You do not need to be a professional bookbinder to enter.

A "dummy" is simply a physical prototype of your book's sequence.

There are no restrictions on page count, physical dimensions, or language (though an English translation must be included in the digital submission).

It can be a Print-on-Demand book, a handmade zine held together with tape, or loose printed pages clipped into a binder.

We are analyzing the anatomy (flow, rhythm, narrative), not the binding quality.

Note: We do not accept digital-only submissions (PDFs). You must also send a physical object to be considered.

While we will collaborate on the final polish, we are not looking to build a book from scratch.

Your dummy should have a solid sequence and a clear concept.

We are looking for work that is "90% there".

While we allow multiple entries, we recommend aiming for quality over quantity.

We prefer to see one undeniable, well-incubated project rather than three loose ideas.

If you are still figuring out what your project is about, it is likely too early for this grant.

The grant is open to photographers of all ages, nationalities, and career stages.

Collectives and artistic duos are welcome to apply.

The applicant must be the primary copyright holder of the images or have written authorization from the photographer/author to publish the work.

We accept projects that have never been published as a monograph (standalone book).

Eligible: Projects previously shown as exhibitions, films, or published in magazines, zines, or anthologies, provided the specific book sequence you are submitting has not been published as a trade book.

Self-published "micro-runs" (under 50 copies) are also eligible.

Ineligible: Projects that have been published by a third-party house or self-published in editions of 50+ copies.

The digital submission is for quick reference only.

We must be able to view your file immediately in the browser (Google Drive Preview) without downloading gigabytes of data.

Please upload a "Screen Quality" PDF (72dpi) or a compressed video.

If your PDF does not visually depict the spine (e.g., it is viewed as single pages), that is perfectly fine.

Do not upload high-res print PDFs.

If we have to download your file to see it, your entry may be skipped.

To protect our privacy, we do not post our address publicly.

You must complete the Submission Form below.

Once submitted, the confirmation screen will reveal the Tokyo shipping address.

Ephemere will not pay customs fees.

If a courier asks us to pay to receive your package, we will be forced to reject it.

When filling out your shipping label, you must mark the contents as "Printed Matter / Dummy Book" and declare the value as "Zero" or "No Commercial Value" (or the minimum required, e.g., USD 1).

Due to the volume of submissions and international logistics, we do not return dummies under any circumstances, even if you offer to pay for return shipping.

Please do not send your only original master copy.

Non-shortlisted entries will be archived or responsibly recycled.

Submitting early ensures your dummy spends more time with the jury.

The deadline for the physical package to ARRIVE at our address is March 31.

Please factor in international shipping times.

You must use a shipping service with a Tracking Number.

We do not track individual packages for you, but if you have your tracking number, you will know when it arrives.

After the March 31 deadline, we narrow the field to a Longlist, then a Shortlist, and finally one Grand Winner.

In April, we will select a Shortlist of runners-up (approx. 5–15 artists, depending on quality).

These physical dummies will be exhibited as an installation at the Ephemere Photo Fest in October 2026.

While attendance is not required for shortlisted artists, if you choose to visit Tokyo, we will welcome you and aim to schedule Artist Talks to celebrate your work.

In May, one artist will be selected for the monograph.

After a summer of production, we aim to fly the winner to Tokyo in October to launch the book. This is not an "Awards Ceremony"; it is a working launch event.

Attendance is mandatory for the Grand Winner (barring visa/force majeure issues) because the goal is for you to stand next to your work and sign the first copies.

If you cannot travel, you do not “lose” the publication grant, but you will miss the core experience of the launch.

Ephemere covers 100% of the book production and the Grand Winner's round-trip airfare to Tokyo (or domestic travel if you are already based in Japan).

The Artist covers their own accommodation, food, and local transport.

The Artist is also responsible for securing their own Tourist Visa (if required by their country).

Ephemere can provide an official Invitation Letter to support your application, but we cannot manage the process for you.

The Artist retains full copyright ownership of all original photographs.

Ephemere retains the rights to the specific design, layout, and edition of the published monograph.

If the artist wishes to reproduce the same specific book layout elsewhere later, permission is required from the publisher.

Because this is a fully funded grant where Ephemere covers the high financial risk, we do not offer royalties on sales.

Instead, the Artist receives 10% of the total print run as physical Artist Prints. For example, if we print 300 copies, you will take home 30 copies free of charge.

The Artist Prints are intended for your personal archive, gifting to loved ones, or donating to institutions. They are not for commercial resale.

Ephemere manages the official distribution.

Once published, your monograph will mainly be available through the Ephemere online store.

We also work to place titles in selected partner bookstores and stockists.

Most importantly, we travel with your book. Ephemere participates in international artbook fairs and photography festivals, ensuring your work is physically seen by collectors and curators worldwide.

If you have a specific question not answered in this guide, please reach out to us at grants@ephemere.tokyo.