ABSTRACT
“International” novel prizes in English not only exclude the majority of Commonwealth writers: they perpetuate a colonial narrative of cultural superiority and authority. Local and regional book prizes are devalued in favour of “international” recognition, but too little is understood of the politics and business of the English-speaking book world, of the continued market domination of publishing in London and New York, and the cultural implications of valuing non-Indigenous narratives and diasporic literature over local anglophone publishing. Barriers to entry for Commonwealth writers – particularly Indigenous writers – include rights sales to the UK and therefore eligibility for “international” prizes. The recent backlash against admitting US writers to the Booker reveals the perception of Commonwealth writers – both by British publishers and by writers – as a distant third in anglophone writing, easily forgotten and excluded from publishing lists, prize contention, and judging panels.
