NEW YORK (AP) — The Association of American Publishers presented its annual international award. International Freedom to Publish Award Russian independent publishing house Freedom Letters and its founder Georgy Urushadze — for fighting against censorship and repression.
A former organizer of literary awards in Moscow, Urushadze left Russia in 2022 after speaking out against the invasion of Ukraine and being declared a “foreign agent.”
“Giorgi Urushadze made enormous sacrifices in the name of freedom of expression, showed exceptional tenacity in establishing a successful publishing house in exile, and inspired people around the world with his dedication to authors who were being silenced,” said Association President Maria A. Pallante.
Freedom Letters, supported by dozens of volunteers, publishes books in Ukraine, Latvia, Georgia, and other countries. Its portfolio includes hundreds of works in Russian and Ukrainian written by anti-war authors and opponents of Vladimir Putin. Among its notable publications are the collection Last But Not Final Words (the last words of Russian political prisoners) and a graphic novel by Olga Grebennik. The War Diary о войне в Украине.
Freedom Letters Publishing House is banned in Russia, and some of its authors have been prosecuted. Despite this, Urushadze notes that the books can still be purchased in Russia through online platforms.
“This award sends a message of hope to all who believe, as we do, that every book that finds a reader is proof that stories can overcome borders, prohibitions, and fear,” said Urushadze.
Previously, the award was given to a Venezuelan publishing house Editorial Dahbar and South African NB Publishers.
What Are the Objectives of the Award?
The primary goal of the Award is to support authors and promote Russian-language literature worldwide. We welcome all who write and read in Russian, regardless of citizenship or place of residence. We aim to foster a Russian-language culture free from political and imperial influences.
How Is the Award Process Conducted?
The Award is given annually. The jury votes, with each member selecting between one and three works. The winner is the author whose work receives the most votes. Additionally, a reader’s vote (Crowdfunding) is conducted on the Award’s website, where readers can vote for authors and support them financially.
What Awards Are Provided?
The winner of the Award receives a grant to translate the work into English, French and German. Also, as part of the reader's vote, all collected funds are transferred to the authors for whom the readers voted.
When Does the Submission Period for the Competition Start and End?
Прием заявок на конкурс второго сезона премии начнется 1 сентября 2025-го и закончится 15-го октября 2025 года.
When will the list of finalists and winners be announced?
В январе 2026 года Совет Экспертов объявит список финалистов. Читательское голосование начинается в тот же месяц. В феврале-апреле члены жюри читают книги-финалисты, а победителей Премии и читательского голосования объявят в мае 2026 года.
What are the conditions for the nomination of a book for the award
В конкурсе второго сезона могут принимать участия произведения, изданные в 2024-м году. Произведения (роман, повесть, сборники рассказов и эссе, документальная проза), вышедшие отдельными изданиями или опубликованные в журналах. Номинировать на премию имеют право как издательства и редакции журналов, так и сами писатели или третьи лица (с согласия и письменного подтверждения автора). Тексты подаются к рассмотрению в электронном виде. Премия «Дар» открыта для всех авторов. Учитывая главные цели премии: продвижение современной русскоязычной литературы за пределами РФ и характер самого вознаграждение (грант на перевод) - приоритет будет отдаваться авторам, чьи произведения ранее не переводились на английский, французский и немецкий языки.
