Competitions and Opportunities

Whatever your writing goals for 2024, you’ll find a range of opportunities in our round-up of literary prizes, competitions, fellowships, calls for submissions and more below—updated weekly! 

Subscribe to our weekly e-news for the latest opportunities straight to your inbox, and view a list of Australian and international publications here.

Writing prizes are a great way to give yourself a deadline, build your publication credits, as well offering a financial incentive at any stage of your writing career. Keep an eye on our program of workshops to get you ready to enter your best work.

Please note that inclusion on this page is not an endorsement. Writers should always carefully check terms and conditions for information on fees, rights, and eligibility.

Do you have an opportunity to share? Submit it for review here.


Skip to a month:


January

Closes
5 January 2024

Prizes

The List Adelaide Summer Festival Guide 2024

The List magazine is returning to Adelaide in January with its Adelaide Summer Festival Guide and we are seeking reviewers to cover the summer festival programme with 200 word reviews for our website.

Closes
7 January 2024

Prizes

Pitch the Griffith Review

Keen to get creative over the summer break? Griffith Review are accepting non-fiction pitches for GR Online, their online publishing platform.

Closes
10 January 2024

Residency

Thematic residency program in Finland, 2024

Residency program for artists, writers & creative professionals. Periods: 1 month (29 days/period). When: May / June / July / August 2024. Where: Arteles Creative Center, Hämeenkyrö, Finland. Back to Basics residency program gives artists the opportunity to clear their mind, get back to focus and (re)discover the very basis of their being.

Closes
12 January 2024

Mentorships

Writing mentorships for First Nations creatives

Emerging First Nations creatives in SA are invited to apply for InReview’s First Nations arts writing mentorships. The paid program supports mentees to develop their arts writing and criticism skills with guidance from experienced First Nations mentors.

Closes
15 January 2024

Prizes and awards

Romantic Book of the Year

Romance Writers of Australia (RWAus) is excited to announce the Romantic Book of the Year award (RuBY AWARD), opens on the 4th December and closes January 15th 2024. The contest is open to any author who has published a romance or romantic elements book in Australian or New Zealand between 1st January 2023 and 31st December 2023. Entry is $30 for RWAus members and $50 for non-members.

Closes
21 January 2024

Fellowship

Kat Muscat Fellowship

With the generous support of the Muscat family and the broader community, Express Media is honoured to present the 2024 Kat Muscat Fellowship. The Fellowship offers professional development up to the value of $5,000 for an editorial project or work of writing by a young person (aged 16-30) of an underrepresented gender (including cis women, trans women, trans men, non-binary people, intersex people, gender diverse people and those who are otherwise marginalised), and seeks work that epitomises values of defiance, feminism and empathy.

Closes
21 January 2024

Seeking Submissions

Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction

The Not Quite Write Podcast is seeking entries to its January 2024 flash fiction competition. The Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction will challenge writers to produce up to 500 words of fiction based on 2 traditional writing prompts plus one “anti-prompt.” Entry fee: $25. Prize: 8 cash prizes totaling $2,000 incl. $1,000 First Prize plus publication on the Not Quite Write podcast and website. Open to all ages and levels of experience.

Closes
22 January 2024

Prizes

2024 Calibre Essay Prize

ABR welcomes entries in the 2024 Calibre Essay Prize, worth $10,000. The Calibre Prize is open to all essayists writing in English. We seek essays of between 2,000 and 5,000 words on any subject. We welcome essays of all kinds: personal or political, literary or speculative, traditional or experimental. Founded in 2007, the Calibre Prize is one of the world’s leading prizes for a new non-fiction essay.

Status: Open for entry
Prize money: $10,000
Dates: 23 October 2023 – 22 January 2024

Applications close
22 January

Fellowships

black&write! Writing Fellowships

Each year the State Library of Queensland’s black&write! offers two fellowships for unpublished manuscripts by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander writers. The winning Fellows will receive $15,000 prize money, as well as manuscript development with black&write! and publication opportunity with Hachette.

Closes
24 January 2024

Prizes

Adaptable

Ever dreamt of seeing your writing brought to life on-screen? Queensland Writers Centre’s Adaptable program is your chance to pitch work (published or unpublished) to screen industry professionals. Applications close 24 January 2024.

