The Singapore Literature Prize (SLP) 2014
I was busy preparing for my Malay Culture book launch when I received an email from the Book Council stating that The Mango Tree book has been shortlisted for the prestigious Singapore Literature Prize (English, non-fiction category). OMG. Really?
The other categories were announced 6 weeks earlier; the judges for the English, non-fiction category resigned earlier in protest of the National Library's 'pulping' of the 3 children's book with perceived 'homosexual' themes. Hence, the delay as the Book Council had to get replacement judges.
To be shortlisted is already an honour. After all, The Mango Tree (a children's picture book) is the first book published by my independent publishing company Helang Books (Gedung Kuning book was co-published by Helang Books and the Singapore Heritage Society).
The other categories were announced 6 weeks earlier; the judges for the English, non-fiction category resigned earlier in protest of the National Library's 'pulping' of the 3 children's book with perceived 'homosexual' themes. Hence, the delay as the Book Council had to get replacement judges.
To be shortlisted is already an honour. After all, The Mango Tree (a children's picture book) is the first book published by my independent publishing company Helang Books (Gedung Kuning book was co-published by Helang Books and the Singapore Heritage Society).
Will David (Helang Books) triumph over Goliath (EDM, Ethos, Marshall Cavendish, World Scientific Publishing Company)?
This little achievement is a big step for independent publishers and the underdogs. Yes, we can compete with the big players. We may not have the financial resources and network but we have lots of passion and drive to publish high quality books.
Stay tuned on 4th November for the results!
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