Award

Chytomo Award for Outstanding Achievements in Publishing

Award

Prehistory: During its 14-year history, Chytomo has been and continues to be at the forefront of  media that covers the most distinguished names, phenomena and trends in book publishing and literature. Our team has always strived to highlight prominent figures and projects that shaped the trajectory for the further development of the entire sphere. These figures inspired and  united us, setting the stage for methodical, enduring and efficient work.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began with occupation of Ukrainian economic and cultural spaces long before 2014 and later escalated  into war, prompted many cultural figures to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine, territorial defense units or to start volunteering. At the same time, this situation placed an increased  responsibility on the cultural community for  advocacy, public diplomacy and a consistent cultural and media presence.

During the blackouts and missile strikes, with everyday sounds of air raid sirens and experiencing painful losses, Ukrainian publishers, authors, editors, translators and cultural managers have made enormous efforts to continue telling the world the truth, destroying imperial myths and unveiling the essence of  Ukraine through books and literature.

That’s why, despite the ongoing war that continues, Chytomo is launching the first award to recognize professionalism, insistence and achievements of figures in the field of literature and book publishing in Ukraine.

The award, as well as the achievements it will recognize, are possible thanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and those who continue their fight on the frontline for our independence.

Organizer: the Chytomo Cultural and Publishing Project NGO.

Award Purpose: The purpose of the Award is to recognize outstanding achievements of Ukrainian book publishing and literary figures, in particular their contribution to the social development and restoration of Ukraine, and to make them even more visible.

Who can be nominated:

Legal entities and individuals (citizens of Ukraine and foreigners) may

be nominated for the Award:

  • Publishing houses and publishing companies,
  • Bookstores and book distributors,
  • Libraries,
  • Creative companies,
  • State institutions and cultural institutions,
  • Public organizations and creative associations,
  • Cultural managers and experts in the book and literary industry.

Who can nominate candidates for the Award: Ukrainian and foreign organizations that have been operating for at least one year, are visible in the public domain, and have an active website and/or social media page:

– Cultural institutions and embassies of Ukraine abroad;

– Public associations

– Law firms with a relevant profile;

– Public and creative unions (public unions are NGOs)

– Educational institutions

– Library institutions and associations;

– Media editors;

– Representatives of informal associations of civic activists.

Time frame: The Award is granted for achievements during the calendar year preceding the date of the competition announcement. In 2023, the Award is given for the achievements of publishers during 2022-2023 (from Jan. 1, 2022 – until the announcement of the Award competition).

Timeline

  • Announcement of the competition: Aug. 28, 2023
  • Accepting applications for nominations: Aug. 28 – Sept. 15, 2023
  • The shortlist will be announced during the Frankfurt Book Fair
  • (Frankfurter Buchmesse): Oct. 18-21, 2023.
  • Award ceremony of the Award winners: Nov. 1-7, 2023.

For more information about contest conditions see Regulations on the Chytomo Award for Outstanding Achievements in Publishing

Application form

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JURY

  • Uilleam Blacker (UK, Scotland)
    Uilleam Blacker (UK, Scotland)
  • Gvantsa Jobava (Georgia)
    Gvantsa Jobava (Georgia)
  • Yulia Kozlovets (Ukraine)
    Yulia Kozlovets (Ukraine)
  • Vladka Kupska (Germany-Czech Republic)
    Vladka Kupska (Germany-Czech Republic)

JURY

  • Tetiana Teren (Ukraine)
    Tetiana Teren (Ukraine)
  • Oksana Khmeliovska
    Oksana Khmeliovska
  • Volodymyr Sheiko (Ukraine)
    Volodymyr Sheiko (Ukraine)

Categories

BOOK PUBLISHING MARKET TRENDSETTER
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UKRAINIAN BOOK AMBASSADOR
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BOOK INITIATIVE THAT PROMOTES READING
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SPECIAL AWARD* OF THE FRANKFURTER BUCHMESSE
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SPECIAL JURY AWARD
nominations logo nominations logo

Awarded for:

  • Development of an innovative approach in publishing;
  • Creative business transformation;
  • Business scaling;
  • Formation of new partnerships for the development of book publishing;
  • Development of the book / literary landscape of Ukraine;
  • Inclusiveness of approaches in book publishing;
  • Adherence to the principles of sustainable development.

Cash payment: EUR 4000

Technical selection results

BOOK PUBLISHING MARKET TRENDSETTER
1
Anton Martynov
2
The Book Lion Bookstore
3
IST Publishing
4
The Old Lion Publishing House LLC
5
Oleksandr Savchuk Publishing House
BOOK PUBLISHING MARKET TRENDSETTER
1
Winners

The Old Lion Publishing House

For setting high standards in the book industry, for serving as a role model and demonstrating resilience that inspires others to persevere, and for Additionally, for pioneering a system for selling the rights of Ukrainian books to international audiences.

