with rest of us? If you want to make your voice heard – send in your contributions to editor@ummahspeaks.com. Please note that all work submitted must be your own.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: editor@ummahspeaks.com

Website: http://ummahspeaks.com

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Call for Entries: Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press (€10,000 top prize | North Africa)

Deadline: 5 April 2013

Through the "Samir Kassir Award for the Freedom of the Press" the European Union recognizes outstanding journalists who report on violations and violence, injustice and suffering, corruption and mismanagement, humanitarian and natural disasters, sometimes at the price of taking great personal risks in doing so.

The EU wishes to promote examples of how journalism could be a seed for positive change, inspiration for development, and the engine for democracy, human rights and rule of law. The EU is committed to promoting these universal values across the world and recognizes the important role that the media plays in giving a voice to all.

Sometimes images can speak louder than words. This is why the 8th edition of the "Samir Kassir Award for the Press" sees for the first time the introduction of a new category, the Best Audiovisual Report. Images now come instantly, from all sides and all sources; their potential to influence thought and action has never been so great.

The Award is a tribute to Samir Kassir's battle for free press and free speech. His personality and accomplishments continue to inspire journalists to be courageous and professional in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.

REGULATIONS:

The contest is open to all journalists working in or for written (daily, weekly, monthly print or online) press, or audiovisual (TV stations, production houses, and online TV networks). The award is open to nationals of the following countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Candidates must submit an opinion article, an investigative article, or an audiovisual report centered around one or more of the following topics: rule of law, human rights, good governance, fight against corruption, freedom of expression, democratic development, or citizen participation.

The articles must have been published in a print or online media outlet in one of the countries listed above or in one of the European Union Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Netherlands, and United Kingdom). Submitted articles must not exceed 25,000 characters and must have been published between March 15, 2012 and March 15, 2013.

Audiovisual reports must have been aired on a local or satellite television network or released on an online television network in one of the countries listed above or in one of the European Union Member States. The report must not exceed 20 minutes and must have been released between March 15, 2012 and March 15, 2013.

Candidates can only compete in one category. Candidates for the opinion article and investigative article categories can only apply on an individual basis. Candidates for the audiovisual report category must either be the report's director or the producer and may apply on an individual basis or jointly (director and producer).

The winner in each of the three categories will be awarded €10 000.

The European Union holds the right to reproduce and publish the awarded articles and air the awarded audiovisual report in its own non-commercial publications and websites as well as in any other print or online publications related to the Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press.

The selection will be done by a jury composed of journalists and media professionals coming from EU Member States and the participating countries listed above.

Members of the jury, staff of the European Union, and staff and members of the Samir Kassir Foundation are excluded from the contest.

APPLICATION FILE:

Each candidate is to submit a file containing the following information:

• The completed and signed registration form, to download.
• The entire published article in its original form as well as a copy translated into English.
• A proof of publication (Original copy or photocopy of the published article, or a letter proving the authenticity of the publication, signed by the person in charge of the publication or his/her representative)
• A resume
• Three awards will be granted for:
• Best opinion article
• Best investigative article
• Best audiovisual reporting

Completed applications with all submission materials must be sent by April 5, 2013 at the latest:

• By email (in Word or PDF format for articles or WMV or MP4 format for videos) to the following address: coordination@prixsamirkassir.org
• By uploading the article (in Word or PDF format) or the video (in WMV or MP4 format) on the website: www.samirkassiraward.org
• By postal mail (in hard copy or CD-ROM or DVD) in an envelope addressed as follows: "Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press" followed by "opinion article category," "investigative reporting category," or "audiovisual category" - Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon 490 Harbor Drive Building Charles Helou Avenue, Saifi, Beirut P.O.Box 11-4008, Riad El-Solh, Lebanon

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: coordination@prixsamirkassir.org

Website: http://prixsamirkassir.org/

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International Hiring: Arabic Global Web Editor for The World Bank

Deadline: 13 March 2013

The World Bank’s online channels inform the world about who we are and what we do; they raise awareness of development issues and share development knowledge with our clients. To reach a global audience in a manner that ensures transparency in its policies, programs, and projects, the Bank provides corporate information in six of its core languages – Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

The Online Communications Team within the External Affairs Vice-Presidency Corporate Communications (EXTCC) Unit is responsible for improving the quality and presentation of information on the site, as well as for expanding its reach and relevance across the globe.

The Team is searching for an Online Editor to lead the strategy, development, and outreach activities on the Bank’s Arabic content http://www.albankaldawli.org/. With some 50 million Internet users whose primary language is Arabic, and with a growing participation in national and international affairs among Arabic speakers, the Bank’s ability to reach out to this rapidly growing online audience is vital to its development goals.