Closes
25 January

Awards

Australian Book Industry Awards

The ABIA award ceremony is Australia’s book industry’s night of nights. Nominations are open until 25 January.

Entries close
27 January

Prizes

Local Word Writing Prize

Submissions of up to 3000 words are welcome from emerging and established writers in prose fiction and creative nonfiction. The winner of the prize will receive a cash prize of $2000, a one-hour mentoring session with a Deakin University writing practitioner, publication on GRLC’s website and announcement in GRLC’s e-newsletter.

Entries close
28 January

Prizes

The Masters Review Short Story Award For New Writers

The annual contest for emerging writers, with cash prizes up to $3000, publication online and agency review.

Closes
31 January

Prizes

The ASA/HQ Fiction Prize

The Australian Society of Authors and HQ, a division of HarperCollins, have partnered to offer the biennial ASA/HQ Fiction Prize. The winner will receive a publishing contract with HQ, with a $10,000 advance against royalties, and the runner-up will receive $500 and a year’s membership with the ASA.

Closes
31 January

Prizes

Magarey Medal for Biography

The Magarey Medal for Biography is awarded biennially to the female person who has published the work judged to be the best biographical writing on an Australian subject. The Magarey Medal will be awarded next in July 2024 for a book published in 2022 or 2023.

Entries close
31 January

Prizes

The 20/40 Publishing Prize

20/40 is an exciting new publishing prize for single works of prose fiction and non-fiction, between 20,000 and 40,000 words in length. 20/40 is established by independent, non-profit press Finlay Lloyd. Entries will be assessed blind by a panel of judges with the intention of publishing two winning books each year.

Opens
Mid-January

Prizes

WA Premier’s Book Awards

Managed by the State Library of Western Australia, this award supports, develops and recognises excellence in Western Australian writing. Entries for 2024 will open in mid-January.

Entries close
Monthly

Submissions

Aniko Press Guest book reviews

Aniko will be accepting one to two guest book reviews per month that fit with the tone and style of Aniko Press. The main focus is on literary and contemporary fiction, short story collections, poetry, interesting/experimental nonfiction and exciting graphic novels. Book reviews should be between 600-900 words, and contain a mix of literary criticism and personal opinion. Each published review is paid $50.00.

Closes
Monthly

Competition

Right Left Write

QLD Writers Centre’s monthly short fiction competition Right Left Write is a great opportunity to get your writing published. Winning entries are published in the newsletter, on their website, and in an annual print anthology edition. Monthly.

February

Closes
1 February

Open for submissions

Plumwood Mountain Journal Call for Submissions

Plumwood Mountain: An Australian and International Journal of Ecopoetry and Ecopoetics is seeking submissions for their upcoming issue ‘Queering Ecopoet(h)ics’. Submit up to two poems that rupture and unsettle hegemonic thinking about ‘Nature’, ‘the natural’ and the environmental status quo.

Submissions open
2 February

Mentorship

ASA/CA 2024 Award Mentorship Program for Writers and Illustrators

An award mentorship program for writers and illustrators, to help develop work to a publishable standard. 12 winners receive mentoring, participation in a Paths to Publishing program, ASA membership for 12 months and a ticket to Literary Speed Dating event.

Submissions open
2 February

Open for submissions

Story Unlikely open for submissions

Seeking short stories of all genres (fiction and nonfiction). All published stories are professionally illustrated and no submission fee. Submission period open from 2 February.

Closes
5 February

Award

2024 Mona Brand Award for Stage and Screen Writers

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Mona Brand Award for Stage and Screen Writers – Early Career Writer Award valued at $10,000. The total prize money in 2024 is $40,000, which is awarded over the following two categories: The Mona Brand Award ($30,000) and the Early Career Writer Award ($10,000).

Closes
4 February

Open for submissions

Submit to Cordite 112: TREAT

Cordite Poetry Review invites submissions to their latest edition, to be guest-edited by Tricia Dearborn. Submitted poems should engage with, respond to or explore the meaning(s) of ‘treat’.

