Chytomo announces a call for applications for the Award for Outstanding Achievements in Book Publishing

Chytomo, in partnership with the International Renaissance Foundation, is now accepting applications for the Award for Outstanding Achievements in Ukrainian Publishing and the Literary Sector. The winner of each nomination category will receive $3,000.

The Chytomo Award will highlight the most significant accomplishments over the past calendar year that have contributed to the development of the book market and the industry as a whole, as well as the promotion of reading. Nominees can include not only publishers but also book bloggers, journalists, libraries, bookstores, and other individuals or institutions whose achievements have been particularly notable throughout the year.

This year, the nomination period for the Chytomo Award runs from November 18 to December 16, and nominations are sought in the following categories:

1. “Book Publishing Market Trendsetter” (awarded for finding innovative approaches in publishing, creative business transformation, and developing the Ukrainian book / literary landscape)
2. “Book Initiative that Promotes Reading” (awarded for finding new ways to deliver books to readers, creating a positive image for reading, and transforming the educational process through reading)
3. “Ukrainian Book Ambassador” (awarded for a personal contribution to the visibility of Ukrainian literature worldwide and forming a positive image of Ukrainian literature and culture)

The Chytomo Award was founded in 2023 by Chytomo, Ukraine’s largest media platform dedicated to book publishing, both in the country and abroad.

“2024 has become another year of war,” says Iryna Baturyevych, co-founder of Chytomo. “Successful publishers, illustrators of worldwide renown, and well-known authors and poets are on the front lines. The list of authors, editors, translators, printers, and other professionals who have died at the hands of the russians is growing. Competition is increasing; there is a shortage of staff and printing capabilities.

“At the same time, readers are witnessing unprecedented interest in books. Bookstores are opening not only in major cities but also in front-line ones, large book clubs are being formed, and more festivals and exhibitions are appearing to cater to every taste. Now, like never before, we want the efforts of the book industry to be recognized and the results to be visible both in Ukraine and far beyond its borders.”

The second edition of the Chytomo Award is possible due to the support and partnership of the International Renaissance Foundation.

“The development of publishing in Ukraine and forming a sustainable book community has been at the core of the foundation’s focus for over three decades,” comments Oleksandr Sushko, Executive Director of the International Renaissance Foundation.

“With its support, publishers like ‘Osnovy’ and ‘Dukh i Litera’ have been established, as well as cultural events like the Lviv Book Forum and the Book Arsenal, the Laboratory of Scientific Translation, and hundreds of publications of the world classics of the humanities. Today, amid the war, supporting resilient communities, which have proven crucial in fostering trust and unity within Ukrainian society, is vital. This is the aim of the Chytomo Award for Outstanding Achievements in Ukrainian Publishing and the Literary Sector. We are pleased to support this initiative and look forward to the jury selecting the best publishers, book bloggers, journalists, libraries, and bookstores that contribute to the book publishing and promotion of reading in Ukraine.”

The first step in determining the award laureates is the nomination process, which takes place from November 18 to December 16. Ukrainian and international organizations, such as cultural institutions of Ukraine abroad, public organizations, legal entities, educational institutions, publishing houses, libraries, and media outlets, are invited to nominate candidates. Each organization can nominate up to two candidates by filling out an application form.

During the first stage of selection, the organizing committee will compile a list of candidates by reviewing the application forms to ensure compliance with the award’s requirements and priorities. The shortlist for each category will be determined by a competent jury, the full composition of which will be announced separately. In the final stage, the jury will select the award winners through evaluation.

The Chytomo Award ceremony, with finalists and jury members in attendance, will take place in Kyiv from late January to early February 2025. The results will be published publicly on the website.

For more information, please read the Chytomo Award regulations.

Chytomo is a media platform that brings together a community united by a love of texts and visual culture. Chytomo serves as a communication and discussion platform for participants in the publishing market, literary and artistic processes, reading communities, and the institutions involved in legislative, executive, and programmatic activities.

Since 1990, the International Renaissance Foundation has been working to build an open society in Ukraine where citizens are engaged in creating the state, and the government is transparent and accountable. The Foundation focuses on the development of Ukraine in which human rights are securely protected and positive changes work for the benefit of the citizens.

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Copy editing: Joy Tataryn