JOB TITLE: Online Communications Officer (Arabic Global Web Editor)

• Location: Washington, DC
• Recruitment Type: International Hire
• Language Requirement: Arabic [Essential]; English [Essential]

 
The position, which reports to the Head of Online and Social Media, will play strong coordination and project management roles, overseeing and participating in the planning, preparation, monitoring and management of Arabic content across the site as well as on social platforms at the corporate level.

Note: If the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment. All others will be offered a 2 year term appointment.

DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Oversee the Bank’s Arabic web presence and manage the Bank’s corporate Arabic online presence, including identifying, developing and publishing relevant content for Arabic-speaking audiences.

• Developing and executing online content strategies in consultation with the Head of Online and Social Media, media and broadcast teams, and online communications staff from across the Bank.
• Aligning the institution’s online approach with corporate messaging and priorities and developing content in response to breaking news.
• Prepare and maintain a web editorial calendar for corporate Arabic coverage in coordination with regional, country, and corporate communications staff.
• Ensure the quality of original content and translations on the Arabic corporate site and online channels.
• Work closely with other Team editors to tailor and localize homepage features and other key corporate content to meet the interests of Arabic-speaking audiences.
• Work with the Broadcast and Multimedia Team to select, sub-title, and localize multimedia content to meet the interests of Arabic-speaking audiences.
• Identify and implement improvements to accessibility of Arabic content on the site.
• Manage the Bank's Corporate social media in Arabic. Lead and advise others in the use and management of social media in Arabic.
• Develop and lead the implementation of online campaigns at the corporate level to target and engage Arabic-speaking audiences, and measure success in achieving goals.
• Ensure the overall accuracy, consistency and quality of content on Arabic corporate sites and channels.
• Establish key performance indicators and review web metrics reports; share results and recommendations with corporate and regional management and staff.

Liaise and maintain relationships with regional and country offices and other Bank units regarding online Arabic language products.

• Provide guidance, training and assistance to other Bank units on developing online editorial strategies and websites in Arabic.
• Help develop and document guidelines for writing, translating, publishing and maintaining the Bank’s Arabic language sites, drawing on accepted best practices for web writing and including substance, tone, style, voice and vocabulary.
• Build relationships with institutional translation service providers to ensure the highest quality of translation and localization of content in Arabic; prepare editorial guidelines and Arabic glossaries, and ensure their implementation in partnership with translation services.
• Partner with counterparts in other Bank offices to identify regional priorities regarding the institutional online presence in Arabic, and prepare strategies for highlighting and disseminating key information online.
• Review Arabic language sites prepared by Bank units before they go live to ensure they follow standards and guidelines relating to design, site organization, technical and legal policies, and content management.

Develop marketing research and outreach programs

• In collaboration with the Head of Online Communications, conduct market studies using site statistics, social media activity, and focus groups to determine strategies for expanding the reach of the Arabic site; communicate the findings to diverse audiences, with special attention to cultural sensitivities.
• Collaborate with the Communications team in the Middle East and North Africa regional office to promote Arabic corporate content through regional and country sites.
• As appropriate, participate in online engagement through special events, issue discussions, and other outreach fora.
• Prepare and publish an external newsletter in Arabic highlighting new content on the site.
• Conduct marketing campaigns (Google keyword ads, and social marketing); define proper sets of keywords, write ad copy, and identify social influencers to target; monitor the campaign and report on its results.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in Communications, International Relations/Public Affairs, Journalism, Marketing, Political Science or other related disciplines, with a minimum of 5 years (with master’s) or 10 years (with bachelor’s) of relevant experience.
• A minimum of five years’ experience in writing and/or editing for the web.
• Proven writing and editing skills, with an excellent command of Arabic and English and an ability to convey complex ideas in a creative, clear, direct, and lively style.
• Ability to initiate and manage a continuing editorial process and to conceptualize and execute the online packaging of content.
• Strong diplomatic, interpersonal, and team skills; demonstrated client orientation; sensitized in working in a diverse and multicultural environment.
• An in-depth understanding and problem-solving approach to project management as it relates to complex, multifunctional projects.
• Ability to leverage online communication tools and methodologies (such as online monitoring, web analytics, or other online measurement tools) and to lead research efforts that identify and map project stakeholders or intended audiences, and to develop and analyze online communications performance indicators.
• Knowledge and applied work experience in social media principles and Web 2.0 technologies sufficient to execute, lead or advise others in assuring that upcoming online communication and audience engagement tools and channels are fully leveraged.
• Ability to prioritize, work well under pressure and capably handle/juggle multiple tasks within tight deadlines. Experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Experience producing for the web and a basic working knowledge of software packages for page formatting, image management, videos, and content preparation (HTML, Photoshop, and similar software preferred).
• Experience in search engine optimization and online marketing.

Shortlisted applicants will be tested for a wide array of the skills described above.