Closes
4 February

Open for submissions

Griffith Review Open Submissions for Poetry

Attachment Styles goes far beyond the family tree to consider the pleasures, pitfalls and peculiarities of our messy human relations. Griffith Review is currently open to submissions of up to four individual poems that can respond to this topic or be of no theme.

Closes
5 February

Award

National Biography Award

Since 1996, the National Biography Award has celebrated excellence in biography, autobiography and memoir writing. With a prize pool of $42,000, it is the nation’s richest prize for Australian biographical writing and memoir, hosted by the State Library New South Wales.

Closes
6 February

Scholarships

Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarships

This round of the Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarship offers $50,000 for artists (aged 21 to 35) to study and develop their artistic gifts across acting, instrumental music, painting and poetry. Applicants can look to travel interstate and/or overseas as part of their application.

Closes
11 February

Artist call-out

Emerging Writers Festival Artist Call-out

The #EWF24 Artist Call-out is now open! Got an event idea? Always wanted to share your work? EWF returns in 2024 with online and IRL events from September 5-15.

Closes
12 February

Competition

AWW Microstory Competition

Young people under the age of 18 are invited to submit a microstory of 50 words or less, which focused on the question: what does it mean to be human? The winner will receive a $500 gift card courtesy of Hello SA and a YA book pack courtesy of Writers’ Week.

Entries close
14 February

Awards

2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards

The Next Generation Indie Book Awards welcomes all independent book authors and publishers who have a book written in English released in 2022-2024 or with a 2022-2024 copyright date. The Next Generation Indie Book Awards offers over 80 categories and more than 80 awards.

Closes
14 February 2024

Prizes

Forty South – The Tasmanian Writers’ Prize

Prize for short stories up to 3,000 words with an island or ‘island-resonant’ theme. Winning entry receives a cash prize of $500, with a selection of the best entries to be published in the Forty South Short Story Anthology 2024.

Closes
16 February 2024

Prizes

Lambda Literary Awards

The Lambda Literary Awards recognise outstanding contributions made by individuals to LGBTQ+ literature, culture, and community.

Closes
19 February

Residency Fellowship

Copyright Agency – UTS New Writer’s Fellowship 2024 ($30k)

Australian writers who have published one or two book-length works are now invited to apply for this residency for 2024. It is well known that completing a second or third book is often difficult. This unique opportunity provides a writer with the financial security to complete a new work, to take creative risks, and to connect with Australia’s leading creative writing program.

Closes
20 February

Call for submissions

Open Call for Indie Comic Magazine

Sticky Beak is an independent comics initiative currently seeking submissions of black and white comics

Entries close
23 February

Award

Mulga Bill Writing Award

Goldfields Libraries and Eaglehawk Festivals Inc. are calling for entries from writers all over Australia for the annual Mulga Bill Writing Award. Writers are encouraged to take inspiration from the theme ‘mystical waters’, and submit a poem (max. 25 lines) or short story (max. 2000 words). Writers of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to apply. Entry fee is $5.

Closes
23 February

Competition

FFF Competition Twenty

Competition Twenty will stay open for submissions until 10 pm (UK Time) Friday 23rd February 2024. Submit a flash fiction piece of between 100 and 300 words, on any theme
1 Winner will receive £150.00 and publication

2 Highly Commended will receive £40.00 and publication

3 Shortlisted will receive £30.00 and publication


Judge – Adele Evershed (winner of Comp 19)
£3.85 fee per entry/story via PayPal.

Entries close
25 February

Awards

Stringybark Open Short Story Awards 2024

Submissions of up to 1500 words are invited for the Stringybark Open Short Story Awards with over $1350 in cash and books for the winners. The theme is completely open; however, there must be a link, no matter how small, to Australia.

Entries close
26 February

Awards

The Text Prize for Young Adult & Children’s Writing

Awarded annually to the best manuscript written for young readers, the $10,000 Text Prize for Young Adult and Children’s Writing aims to discover incredible new books by exciting authors. Published and unpublished writers of all ages are invited to submit works of fiction or non-fiction for young readers. The winner receives a publishing contract with Text and a $10,000 advance against royalties.

Entries close
26 February

Residency

Spoken Word SA Poet in Residence

The month-long residency at Adelaide City Library includes studio space within the library, at least one opportunity to present or perform their work, and the poet will be paid for their involvement. All ideas are welcome.

