The Shu-mei Shih First Book Prize (deadline: Jan 10, 2027)
The Shu-mei Shih First Book Prize
The Shu-mei Shih First Book Prize of 3S is given biennially and honors the most outstanding author’s first book published in Sinophone studies during the two years preceding the year when the award is given. The book can focus on any time period and geographical context. Sinophone studies has engaged with intellectual formations including, but not limited to, area studies, ethnic studies, transnational studies, Indigenous studies, decolonial theory, diaspora studies, and queer theory. Therefore, a book that engages fruitfully with these fields and proposes innovative reconfigurations of existing scholarship is most welcome. This prize honors the pathbreaking work of Shu-mei Shih, who is Irving and Jean Stone Professor of Humanities at UCLA. The award carries a monetary prize of $2,000, and the winner will be honored at the biennial 3S International Conference in 2027.
Eligibility Requirements and Application Procedures
Who is eligible: Current 3S members who have published (copyrighted) their book between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026. To be eligible, books must be written in English by a single author, though the book may be published outside of the U.S. 3S board members are also welcome to apply.
Selection process: A prize selection committee will be formed independently from the 3S board to ensure diverse representation of the field and to avoid any conflict of interest.
Who can nominate: Authors who are members of 3S can apply directly. Any 3S member may nominate books for consideration, and publishers may also submit books.
How to submit a nomination: Use the online form and include: (1) basic information about the nominator and the author, (2) the book's official copyright publication year, (3) a 300-word statement explaining how the author's scholarship and the book contribute to Sinophone studies, and (4) a PDF copy of the book (for the use of the selection process only).
Deadline: nominations are due by Jan 10, 2027
For any questions, please contact Wen-chi Li at oskiey@gmail.com.