COMPETENCIES:

• Communication in International Development - Solid understanding of international development issues and of the communication needs of key stakeholders, such as bilateral donors, the private sector, foundations, NGOs, and academic institutions.
• Online Content Editing and Drafting - Deep proficiency in executing, leading, or advising others in drafting simple or complex communication materials that leverage SEO strategies, and methodologies that maximize online content’s effectiveness.
• Online Communication Strategy, Planning, and Execution - Demonstrated proficiency with online communication tools and methodologies, and thorough understanding of stakeholder needs; can plan, develop, and execute effective online communications strategies.
• Online Production Tools - Demonstrated proficiency with graphic design principles, industry-standard web applications, and multimedia production.
• Online Performance Measurement and Impact Analysis - In-depth proficiency in online usage data, trends and analysis results; setting appropriate KPIs, developing gap analysis, producing reports, and making recommendations for action; can measure the effectiveness of existing online communications strategies or design new ones.
• Project Management - Demonstrates expert knowledge and understanding of project management concepts as they relate to the implementation of complex, multi-functional projects in varied geographical and economic conditions.
• Client Orientation - Effectively identifies and meets (internal or external) client/constituent needs; builds productive client/constituent relationships; delivers client-centric solutions; takes responsibility for ensuring client/constituent satisfaction and loyalty.
• Teamwork and Inclusion - Values working in collaboration and respecting the views of others; understands differences in culture and values and the importance of including others’ views in achieving the strategic goals of the World Bank and its partners.
• Knowledge, Learning, and Communication - Leads in the sharing of best practices, trends, knowledge and lessons learned across units and with clients and partners, articulating ideas in a clear and compelling way across audiences of varied levels.
• Business Judgment and Analytical Decision Making - Gathers inputs, assesses risk, considers impact and articulates benefits of decisions for internal and external stakeholders over the long term.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For submissions: apply via World Bank's job site

Website: http://worldbank.org/

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For Writers Writing in Arabic and English: Tharwa Writers Society Writers Competition 2013

TWS is launching TWS Young Writers Competition encourages writing and reading within our community. This competition is an opportunity to publish the work of young writers. It urges up-and-­coming authors to spread their wings, offering the possibility of turning dreams into reality. TWS is welcoming talented entrants from all parts of the globe and now seeks promoting their writings. TWS is asking a Jury composed of prominent writers to evaluate the writings submitted. Young writers are welcome to enter novels, short stories and essays previously written or pieces written specifically for our competition. TWS believes that by stimulating minds, encouraging writing and reading, we can help change the world. TWS Young Writers Competition is a chance to challenge young writers to push themselves, explore their world, expand their horizons, tickle their imagination and express themselves.

ELIGIBILITY: Any writer, blogger that writes in English, Arabic. Ages from 13 to 25yrs. The competition is open to all writers all around the world. Previously published/posted writings are not eligible.

AUTHORSHIP: Each entry shall be the original work of a single individual and constitute an independent subject. The ideas and work reflected by each entry must be the author’s own. The author must perform all of the key tasks and writing and revising the paper for himself or herself. The author may inform another of the progress he or she has made in performing these tasks and accept a reasonable amount of responsive advice from academicians or practitioners in the field but the writer must avoid undue collaboration.

SUBJECT MATTER AND LENGTH: Contestants are free to choose the subject of their writings. Essays length will vary from round to round. The text of the essay must be double-­‐spaced, with twelve-­‐point font and one-­‐inch margins.

STORY MANUSCRIPT: Entries must be uploaded in (.pdf) or (.doc) format, with a front page stating your name, address, phone number and email address. Please also state story title and word count.

JUDGING: The format of this competition has been selected to stimulate creativity of thought. Competition judges will be appointed by the competitions manager of TWS and their decisions will be final with no correspondence being entered into.

NOTIFICATIONS Winners will be notified within 1 week of closing date of each submission. Winning entries may not be submitted elsewhere for twelve months after that date without permission of TWS.

SUBMISSIONS DATES:

• Submissions (1/2 to 20/2) Duration: 1 week. Writers will submit their work by filling the Application online. 
•  Eliminations (21/2-­‐27/2) Duration: 1 week. Writers submitted parts/ blog links will be eliminated by TWS comity. A meeting will be held for the 10 writers to clear up the rules and regulations of the competitions and sign the contracts. 10 writers will be chosen and announced on instagram/twitter to enter round 1
•  Round 1 (Top 8) (28/2 to 6/3) Duration: 1 week. Writers submit a minimum of 2000 words due to the rules and regulations. The parts will be posted in ‘’hadara.me’’. The number of ‘’likes’’ on Instagram will be counted as votes by readers. The top 8 will be moving on to round 2 
•  Round 2 (Top 6) (7/3 to 13/3) Duration: 1 week. Writers submit a minimum of 3000 words due to the rules and regulations. The parts will be posted in ‘’hadara.me’’. The number of ‘’likes’’ on Instagram will be counted as votes by readers. The top 6 will be moving on to round 3 
•  Round 3 (Top 4) (14/3 to 20/3) Duration: 1 week. Writers submit a minimum of 4000 words due to the rules and regulations. The parts will be posted in ‘’hadara.me’’. The number of ‘’likes’’ on Instagram will be counted as votes by readers. The top 4 will be moving on to the semi-­‐finals. 
•  Semi Finals (Top 2) (21/3 to 27/3) Duration: 1 week. Writers submit a minimum of 5000 words due to the rules and regulations. The parts will be posted in ‘’hadara.me’’. The number of ‘’likes’’ on Instagram will be counted as votes by readers. The top 2 will be moving on to the finals. 
•  Finals (28/3 to 3/4) Duration: 1 week. Writers submit a minimum of 6000 words due to the rules and regulations. The parts will be posted in ‘’hadara.me’’. The winner will be chosen by TWS committee.