Entries close
28 February

Grants

Book Link Awards for Children’s Historical Fiction

Book Links celebrates outstanding work of children’s historical fiction. The award is a prize of $1000.

Entries close
28 February

Prize

Paul Cave Prize for Children’s Literature

Seeking poetry, flash fiction and short stories of up to 5000 words that provides an enjoyable reading experience with strong vocabulary and grammar while being mindful of the audience’s age (5 – 12).

Applications close
29 February

Grants

Country Arts SA Quick Response Grants 

Up to $3000 for Individuals; Up to $5000 for Organisations/Community Groups. Grants will fund professional development opportunities for artists and arts workers or small project opportunities. The program supports immediate need that arises. Open 10 times each year during the following months: February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November. Applications must be submitted by 11:29pm (ACST) on the last day of each month.

Closes
29 February

Open for submissions

Rabbit poetry

Rabbit is currently accepting submissions for Issue 39: the MUTINY Issue, inviting nonfiction poems, in all aesthetic registers, up to three poems per poet welcome.

Closes
29 February

Prizes

The Letter Review Prize

The Letter Review Prize for Short Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Unpublished Books is now open. $4000 USD prize pool and publication for our winners.

Entries usually open
February

Awards

The Australian/Vogel’s Award for Young Writers

One of Australia’s richest and the most prestigious award for an unpublished manuscript by a writer under the age of 35. Offering prize money of $20,000 plus publication by Allen & Unwin, the Award has launched the careers of some of Australia’s most successful writers, including Tim Winton, Kate Grenville, Gillian Mears, Brian Castro.

Entries close
Monthly

Submissions

Aniko Press Guest book reviews

Aniko will be accepting one to two guest book reviews per month that fit with the tone and style of Aniko Press. The main focus is on literary and contemporary fiction, short story collections, poetry, interesting/experimental nonfiction and exciting graphic novels. Book reviews should be between 600-900 words, and contain a mix of literary criticism and personal opinion. Each published review is paid $50.00.

Entries close
Various

Grants

Country Arts SA Grants 

Country Arts SA have a range of grants to support arts and cultural activities in regional South Australia. View the grants page for those currently open.

Closes
Monthly

Competition

Right Left Write

QLD Writers Centre’s monthly short fiction competition Right Left Write is a great opportunity to get your writing published. Winning entries are published in the newsletter, on their website, and in an annual print anthology edition. Monthly.

March

Opens
1 March

Fellowships

Churchill Fellowships

The fellowships offer a diverse range of people from all walks of life an opportunity to travel overseas for four to eight weeks to explore a topic or issue that they are passionate about. Applications open 1 March.

Opens
1 March

Awards

Davitt Awards

Sisters in Crime Australia’s 24th Davitt Awards for the best crime and mystery books by Australian women published in 2023 are now open. The competition is open to books by all women who are citizens/residents of Australia.

Closes
1 March

Award

Wilderness Society’s Karajia and Environment Awards for Children’s Literature 2024

The Environment Award for Children’s Literature celebrates Australian books written for children that promote a love of and care for nature.

The Karajia Award for Children’s Literature, established in 2022, sits alongside the Environment Award for Children’s Literature and is awarded to a book that celebrates a connection to Country by a First Nations author or illustrator.

Closes
5 March

Award

Creative Australia: Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups

This program funds a range of activities that deliver benefits to the arts sector and wider public, including national and international audiences and communities. $10,000 to $50,000.

Closes
5 March

Award

Creative Australia: Arts Projects for Organisations

Organisations that undertake arts programs, projects, or that provide services to artists, are welcome to apply for up to $100,000 investment.

Closes
5 March

Award

SCWC Poetry Prize 2024

South Coast Writers Centre (SCWC) invites poets to respond to the theme ‘gentle’ in the 2024 Poetry Award with a first prize of $1000. The Award is run in conjunction with the Wollongong Art Gallery exhibitions that form part of The Gentle Project: Horny Sticks and Whispering Lines and A Gentle Response. The Gentle Project celebrates the life and legacy of artist Ian Gentle, who lived and worked in the Illawarra from 1986 to 2009 with exhibitions at Wollongong Art Gallery and Clifton School of Arts, a short film about his life, Gentle at Clifton, and the publication Ian Gentle: The Found Line.

