Tenerife Launches New Literary Prize Banning AI-Generated Manuscripts
The Tenerife Island Council has launched the Nicolás Estévanez Murphy Island Narrative Prize, a new literary award offering 10,000 euros for original long-form manuscripts while strictly prohibiting the use of generative artificial intelligence.
Tenerife is launching a new literary award to champion long-form writing. The Tenerife Island Council has officially established the Nicolás Estévanez Murphy Island Narrative Prize, aiming to become a major fixture in the Spanish literary world.
Managed by the Department of Culture, Museums, and Sports, the prize offers more than just a cash reward. The Council has committed to handling the publication and distribution of the winning manuscript, helping authors gain vital visibility in a crowded book market.
The contest carries a 10,000-euro prize and is open to writers born in the Canary Islands or those who have lived there for at least the past three years. Entries must be original, unpublished works written in Spanish, ranging from 150 to 250 pages.
The competition also takes a firm stance on technology: the use of generative artificial intelligence to write manuscripts is strictly prohibited. While authors may use basic technical tools like grammar checkers or layout software, the Council is prioritizing human creativity and originality over automated processes.
The award is named after Nicolás Estévanez Murphy, a prominent Canarian military officer, politician, and writer. According to island vice president Lope Afonso and culture minister José Carlos Acha, the prize is designed to boost the region’s cultural scene, providing a meaningful platform for contemporary writers and highlighting narrative excellence as a core part of island life.