WINNERS & PRIZES :

The 1st winner will receive the following:

• A publishing contract from TWS 
• A valuable prize presented by our sponsors 
• A dedicated website for the author with 1 year hosting The 2nd and 3rd winners will receive the following: 
• A valuable prize presented by our sponsors 
• A dedicated website for the author with 1 year hosting

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For submissions: via the online application page

Website: http://www.hadara.me

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Calling All Scripwriters - Breaking the Mould: Arab Women in the Arab Spring

Deadline: 4 March 2013

Swivel Theatre Company is seeking ambitious writers to submit one-act plays about Arab Women in the Arab Spring to be showcased during a 3 week run in June 2013 at the White Bear Theatre, London.

SUMMARY OF THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR WRITERS

• Theme of the Script: Arab Women in the Arab Spring.
• Length of the Script: 30 A4 pages
• Deadline to submit your script: 4th March 2013
• Benefits to you: This is an unpaid opportunity. However, the scripts selected to be performed in The White Bear Theatre will be promoted along with the writer’s name in all our promotional material and website.
• To participate: Just send us an email to tell us you are interested in submitting a script to swiveltheatre@live.co.uk.

INTRODUCTION:

The rich and the poor. The rebels and the regime. The fighters and the bystanders. Women across the Arab world have had a myriad of experiences amid revolution. We want these stories to be told, and we can’t do it without great writers!

These stories can be told through comedy or drama, satire or gritty realism. The key is that it’s a woman’s story, and the rest is up to you.

We know this is a subject that lots of people are interested in but don’t know much about…. but fear not. The team at Swivel can help you at every step of the process, whether it is coming up with the initial idea or finding research materials.

Like so many good things, there are guidelines. We want scripts that are less than 30 pages, and they all need to be emailed to us by 4th March 2013 to swiveltheatre@live.co.uk. Earlier entries are welcome!

Drop us an email if you are interested in writing a script- we will add you to our writers mailing list, which means you will get updates and advice straight to your inbox. If you are stuck or have any queries, we are here to answer any questions and provide any help or support you need along the way.

Entry is entirely free. This is an unpaid opportunity.

GUIDELINES:

Script Content

• Scripts should be no less than 20 and no more than 30 A4 pages, in Times New Roman font, size 12.
• Scripts should have no more than 5 characters.
• Characters can be both male and female, from the Arab world and beyond.
• Writers are encouraged to keep set and technical direction to a minimum, plays must be feasible for performance on a limited budget.

Deadlines and process

• Scripts must be submitted by 5.00pm on 4th March 2013, but we will accept scripts earlier on a rolling basis
• Writers should include a 100 word summary of the plot, as well as their CV within the email
• Scripts must be submitted in Word or PDF format. Scripts must be emailed to swiveltheatre@live.co.uk.
• Writers can submit more than one script, up to a maximum of 5.
• We will shortlist a selection of scripts, and shortlisted writers will be invited to interview and meet with the company.

WHY WORK WITH US?

At Swivel, we work very hard to showcase creative professionals that work with us. As a company we have:

• Sold out our debut show to break box office records, beating the theatre’s 20 year box office history in ticket sales
• Received stellar reviews for our work across the board
• Developed a reputation for being a truly professional company, that deals with all collaborators with integrity and mutual co-operation
• Promoted an open-book policy: our accounts are never hidden, and we operate a profit share system in equal measure with creatives that work with us. Wherever there is profit, it is ALWAYS shared
• Made ourselves the most open and inclusive company in London: we always support emerging talent with enthusiasm and passion.

For Writers:

We will ensure that your work is promoted in every way possible. As a minimum, successful writers will receive:

• complimentary seats for industry professionals
• the option to workshop texts with the help of the Swivel team and a group of actors
• access to our mailing list for future promotion of work
• full support from the company at every stage of the process, from redrafting through to support in accessing industry professionals once the show is up and running.
• promotion of their script in all marketing materials, including :

• the website (which receives average over 5000 hits per month during runs)
• social media, including the facebook pages and twitter
• the programme, in which each writer will have a biography and photo, as well as any desired links our newsletter, on all of which we can include any links to our own marketing resources, incluidng your websites or social media pages.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: swiveltheatre@live.co.uk

Website: http://swivel-live.co.uk

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Deadline February 1: Sharjah Arabic Children's Book Award (4 winners of AED15,000)

Deadline: 1 February 2013

The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival is here again to celebrate the pleasure of reading and promote the art of children’s books.