Closes
8 March

Award

The Jennifer Burbridge Short Story Award 2024

The Jennifer Burbidge Short Story Award was established in 2001 by Mary and Andrew Burbidge to honour the life of their eldest daughter, Jennifer, who died aged 21. The prize is funded by royalties from Mary Burbidge’s memoir Forever Baby, published by Harper Collins in 1999, and welcomes short stories of fiction or non-fiction up to 3000 words on the theme of disability. The winner will receive $500.

Closes
8 March

Job opportunity

Indigenous Collections Officer

The State Library of South Australia is now hiring for an Indigenous Collections Officer, who provides cultural expertise and administrative support for collection access, collection development, collection maintenance, research services and community consultation.

Closes
10 March

Fellowship

2024 National Regional Arts Fellows

Regional Arts Australia is currently accepting Expressions of Interest from regional artists and arts workers for the 2024 National Regional Arts Fellowship Program, providing income for regional artists and arts workers to develop work, skills, networks, or research. In 2024, they are seeking Fellowship proposals with a focus on economic, cultural and/or environmental sustainability.

Closes
11 March

Incubator Program

Creative Innovator 2024

Open to individual creatives or small groups with either an existing project or a burgeoning creative business idea. You’ll receive training and support in a creative, nurturing environment and have the chance to pitch for up to $20,000 cash funding at the end of the six-month program.

Closes
11 March

Residency

The 2024 Meanjin InPlace Autumn Residency

Now open to Australian writers from culturally and racially marginalised communities, working in genres published by Meanjin. Applications for this residency are open now and close on 11 March.

Closes
12 March

Award

Anne Elder Award

A national, annual award for a sole-authored first book of poetry of 20-minimum pages in length, published in Australia. First prize $1,000.

Closes
13 March

Competition

Little Black Dress Spooky Story Competition

Little Black Dress Productions and the KSP Writers’ Centre presents the annual spooky story competition. The judges will be looking for good quality original, unpublished writing with engaging characters and a compelling narrative including an excellent beginning, middle and end. Entries must be rated PG and should address the theme, ‘Don’t Look Up’. Young writers up to 17 years of age (Australian resident) and adult writers (WA resident) are eligible to enter.

Closes
14 March

Competition

Peter Carey Short Story Award

The award is for stories between 2000 – 3000 words and is open to all Australian residents. Entry is $15 per story. The winning entry receives $2000, while the runner-up wins $1000. The first and second-placed stories will be published in the Spring 2024 edition of Meanjin. Longlisted entries in 2024 will be judged by Eugen Bacon.

Closes
15 March

Program

Untapped

Australians in Film and Screen Australia have announced the return of UNTAPPED, the professional development program for undiscovered and historically excluded Australian screenwriters and directors.

Closes
15 March

Competition

The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival Elyne Mitchell Photo Story Awards

Find an image you have taken to inspire your writing. Alternatively pick up your camera and find your inspiration. Each entry must be accompanied by a story of no more than 200 words, inspired by the image provided. The story must have specific reference to the theme ‘The Call of the High Country’. The text and the photograph must be the writer/photographer’s own work. Entrants can enter up to five pieces.

Closes
17 March

Grants and funding

Neilma Sidney Literary Travel Fund

Offered by Writers Victoria; grants for travel between $2,000 – $10,000, to support emerging and established writers and literary sector workers in pursuing professional development opportunities. March round for travel between 1 Jul 2024 – 1 Jul 2025.

Closes
19 March

Awards

Prime Minister’s Literary Awards

The richest literary prize in the nation, with a tax-free prize pool of $600,000 in recognition of the outstanding literary talents of established and emerging Australian writers, illustrators, poets, and historians. Awards are presented in six categories: fiction, non-fiction, young adult literature, children’s literature, poetry and Australian history. Up to $100,000 will be awarded in each category—$80,000 for the winning entry and $5,000 each for a maximum of four shortlisted entries.