BOOK PUBLISHING MARKET TRENDSETTER

Awarded for:

  • Personal contribution to the visibility of Ukrainian books and literature
    in the world;
    Creating a positive image of Ukrainian literature and culture;
    Engaging in effective partnerships that promote the popularization of
    Ukrainian books and literature abroad;
    Seeking new ways and formats to promote Ukrainian literature.

Cash payment: EUR 4000

Technical selection results

UKRAINIAN BOOK AMBASSADOR
1
Art Studio Agrafka

Romana Romanyshyn & Andriy Lesiv

2
Emma Shercliff And Founder Of Laxfield Literary Associates
3
Lviv Bookforum
4
PEN Ukraine
5
Victoria Amelina

(posthumously)

UKRAINIAN BOOK AMBASSADOR
1
Winners

Romana Romanyshyn & Andriy Lesiv (Art Studio Agrafka)

For an artistic expression that unveils individual identities, the nuances of their world, and the essence of Ukraine through books, thereby gaining international partnerships and recognition.

UKRAINIAN BOOK AMBASSADOR

Awarded for:

  • Finding new ways to bring the book to readers;
  • Creating a positive image of reading;
  • Creating opportunities and spaces that encourage reading;
  • Creating networks of initiatives that promote reading;
  • Transforming the educational process through reading;
  • Supporting the population through literature.

Cash payment: EUR 4000

Technical selection results

BOOK INITIATIVE THAT PROMOTES READING
1
Barabooka
2
Online Library Of Books In Braille Of The International Charitable Foundation "Health Of The Future”
3
Radio Culture — Literary Editorial
4
'Shaleni Avtorky' Youtube Channel

Vira Ageeva And Rostyslav Semkiv

5
Translatorium
BOOK INITIATIVE THAT PROMOTES READING
1
Winners

Translatorium

For creating a platform for communication between translators and interpreters, for putting Podillia region and Khmelnytskyi on the cultural map of Ukraine and for pushing through silence to conversation.

BOOK INITIATIVE THAT PROMOTES READING

Award: a financial payment of 4000 EUR and the opportunity to participate in the Frankfurter Buchmesse (Frankfurt Book Fair)

* Members of the Jury may decide to add more special awards.

Technical selection results

SPECIAL AWARD
1
Winners

Oleksandr Savchuk

For preserving cultural heritage through projects related to local history and book, and for reintroducing significant names, phenomena and artifacts into Ukraine’s cultural discourse.

SPECIAL AWARD

Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina received a Special Jury Award posthumously.

For continuing to connect people and communities through many unseen bridges, and for creating opportunities and pathways that continue to guide the Ukrainian cultural community forward.

SPECIAL JURY AWARD

Q&A

Is it true that winners receive a financial payment of 4000 EUR?

Indeed, due to the support of Germany’s Ministry of Culture and Media we can award winners with a financial payment of 4000 EUR.

I have a great idea. May I apply for the Chytomo Award?

No. Only implemented projects whose influence can be evaluated are eligible for consideration.

Can I nominate myself for the Award?

The Organizing Committee distinguishes between organizations and individuals eligible for nomination and those that can nominate, to highlight distinction between these groups. While the Chytomo Award Regulations don’t prohibit self-nominations, they aren’t given priority during the application process.

Can a publishing house nominate candidates?

No, a publishing house can’t nominate candidates. Candidates can be nominated only by outer organizations which have no conflict of interests with the nominee.

Why didn’t my application advance beyond the technical selection stage?

The most probable reason is that your application hasn’t met the technical criteria specified in the Regulations. Among the most common reasons for rejection are: the organization’s profile is not relevant for the application, the organization has been operating for less than one year, the form fields have not been filled out properly (information is not provided in English, for example, or the applicant did not provide a specific answer to a question) and so on.

Why do I fill out form fields about candidates in English?

Firstly, we have an international jury to evaluate applications. Secondly, all the finalists will be actively promoted on Chytomo English and international partner media. One of the tasks of the Organizing Committee is to highlight and give maximum attention to all initiatives, and tell the world about them, in English in particular.

I have published a significant book. May I submit it as an outstanding achievement?

No. While we deeply value and appreciate books, believing in their power to change the world, the Chytomo Award is not a literary award and does not recognize artistic excellence alone. The fact of writing or publishing a book isn’t automatically considered an influential achievement for both readers and the industry as a whole. However, the manner in which you approach book publishing could be grounds for recognition. For instance, have you found a way to publish books with 100% recyclable materials? Are you a game changer? Have you pioneered methods to publish books during blackouts? Have you found a way to give access to books for the visually impaired? These are the kind of achievements you can submit for consideration.

May we indicate both co-organizers of our initiative in our application?

Certainly. Both co-organizers can be nominated under a single initiative since the project itself will be evaluated. However, please note that if the award is won , the financial agreement will only be made with one organization.

Will we be notified of the results of the technical selection?

Yes, the results will be published on Chytomo website, while applicants will receive a notification letter. In case you have not received information from the organizers, please check the lists published on the Chytomo website.

Can someone who passed away be nominated for the Award?

Indeed, the Award may be granted posthumously. In such instances, the Award shall be given to the deceased’ heirs.