In this edition a number of new awards will be created to further encourage the development of children’s books with further emphasis being placed on the selection, judging and marketing mechanisms.

GOALS OF THE AWARD: Encouraging authors and other creators to design good quality works of children’s literature, that can help develop the child’s literary and cultural strength, build his/her literary awareness, and enrich the Arabic library with good literary works for children.

CATEGORIES:

An annual award is granted to the winning children’s books in the following categories:

• Children’s books in Arabic language for age category 3-5 years
• Children’s books in Arabic language for age category 6-8 years
• Children’s books in Arabic language for age category 9-13 years
• Children’s books in a foreign language for age category 13-17 years

AMOUNT OF THE AWARD: AED 15000 for each category

CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION:

• The participating work should be original with a distinctive subject
• The book should not be older than 2 years
• Should not have participated and won a local, Arab or foreign prize
• Should observe the rules of copyright
• Series or educational books are rejected
• Translated and adopted works are rejected
• The age category targeted by the work should be specified in the participation form
• The participating works will be assessed by a jury of experts in the field
• The award will be launched after the conclusion of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival every year
• Deadline for submission will be two months prior to the subsequent edition
• Winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded in a special ceremony

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

• Participation form (after being filled)
• 3 non-returnable copies of the participating work
• Summary of the publishing house and CV of the writer/illustrator
• Copy of the authoring contract for every participating work

Download: participation form

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries: info@sharjahbookfair.com

For submissions: Sharjah International Book Fair, Department of Culture and Information – Sharjah Government

Website: http://www.sharjahbookfair.com

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The Sharjah Translation Grant (up to $4,000 grant value | Arabic/ any language)

Deadline: 26 February 2013

(Note: Applicants can only be those who attended the Sharjah International Book Fair professional programme on 5th and 6th November 2012. No other publisher may apply.)

TRANSLATION GRANT CRITERIA:

• Grant value will range up to $1,500 for children’s books and up to $4,000 for general titles depending on number of words
• Genres: Fiction, Non-Fiction (including memoir, history, cookery etc), Children’s and Young Adult, Poetry
• Works protected by copyright (ie not in the public domain)
• Arabic to any language
  
• Can be to and from any language

FORMS AT THE FAIR:

• Names and details of both parties signing agreement
• Details of book being discussed, author, title, ISBN, rights holder, languages to and from
• Form will be an intention to do the translation rights deal and not a binding contract at this stage (in case of any changes or the desire of one or both parties not to continue with the deal, they won’t be held liable.)
• Each party keeps a copy and SIBF keeps a copy
• Parties have up to 3 months after the fair to submit an application form

NEXT STEPS:

• A copy of the book being discussed or the manuscript must be submitted to SIBF in support of the application form. If the book or manuscript is not in English or Arabic, the first chapter must be translated into English or Arabic and sent to SIBF with a description of the book. SIBF reserve the right to request further information about the book in English or Arabic if they do so require.
• The deadline for receiving the copy is 26th February 2013
• Applicants will be informed between 26th February and 26th March 2013 if their application has been successful
• Successful applicants must then present a copy of the official translation rights contract between the rights buyer and seller for the successful book. This should be accompanied by the details of and payments to be made to the translator. This must be received by SIBF by 26th May 2013.
• Upon receipt of the contract and translator’s details, SIBF will release 30% of the grant to the rights buying publisher
• A further 20% will be released upon submission of the first draft of the translation
• The final 50% payment will be made upon receipt to SIBF of 10 copies of the final published book. The books must be received by 26th October 2014.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

• Applicants will be examined by the SIBF management and their owners, the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information
• SIBF reserve the right to declare an application as being unsuccessful at their discretion
• If the grant recipient fails to meet all the deadlines laid out in this paper, they must repay any monies received to SIBF.
• The 10 copies sent to SIBF will become property for SIBF for promotional use on their website, on their stands at International Book Fairs, for PR activities in the media and for Sharjah public library use.
• Each published book must contain on the title page the following words “This book has been translated with the assistance of the Sharjah International Book Fair Translation Grant Fund”
• The grant must be used to pay the translator of the text only and for no other purpose.

Download: application form

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries: translation@sharjahbookfair.com

For submissions: P.O.Box 5119 Sharjah, U.A.E

Website: http://www.sharjahbookfair.com

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For Arabic to French Translators - Call for Nominations: Ibn Khaldoun – Senghor Translation Award ($10,000 top prize)

Deadline: 31 December 2012

The Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO is a national body that liaises between the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as well as the Arab League Educational Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue between Cultures (ALF) on one side, and the national official departments and the Lebanese civil society on the other side, in the areas of education, sciences, culture and communication.