Closes
22 March

Award

The Hope Prize – Simon & Schuster Australia

International prize dedicated to ‘sharing stories of hope, courage, and resilience’. Accepting short story submissions, of both fiction and nonfiction, on the theme of Hope, between 2,000-5,000 words in length. Winning entry receives $10,000, second prize $2,000, third prize $1,000. Simon & Schuster Australia will publish an anthology of all winning and highly commended submissions in 2024.

Closes
24 March

Grants

The Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund Create Grants

Create Grants provide a living allowance for writers and visual artists at key stages of their career. Creative writers can apply to write their second book in the following literary genres: fiction, poetry, children’s literature, young adult literature, picture book illustration, graphic novels, playwriting, literary non-fiction and writing for performance (plays only). Amount of grant: $20,000.

Closes
24 March

Grants

2024 Kids & YA Festival EOIs

Writing NSW’s biennual Kids & YA Festival will return on Saturday 3 August 2024, and is now open to submissions for presenters. Submissions may come from authors, editors, publishers, agents, academics and any others with a passion for the genre. Involvement may take the form of panel speakers, chair responsibilities, or interactive sessions. Held in Lilyfield NSW.

Closes
25 March

Award

The Daisy Utemorrah Award

The Daisy Utemorrah Award is open for entries. Do you have a Junior or Young Adult story that you’d like to tell? Open to all Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander writers, the winner receives $15,000 and a publishing contract with Magabala Books! This is a great opportunity for an emerging or established writer to publish a new work of junior or YA fiction (that is, writing for readers aged between 8-18yrs).

Closes
25 March

Paid Internship

Open Book: Australian Publishing Internship

A paid internship that aims to provide a well-rounded introduction to the Australian publishing industry, and create practical and sustainable pathways towards long-term careers for aspiring professionals. Interns will gain in-house experience at Australian publishing organisations and be supported by a mentor. There are three paid placements based in Sydney and Melbourne.

Closes
25 March

Awards

Stringybark Open Short Story Awards

Stringybark Publishing and others are proud to sponsor their flagship short story award. Submissions should be up to 1500 words, written for ages 16 and above, and have a link, no matter how small, to Australia. There is an award pool of over $1350 in cash and books. *Entry fee

Closes
30 March 2024

Award

Ethel Webb Bundell Literary Award Short Story

Open to all. No theme. Accept short stories up to 4,000 words. First prize $400. Second prize $200. Third prize $100. Entry fee $10 per story. Entry forms available from the website.

Closes
31 March

Competition

Best Australian Science Writing and the UNSW Press Bragg Prize for Science Writing

Entries are now open for writers to submit their pieces for consideration in The Best Australian Science Writing and the UNSW Press Bragg Prize for Science Writing. Contributions from both established and emerging voices are encouraged. Pieces must have been published in print and/or online in Australia or globally between 1 January 2023 and 31 March 2024. Authors must be Australian residents or Australian citizens living overseas.

Closes
31 March

Residency

Hedberg Writer-in-Residence (Tas)

Applications are open for a $30,000 writing residency based at the University of Tasmania. The Hedberg Writer-in-Residence program gives an established Australian author the chance to live and work in Tasmania for three months. The successful applicant will receive a $20,000 living allowance, accommodation worth $10,000 and access to an office and the University library. They will also mentor students across the state and speak at public events.

Closes
31 March 2024

Competition

Light and Shadow – Minds Shine Bright Seasons Writing competition

The Minds Shine Bright Seasons writing competition is open and calling for entries. From the shifting shadows from dawn till dusk that shorten under the midday sun; to the deep dark shadows of the night -— the theme of light and shadow beckons . . . short stories, short scripts, poems and flash fiction welcome. $5 entry fee. 2500 word limit. First prize $500. Winning and commended entries receive prize money and publication in an anthology.

Closes
31 March

Awards and prizes

Rubery Book Award

The Rubery Prize is a prestigious international book award seeking the best books by indie writers, self-published authors and books published by independent presses. Book of the Year receives £2000 (AU$3740) and this year is judged by resident judge Dr Paul McDonald and guest judge Kerry Hadley-Pryce.

