The CARICON Prize
The CARICON Prize
Celebrating Excellence in Caribbean Literature
ESTABLISHED
2025
PRIZE
$2,500 USD Per Category
CATEGORIES
5 Literary Categories
NEXT DEADLINE
March 30, 2026
The Caribbean's Premier Literary Honor
The Challenge
Caribbean authors face systemic barriers in the publishing industry:
- Less than 2% of books published in major English-language markets are by Caribbean authors
- Mainstream literary prizes rarely recognize Caribbean voices
- Caribbean publishers lack resources for large prize purses
- Diaspora authors often feel disconnected from homeland literary communities
- Authors writing in Spanish, French, Dutch, and Creole face additional marginalization
Our Solution
The CARICON Prize creates a prestige award specifically for Caribbean literature that:
- Centers Caribbean perspectives and aesthetics
- Welcomes homeland and diaspora voices equally
- Honors works in English, Spanish, French, Dutch, and Creole languages
- Values cultural authenticity alongside literary craft
- Provides substantial financial recognition ($2,500 per category)
- Opens doors through publicity and professional connections
- Recognizes self-published works alongside traditional publishing
Beyond Recognition
Winners receive more than a cash prize and trophy. The CARICON Prize transforms careers:
- Featured keynote at annual CARICON Conference
- Comprehensive media publicity package
- Introduction to literary agents and publishers actively seeking Caribbean voices
- Access to translation and international rights support
- Bronze statuette commissioned by Caribbean artist
- Publication in CARICON Literary Magazine
- Lifetime membership in CARICON Prize alumni network
Celebrating Our First Champions
CARICON PRIZE FOR FICTION
Diana McCaulay
A House for Miss PaulineDialogue Books / Hachette UK
About the Work
McCaulay delivers a deeply Caribbean narrative that explores silence, truth, and justice across generations with empathy, power, and precision. This masterful novel demonstrates the highest standards of literary fiction rooted in Caribbean experience.
Why It Won
The judges recognized McCaulay’s unflinching exploration of difficult truths, her nuanced character development, and her ability to weave a story that is both deeply specific to the Caribbean and universally resonant in its themes of family, secrets, and redemption.
CARICON PRIZE FOR POETRY
Amy Alvarez
Makeshift AltarUniversity Press of Kentucky
About the Work
This stunning debut collection explores migration, ancestry, and resilience with lyrical intensity. Alvarez offers a fearless meditation on belonging and becoming, establishing herself as an essential new voice in Caribbean poetry.
Why It Won
The judges praised Alvarez’s command of language, her innovative approach to traditional poetic forms, and her ability to capture the complexity of diaspora experience. Makeshift Altar represents the future of Caribbean poetry while honoring its oral traditions.
CARICON PRIZE FOR YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE
Desmond Hall
Better Must ComeAtheneum / Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
About the Work
Set in Jamaica, Hall’s gripping YA novel follows two teens navigating danger, choice, and redemption. A timely and suspenseful coming-of-age story filled with heart and urgency that authentically represents Caribbean youth experience.
Why It Won
The judges celebrated Hall’s authentic teen voices, his unflinching portrayal of the challenges facing Jamaican youth, and his ability to create a page-turning narrative that never sacrifices literary quality for plot.
Perfect For: Ages 14+ | Book clubs | Classroom use | Fans of Jason Reynolds and Nic Stone
CARICON PRIZE FOR CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
Angie Cruz
Angélica and la GüiraPenguin Young Readers / Kokila
About the Work
A vibrant and moving picture book rooted in Dominican culture and rhythm, Angélica and la Güira evokes joy, memory, and cross-generational connection through music and identity. This beautifully illustrated celebration of Dominican heritage brings Caribbean childhood to vivid life.
Why It Won
The judges recognized Cruz’s ability to capture the sensory richness of Caribbean childhood, the power of her intergenerational narrative, and the book’s perfect marriage of text and illustration. A future classic that will introduce young readers to Dominican musical traditions.
Perfect For: Ages 4-8 | Read-aloud | Music education | Cultural studies | Family storytelling
Five Categories of Excellence
PRIZE FOR FICTION
$2,500
- Novels (minimum 50,000 words)
- Short story collections (minimum 40,000 words)
- Novellas (collections of 2+ novellas totaling 40,000+ words)
PRIZE FOR POETRY
$2,500
- Full-length collections (minimum 48 pages)
- Book-length narrative poems or sequences
PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION
$2,500
- Memoirs and autobiography
- Biography of Caribbean figures
- Literary essays and cultural criticism
- Historical works and cultural studies
- Creative non-fiction
- Minimum 40,000 words
PRIZE FOR YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE
$2,500
- YA Fiction or Non-Fiction
- Ages 12-18 target audience
- Minimum 40,000 words
PRIZE FOR CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
$2,500
- Picture books
- Early readers
- Middle-grade fiction
- Age-appropriate content
Who Can Enter
You are eligible if you meet ONE of these criteria:
- Caribbean birth — Born in any Caribbean nation or territory
- Caribbean descent — Of Caribbean heritage (any generation)
- Caribbean residence — Permanently residing in the Caribbean
- Caribbean themes — Writing authentically about Caribbean cultural experience
Good News for Self-Published Authors:
Unlike many literary prizes, the CARICON Prize welcomes self-published works. We believe excellence exists regardless of publishing path. Your work will be judged solely on literary merit and cultural authenticity.
Work Requirements
- Published between January 1 - December 31 of the award year
- An original work written by you
- Available in English, Spanish, French, Dutch, or Caribbean Creole/Patois
- Include an ISBN (traditional or self-published)
Who Cannot Enter
- CARICON Board of Trustees members
- Immediate family of Board members
- Household members of Board members
- Works previously entered in CARICON Prize
- Minors without parental consent
- Works published outside the award year