The Lebanese National Commission for Unesco is calling for nominations for the Ibn Khaldoun – Senghor Translation Award 2012 for best works of Arabic – French Translation in the field of humanities. All applications should be sent prior to December 31, 2012. For further information, kindly contact the Lebanese National Commission: info@lncu.org.

Note from Writers Afrika: 

The 2012 nomination mechanics have not been posted yet on the LNCU website, and are available only by sending an e-mail to info@lncu.org. However, to give you an idea of the works eligible for the award as well as the prizes, please read the 2011 regulations/ details below. Keep in mind that these are for the 2011 award cycle, and there may be minimal changes for the 2012 award:

TARGET:

• Translation: translated from French into Arabic and from Arabic into French
• The works for this award must meet the following criteria:
• be the first recent translation from Arabic into French or from French to Arabic the original work.
• the great classical texts of the two cultures are exempt from this condition.
• have not received another award.

PRIZE:

• a diploma signed by the Secretary General of the UN and the Director General of ALECSO
• a grant of $ 10,000 dollars (7,000 euros) at a rate of 5,000 dollars (3,500 euros) for each partner.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: info@lncu.org

Website: http://www.lncu.org/

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Call for Papers: Arabic and Islamic Studies (KFLC Languages, Literatures and Cultures Conference, Kentucky)

Deadline: 15 November 2012

The KFLC (formerly the Kentucky Foreign Language Conference) is proud to open sessions devoted to the presentation of scholarly research in the area of Arabic and Islamic Studies. Abstracts are invited in all areas and aspects of this field, including, but not limited to:

• Arabic Language
• Arabic Literature and Film
• Islamic Studies
• Muslim World Cultural Studies

Sessions are 20 minutes followed by a 10-minute question & answer session. In addition to individual abstracts for paper presentations, proposals for panels of 4-5 papers will be considered.

The KFLC has a tradition of attracting scholars from a broad range of languages and specializations. This year’s conference will have sessions in Arabic Studies, East Asian Studies, French and Francophone Studies, German-Austrian-Swiss Studies, Hispanic Linguistics, Hispanic Studies (Spanish Peninsular and Spanish American), Neo-Latin Studies, Luso-Afro-Brazilian Studies, Language Technology, Second Language Acquisition, and Translation Studies.

Individually submitted abstracts should be no more than 250 words and should include author's name, affiliation and contact information.

Panel proposals of 4-5 presentations should be submitted as follows: The panel organizer should e-mail a panel proposal to the track director of his or her division. The panel proposal cannot exceed one page in length and should include the theme of the panel, the organizer's name and contact information, and the names, contact information and affiliations of the panel participants. Each participant MUST submit an individual abstract using our online system in addition to the panel proposal. Please indicate that your presentation is part of a pre-organized panel and list the title and organizer of the panel in the abstract.

Papers may be read in English or Arabic. Acceptance of a paper or complete panel implies a commitment on the part of all participants to register and attend the conference. All presenters must pay the appropriate registration fee by February 15, 2013 to be included in the program.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For submissions: via the abstract submission form

Website: http://web.as.uky.edu/kflc

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Call for Applications from Arab Journalists: Training the Trainers Workshop at the Doha Centre for Media Freedom (covers travel, accommodation | Arab countries)

Deadline: 4 November 2012

The Doha Centre for Media Freedom (DCMF) invites Arab journalists working for different media outlets (print, radio, TV, & online) to participate in the 5-day workshop “Train the Trainers” in Doha from 16 to 20 December 2012.

Experienced journalists wishing to become media trainers must acquire knowledge in designing relevant curricula and adopt up-to-date teaching techniques within the context of a fast-changing media industry. Regardless of their competency and experience, many journalists lack skills in imparting knowledge and know-how to others through formal training.

The goal of the workshop is to empower future media trainers to acquire new knowledge and skills in the design, delivery and evaluation of core competency media development programmes.

PROGRAMME:

Upon completing the workshop, the participants should be able to:

• Design and develop courses that address current training needs of journalists.
• Devise different methods of training delivery.
• Apply theories and practical approaches to ensure effective training.
• Evaluate the efficiency of training courses.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

• Be a national of one of the 22 Arab countries.
• Have at least ten years working experience in the media, preferably with editorial responsibilities
• Possess an excellent command of the Arabic language. Proficiency in English is a plus.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applicants should send the following documents with the email subject (YOUR FULL NAME-DCMF-TOT):

• Copy of a recent piece work, published or broadcast within the last 6 months. URL links are accepted.
• A motivation letter of up to 200 words stating the reason for applying for the ToT.
• Proof of working experience issued by your current employer(s).
• Copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months after December 2012).
• CV.