Applications close 31 March

Prizes

Tom Collins Poetry Prize

Poets are invited to submit up to five unpublished pieces for the chance to be recognised among Australia’s most talented poets. The theme is open for poems up to 60 lines each. First prize is $1,000, second is $300, and third is $100.

Closes
31 March 2024

Competition

The Caterpillar Poetry Prize 2024

An annual prize for an unpublished poem written by an adult for children aged 7–11, open to poets from across the world. Entry fee. 1st prize €1,000 plus a week at Circle of Misse in France, 2nd prize €500, 3rd prize €250. The winning poems will be published in the Irish Times online.

Closes
31 March

Competition

The Calanthe Collective Prize for Unpublished Poetry

This competition is designed to encourage aspiring and current poets in two categories: Under 18, restricted to high school aged people; and the Open category, open to poets who are yet to have a book or chapbook published, with an open theme. Cash prizes and publication on the Calanthe Press website.

Closes
31 March

Competition

The Calanthe Collective Prize for Unpublished Poetry

This competition is designed to encourage aspiring and current poets in two categories: Under 18, restricted to high school aged people; and the Open category, open to poets who are yet to have a book or chapbook published, with an open theme. Cash prizes and publication on the Calanthe Press website.

Closes
31 March

Competition

Ethel Webb Bundell Literary Award for Short Stories

Open theme. Prizes: First $400; Second $200; Third $100. Highly commended and commended certificates will also be awarded.

Closes
31 March

Competition

Northern Beaches Writers Competition: Art & Words project

Writers are invited to enter original stories (max 2500 words) inspired by the theme of ‘GLASS’, along with one original image that reflects and enhances that story. Stories can be non-fiction, fiction, or fiction inspired by true events. All genres and styles welcome. Multiple entries also welcome. If you are a visual artist, you are welcome to collaborate with a writer of your choice and enter jointly. Entry fee: AUD$15. Winners receive cash prizes and online publication.

Applications close
March & Sept

Grants

Carclew’s Project & Development grants for individuals

Carclew offers grants to early career artists aged 26 years or under, for arts projects with a tangible outcome and/or skills and career development. Project & Development grants for individuals provide up to $10,000 and are offered twice per year for activity occurring in the following six months. Closing March and September.

Applications open
March

Fellowships

Judy Harris Writer-in-Residence Fellowship

The Fellowship supports an established Australian creative writer to begin a new piece of work while in residence at the Charles Perkins Centre, Australia’s leading multidisciplinary Centre, dedicated to easing the global impact of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease and their related conditions through innovative research and teaching. The Fellowship is for one year and includes: a stipend of AUD $100,000, a University of Sydney Honorary appointment, a base at the Charles Perkins Centre, full library access, the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of researchers, educators and clinicians at the Centre. 

Applications open
March

Fellowships

Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship

The Fellowship allows creatives to travel south to experience Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic and the Southern Ocean and Australia’s activities there, so that they can communicate these unique first-hand experiences, insights and understanding to others. Arts Fellowship expressions of interest open in March each year.

Applications open
late March

Awards

Ned Kelly Awards

The Ned Kelly Awards are Australia’s oldest and most prestigious recognition honouring published crime fiction and true crime writing. The categories are Best Crime Fiction, Best Debut Crime Fiction, Best True Crime and Best International Crime Fiction. Entries are accepted for books published in the 12 months prior to 1 March each year.

Entries close
Monthly

Submissions

Aniko Press Guest book reviews

Aniko will be accepting one to two guest book reviews per month that fit with the tone and style of Aniko Press. The main focus is on literary and contemporary fiction, short story collections, poetry, interesting/experimental nonfiction and exciting graphic novels. Book reviews should be between 600-900 words, and contain a mix of literary criticism and personal opinion. Each published review is paid $50.00.

Entries close
Various

Grants

Country Arts SA Grants 

Country Arts SA have a range of grants to support arts and cultural activities in regional South Australia. View the grants page for those currently open.

Closes
Monthly

Competition

Right Left Write

QLD Writers Centre’s monthly short fiction competition Right Left Write is a great opportunity to get your writing published. Winning entries are published in the newsletter, on their website, and in an annual print anthology edition. Monthly.

