PRESS RELEASE
The Commissariat of the Algiers International Book Fair announces, on the occasion of the 29th edition of SILA, scheduled to take place from October 28 to November 7, 2026, at the Exhibition Palace, Pins Maritimes, Algiers, the organization of the third edition of the “My First Book” Award, dedicated to young writers, under the patronage of the Minister of Culture and Arts.
This award is devoted to first novels published by young authors under the age of thirty-five, whose first novel was released during the year 2026. It forms part of an initiative aimed at supporting young literary creation, promoting the culture of books and reading, and highlighting emerging novelistic voices in Algeria.
The award is reserved for novels written in Arabic, Tamazight, or in one of the following two foreign languages only: English or French.
It aims to promote the culture of books, consolidate the values of reading, and encourage young literary talents to create and write in different languages.
It seeks to value novelistic creativity among young writers by rewarding outstanding works marked by novelty, originality and innovation, while contributing to the recognition of their authors and supporting their creative paths.
The award celebrates national identity as a source of creativity and inspiration, drawing on the richness and diversity of Algeria’s cultural heritage, while remaining open to the broad human and aesthetic horizons that form the essence of world literature.
Applications are open to all Algerian writers aged thirty-five or under.
Participation is open to all Algerian publishers operating within the national territory.
Authors who have self-published their work may also apply, provided that the book has a legal deposit number and an ISBN issued by the National Library of Algeria.
The submitted novel must not have previously received any literary award, whether in Algeria or abroad.
The submitted works will be evaluated by a jury composed of five cultural, literary and academic figures recognized for their competence and experience. The jury will review the entries and select the winners according to the artistic and literary criteria adopted for this award.
The winner will receive a certificate of recognition and a financial reward, in accordance with the provisions of the competition.
The award will be presented during the 29th edition of the Algiers International Book Fair, scheduled to take place at the Exhibition Palace, Pins Maritimes “SAFEX”, Algiers, from October 28 to November 7, 2026.
Applicants must submit an electronic copy of the participating novel, along with a copy of their national identity card, to the email address dedicated to the award: Kitabi1@sila.dz
Applicants are also required to submit five printed copies of the work to the Commissariat of the Algiers International Book Fair “SILA”, at the National Graphic Arts Enterprise, Industrial Zone, Réghaïa, Algiers.
Applications will be accepted from 6 July to 5 August 2026. The final day of this period shall be considered the deadline for receiving application files.
Commissariat of the Algiers International Book Fair
Date: 6 July 2026