All applications will be screened by an Admission Committee. Successful applicants will be notified by 11 November.

TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION EXPENSES: DCMF will cover all travel and accommodation expenses. Each participant will receive a per diem for the period of the training (including 2 travel days).

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: training@dc4mf.org

Website: http://www.dc4mf.org

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Call for Papers: 2013 Jil Jadid Conference in Arabic Literature and Linguistics (host: University of Texas at Austin)

Deadline: 15 November 2012

The Department of and Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas at Austin are pleased to announce that they will host the 3rd Annual Jil Jadid Conference in Arabic Literature and Linguistics, a graduate student conference to be held at the University of Texas at Austin, February 21-23, 2013.

Jil Jadid is a graduate student conference that aims to provide a forum for young scholars spread across a variety of disciplines to come together, share ideas and research, and discuss the future of their respective fields as they move forward in their careers and come to represent the eponymous new generation of scholars doing work on the Arabic-speaking world and its cultures. For the past two Februaries, graduate students from a wide range of universities, both domestic and international, have assembled in Austin to set the tone for Arabic studies in the twenty-first century. The ongoing positive feedback we have received from these past conferences prompts us to once again assemble with the same goal of uniting students from area studies, linguistics, comparative literature and other departments in order to facilitate a productive and interdisciplinary exchange of new ideas.

Fostering fruitful, engaging, relevant and innovative dialogue remains our topmost priority. The conference will feature keynote speeches on both Arabic linguistics (Rania Habib from Syracuse University) and literature (TBA), as well as a career development workshop offered by faculty from UT's Department of Middle Eastern Studies. We will likewise be exploring panel arrangements that encourage increased coordination between individual presenters and breakout sessions where graduate students will have an explicit opportunity to discuss their collective vision of their fields as they hope to see them in the near future. More details will be announced as the conference approaches.

The 2013 Jil Jadid Conference is sponsored by the University of Texas at Austin's Department of Middle Eastern Studies, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Department of Linguistics, Program in Comparative Literature, and the Graduate School.

TOPICS:

All papers treating topics in Arabic literature (classical and modern) and Arabic linguistics (including applied linguistics) will gladly be considered, in either English or Arabic (we ask that an English summary be prepared for any papers to be presented in Arabic). We especially encourage state of the field papers that provide a focused overview of a specific subfield of Arabic studies and suggest new avenues for research in that area. We also encourage submissions on the following topics:

• Defining Linguistic Prestige: Case Studies from Literature and Linguistics
• Uncharted Pedagogical Ground: Novel Approaches to Arabic Language Teaching
• New Media, New Literary Genres
• The Voices of Arab Youth: Linguistic and Literary Perspectives
• Quantitative Approaches to Traditionally Qualitative Topics
• Between the City and the Countryside: The Role of Geographic Identity
• As It Was Said: Authentic Materials in the Arabic Classroom

Papers that are to be presented at other conferences, such as ALS and ACLA, are welcome, as we hope to provide a forum for students to further develop and refine their research.

Unfortunately, this year we will not be able to accommodate virtual presentations via video-chat. We will instead be providing a live online stream of the conference proceedings that will allow those who are not physically able to attend the conference to follow along and contribute by leaving comments and feedback. It is our aim to reinstate virtual presentations at future iterations of the Jil Jadid conference.

ABSTRACTS: Applicants may submit abstracts of no more than 400 words, not including references, in PDF format with fonts embedded. Abstracts may be submitted online. Abstracts should not include identifying information; you must, however, indicate the highest degree you have obtained and your current position (e.g. "M.A., Graduate Student," "Ph.D., Assistant Professor," etc.).

FUNDING: Graduate students whose abstracts are accepted will be eligible to apply for a limited number of partial travel grants to defray some of the costs of attending the Jil Jadid conference. Lodging with local graduate students will be available where possible.

CONFERENCE FEES: There will be no fees required of presenters and/or attendees.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries: jiljadidconf@gmail.com

For submissions: via the online abstract submission page

Website: http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/mes/

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Call for Entries: 2012 Islamic Writers Alliance Fiction Story Contest

Deadline: 31 October 2012

The IWA is pleased to announce its IWA 4th Annual Islamic Fiction (IF) Stories Contest - 2012. This year’s theme is open to any genre and topic of the participant’s choosing. All Islamic Fiction (IF) stories must conform to the following general guidelines. IF Stories that do not adhere to these standards will be automatically disqualified from the competition.

