The Epigram Literary Foundation (ELF) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to sustaining and growing the literary ecosystem in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Through its publishing arm, Epigram Books, it publishes fiction and non-fiction for readers across the region.
Manuscript submissions
Trade Publishing
We champion stories rooted in Singapore and Southeast Asia—fiction and non-fiction that reflect the region's full complexity and its people. Stories from this region are at the heart of what we publish.
Recent titles include The Mystical Mister Kay by Meihan Boey and Lyna Lankylegs and the Bright Hill Gang: Doggy Drama by Linda Locke.
Before you submit, you may want to refer to our Notes on Formatting and Punctuation.
As we receive many manuscripts, please allow our editorial team time to read and assess your submission. We are committed to keeping the process under six months. We will be in touch when we have thoroughly assessed your manuscript's publishing potential—in the meantime, we will contact you only if we have additional questions.
If you do not hear from us within six months, you may assume that we are not taking your manuscript forward at this time.
We discourage sending hard copy manuscripts—an electronic submission will suffice. While necessary care will be exercised, Epigram Books assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of materials received. Please keep a copy for yourself; we practise a zero-return policy.
We look forward to reading your manuscript.
Annual prize
Epigram Books Fiction Prize
The Epigram Books Fiction Prize (EBFP) was established in 2015 to promote Singaporean creative writing, and has since expanded to include writers from across Southeast Asia. It is awarded to the best manuscript of a full-length, original and unpublished novel written in English or in original English translation. The winner receives S$25,000.
The prize is open to citizens and permanent residents of Southeast Asia. Entries are currently open.
Custom book projects
Contract Publishing
Epigram Books is backed by an award-winning team with nearly 30 years of experience in contract publishing. Together with Epigram, the communications design firm from which it originated, it has published more than 300 books for the government, statutory boards, publicly listed companies and for trade.
If you or your organisation would like to engage our editorial, design, book project management and/or marketing services, please write to us.