1729 Prize Update

In light of the errors made by Mason Jar Press leadership that led to Maya Salameh’s decision to decline the 1729 Prize, we will not be proceeding with the award. It does not feel appropriate to go with a second place, and we think we’d be doing everyone a disservice if we did. Instead, we have donated the prize in its entirety to the Unity for Gaza GoFundMe, a cause suggested by Maya. 

Coordinated by the Gaza Collective, the Unity for Gaza GoFundMe campaign aims to raise money to support the Palestinian families who have long suffered living in Israel’s apartheid state and now find themselves trapped in a horrific genocide — sponsored in large part by our own government. The primary objective is to assist them by addressing their urgent needs. We encourage others to consider giving to this cause if they have the means to do so. 

Due to our cancellation of the prize, we will refund all add-on donations given to MJP during the submission period. That will be completed by the end of the weekend (4/21).    

Our apologies go out to everyone who partnered with MJP on this year's prize as well as everyone who submitted their manuscripts to us in good faith. This has been a painful reminder to always follow through with what we believe in, without hesitation. We, as a press, and I, as one of the key decision-makers, are taking additional steps to ensure that in the future we do not fail in upholding our ideals. We’ll be announcing those plans very soon.

Michael B. Tager

Co-founder & Managing Editor, MJP