• IF stories must be Islamic in nature
• There is no theme for the IF Story contest. The story may be of any genre, including but not limited to, adventure, comic, crime, detective, fantasy, family historical fiction, mystery, romance, thriller, western
• Cannot exceed 2,500 words in length
• Cannot include any graphics or illustrations accompanying or inserted within the story.
• The contest has 3 categories of submission, 1st and 2nd place winners for each category:
• Islamic Writers Alliance Members
• Adults – writers 18 years and older who are not members of IWA
• Youth – writers between the ages of 13 and 17.
• Maximum of 1 submission per individual
• Entries that have won previously cannot be resubmitted
• Your IF Story will only be accepted as an attachment in Microsoft Word or as a PDF.
• Must be submitted via email
• Must be submitted to Balqees Mohammed
• All entries must include author’s legal name, category, email address, mailing address, phone number and title of the IF story
• An IF Story submitted by youth aged 13-17 years must also include a statement in the submission email from a parent or legal guardian authorizing the IWA’s public use of the story on the IWA website
• Teachers may submit ‘class’ IF stories as individual submissions from one school
• All IF Stories are the legal property of the writer
• IWA retains the right to disqualify and reject submissions deemed inappropriate

Formatting Guidelines: Times New Roman font style, 12 inch font size, 1 inch margins top, bottom, and both sides, no graphics in the essay, single spaced, 1/2 inch paragraph indent, no headers or footers and no page numbers.

1st place winners will receive a cash award, award certificate, gift certificate, and have their story published in the quarterly IWA Magazine. 2nd place winners will receive a gift certificate sponsored by Muslim Writers Publishing.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: balqees.mohammed@gmail.com

Website: http://www.islamicwritersalliance.net/

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Deadline Extended for the 2012 Sheikh Zayed Book Award

New deadline: 15 October 2012

The closing date for nominations to Sheikh Zayed Book Award has been extended until mid-October 2012. Writers, intellectuals, publishers as well as young talents wishing to participate now have close to 3 weeks to submit their nominations to one of the Award's nine categories.

"Our decision comes in response to popular demand, aiming to provide a greater opportunity for those wishing to participate." Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award's Secretary General, explained.

"We have received numerous requests to extend the deadline during the Arab-German seminar held in Berlin on the 13th of this month, especially for our newly-devised "Arabic Culture in other Languages" category," he added.

The prestigious and well-funded annual recognition has collected more than 800 nominations since last April to date in its 7th session currently in progress. This session has witnessed a number of amendments to the Award's structure and categories, including the introduction of the new category for the written works in "Arabic Culture in Other Languages", which is devised to honor all written works in English, Chinese and German, about the Arabic civilization and culture, in the fields of humanities, fine arts, and literature.

Additionally, two of the award categories; "Best Technology in the Field of Culture" and "Publishing and Distribution" have been merged to form a new category entitled "Publishing and Cultural Technologies".

The new category will recognize publishers, distributors and projects of cultural production, whether in print, electronic, or audio-visual format. Moreover, two other categories were redefined; "Fine Arts" award has been expanded to include studies "Literary and Art Criticism" which comprises of written critiques and analytical studies in theatre, poetry, narratives, history of literature and literary theories. The "Literature" Award, on the other hand, represent creative works in specific.

Excitement in the book industry is building up as the first reading panel assembly to evaluate the accepted nominations wrapped up earlier this month. The panel joined veteran figures, including Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, Award's Secretary General and head of panel, Dr. Khalil Al Sheikh, Dr. ali al Ka'bi, Dr. Najwa Al Hosani, and Mr. Abdullah Majid, Award's General Manager, in addition to Dr. Rasoul Moh'd Rasoul.

A series of other meetings will be held for the reading panel following closure of nominations phase, scheduled towards end of October. And with the conclusion of the reading panel's work, the Sheikh Zayed Book Award's judging panels will commence assessment and evaluation of filtered works across all categories. Winners are scheduled for announcement On March 5, 2012, to be followed by the Award's Grand Ceremony on the 25th of April 2013.

Link: award guidelines

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For inquiries: info@zayedaward.com

For submissions: register online here

Website: http://www.zayedaward.com/

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Call for Book Manuscripts: Biblia Arabica Series

The progressive spread of Arabic as the dominant spoken and written language in the lands conquered by Islam led the Jewish, Christian and Samaritan communities under its rule to translate their sacred scriptures into Arabic. This resulted in a large number of partial and integral translations revealing a great variety in stylistic approaches, vocabulary, script, and dogmatic concerns. This series addresses the lacuna in research by publishing critical editions of Arabic books produced in the Middle Ages and beyond, studies examining the different schools and persons that took part in this scriptural translation enterprise, as well as the social and cultural implications of their endeavor. In addition, the reception of and reactions to these Bible translations by Muslim authors fall within the scope of the series.

The first book in this series, The Bible in Arabic: An Annotated Bibliography, by Adam McCollum, is expected in the beginning of 2013.

For further information about this new book series or enquiries regarding book proposals, please contact any of the six members of the editorial board: Camilla Adang, Juan Pedro Monferrer Sala, Meira Polliack, Sabine Schmidtke, Alexander Treiger, Ronny Vollandt.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

For queries/ submissions: Dr. Alexander Treiger at atreiger@dal.ca

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