The deadlines for two prestigious literary prizes are nearing, and Bermudians are urged to hurry and submit their work.The prizes are part of a new initiative, Commonwealth Writers, an online hub to inspire, inform and create a community of writers from all over the world.The initiative aims to unearth, develop and promote the best new fiction from across the Commonwealth.The deadline for the short story prize is November 30, 1pm Bermuda time.The prize is awarded for the best piece of unpublished short fiction (2000 to 5000 words) in English.Regional winners receive £1,000 ($1,574.71) and the overall winner receives £5,000 ($7,873.53).The Commonwealth Book Prize deadline is December 9, 1pm Bermuda time.It is open to writers who had their first novel published between January 1 and December 31, 2011.Regional winners receive £2,500 ($3,936.76) and the overall winner receives £10,000 ($15,747.05).The winners for both prizes will be announced in June.For rules and guidelines or to enter online visit www.commonwealthwriters.org.