The Spoils of Victory

The best part about winning a major literary prize is usually the increased sales that go along with the honor. And this year, the candidates for Canada’s Giller Prize have even more reason than usual to lick their chops at the prospect of a win. This year’s shortlist is jam-packed with authors most of the public has never heard of, and such little-known writers are traditionally the ones who benefit most from the exposure a major award affords. Publishers are gearing up for tomorrow night’s announcement as well: the winner will see an immediate additional print run of 20,000 copies, to be on shelves within two days.