About Dr Alan HJ Chan Spirit of Singapore Book Prize

• The book must be the original work of an author or co-authors and be available in printed format. E-book format is welcome if this version is additionally available.
• The book must be written in English. Translations of books written originally in other languages will not be eligible.   
• The donor of the funds for the Book Prize wishes to promote Singapore and Singapore Permanent Resident authors.  The author(s) must be Singaporean or Singapore Permanent Resident(s), residing in Singapore or overseas.
• The book must be issued by a publisher, i.e., not self-published.  Fiction and non-fiction are eligible. Textbooks, syllabus books and books used to develop curricula will not be accepted.  Biographies and autobiographies, not written by ghostwriters, are acceptable.
• The publisher may be based in Singapore or overseas.
• The book must have a significant Singapore element in its narrative.
• A book previously submitted for judging may not be entered in future competitions in the Dr Alan HJ Chan Spirit of Singapore Book Prize series, unless it is a revised and updated edition. Books that have won awards in other competitions are eligible for this Book Prize.
• The book must be available for sale or distribution to the public.
• The book must be submitted by the publisher or by the author(s). If the entry is submitted by the publisher, this should be with the author’s/authors’ consent.
• The publication date of the book must be within the stated period of (date/month/year) and (date/month/year) the award.  For the inaugural (2023) award, the books must have been published between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2022.
• The book must have an ISBN (International Standard Book Number).
• The book must be submitted by the stated closing date.
• Ten (10) complimentary copies of the printed book must be submitted for judging. The books will not be returned after judging.
• There is no fee for submission.
• Supporting documents, etc., must be provided as listed in the Submission Form.
• Authors and publishers must jointly agree to the terms of the awards. All shortlisted authors must be available to attend the Awards Ceremony.
• The prize money for the winning book will be given to the author(s).

• The book is expected to meet high international standards. 
• The panel of judges is appointed by SUSS.
• Elements for judging include the quality of the content, creativity, relevance/impact of the Singapore element in the narrative, style and clarity of the writing, editorial input, design, images, production, printing, book promotion and marketing.
• The judges’ decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
• The best book will be selected by a panel of judges and will be awarded a Book Prize of S$30,000. The prize will be awarded to the author(s). The author(s) and publisher must be present at the award ceremony to receive the award.
• Announcement of the award winner will be made only at the award ceremony.

The form should be printed out and submitted in hardcopy.

It should include:

• Name of author(s) (both professional and official, if different), e-mail address, office/residential postal address, phone number, citizenship
• Name of Publishing Director, name of publishing company, e-mail address, postal address, phone number, website link
• Title and subtitle of the book
• Synopsis about the book
• Date of publication of the book
• ISBN
• Signed undertaking by the author(s) and publisher to accept the terms of the Book Prize and be available to attend the award ceremony in person

The following are to be submitted:

• A completed Submission Form, in hardcopy with original signatures
• 10 copies of the printed book and, if available, e-book access information (for a minimum of 10 readers)
• CV(s) of the Author(s)
• A covering letter from the Publisher or Author(s) justifying why this book epitomises the Spirit of Singapore and deserves to win the Book Prize

The judges include writers, literary critics, public figures, librarians, academics and publishers, amongst others. Members are:

1. Cheong Hee Kiat (SUSS) (Chairman)
2. Anthony Teo (SUSS) (Deputy Chairman)
3. Triena Ong (Book Editor) (Chief Judge)
4. Abdullah Tarmugi (Presidential Council for Minority Rights)
5. Barry Desker (RSIS)
6. Thang Leng Leng (NUS)
7. Regina Lee (SUSS)
8. Desmond Kon (NTU)
9. Gene Tan (NLB)

In a tie, the Chief Judge will have the casting vote.