April

Entries close
April 1

Competitions

RSPB and The Rialto Nature and Place Competition

The Rialto working in association with the RSPB, BirdLife International, Cambridge Conservation Initiative and The University of Leeds Poetry Centre. Poems are invited that deal with any aspect of nature and place – these terms will be given a wide interpretation by the judge Zaffar Kunial. 1st PRIZE £1000. 2nd PRIZE £500. 3rd PRIZE £250.

Closing
April 1

Employment

Emerging Writers’ Festival Guest Curatorship

This is a curation opportunity with a one-off curatorial payment provided for an Emerging First Nations Producer, who is interested in dipping their toes into literary and festival programming, with a national festival.

Closing
2 April

Fellowship

Deep Creek Residency Fellowship

Matilda Bookshop, in partnership with Writers SA, and association with Ultimo Press, offer an annual residency fellowship to a South Australian writer. The fellowship provides support to work on a writing project of literary merit, including a travel subsidy, time and writing space at Deep Creek, as well as mentoring and a publishing consultation.

Closing
8 April

Residency

Judy Harris Writer-in-Residence Fellowship (NSW)

Welcoming EOIs from Australian creative writers working in all genres, including poetry, fiction, memoir, non-fiction, playwriting and creative non-fiction. The Fellowship fosters collaboration between Australian creative writers and researchers at the Charles Perkins Centre. The one-year Fellowship offers a stipend of $100,000, a University of Sydney Honorary appointment, a base at the Charles Perkins Centre, full library access and opportunity to collaborate with researchers, educators and clinicians at the Centre.

Closing
9 April

Writing group

Calling writers and storytellers with disability: EOIs now open

Writers and storytellers with disability from across Australia are invited to submit an expression of interest to join Writers Victoria’s free Writeability Goes Online writing group. The group will meet via Zoom on the first Saturday of the month, from 11am–1pm, between May and December 2024. Places are limited and all levels of experience are welcome. EOIs close 11:59pm, Tuesday 9 April. Submit your EOI via Submittable here. If this is not accessible for you, please email [email protected] for an alternative way to submit.

Closing
9 April

Program

Creative Australia’s Creative Leadership Program

Are you a writer, editor, artist or creative worker who wants to make change? Apply now to receive a $7000 grant for professional development, attend 2 in-person multi-day workshops on leadership and participate in a range of online activities over 18 months.

Closing
12 April

Award

Queensland Literary Awards

National prizes offered for outstanding published books by Australian writers, illustrators and creators; including a $15,000 fiction award and $15,000 nonfiction.

Closing
14 April

Prize

Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize

International prize; submit short fiction up to 1,500 words.
First prize winner receives €2000, residency at the Civitella Ranieri Foundation (Italy), manuscript assessment and consultation with literary agencies. All shortlisted writers will be published in an anthology launched at the Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize Salon, Madrid, and in a partner journal (Australia’s Kill Your Darlings).

Closing
15 April

Prize

The Ned Kelly Awards

The Australian Crime Writers Association is proud to launch the 2024 Ned Kelly Awards for Australian crime writers. Entries open: Friday March 15. Australia’s oldest and most prestigious award, honouring published crime fiction and true crime writing. The 2024 award categories are: Best Crime Fiction, Best Debut Crime Fiction, Best True Crime and Best International Crime Fiction (published in Australia).

Closing
21 April

Prize

April Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction

Calling writers of all ages and levels of ability to create an original piece of flash fiction of 500 words or less based on two typical writing prompts plus one “anti-prompt”. Compete for A$2,000 in cash prizes, including $1,000 for the winner, cash prizes for the entire shortlist and 2 ‘wildcard’ prizes. Winners are read aloud on the Not Quite Write podcast, where the judges share in-depth analysis about the entries and offer free writing advice.

Entries close
April 30

Prize

The 2024 Folly Prize

The 2024 Folly Prize runs from 15 January – 30 April 2024, with a cash first prize of $1000 NZD. The Prizewinner and Runner Ups will be published in Issue 2 of Folly, due to be launched in late October 2024. Open to writers from around the world, specifically looking for work that is accessible (fun), yet well written. Pacey, provocative, honest and light.

Entries close
April 30

Prize

Geography Writing Competition

The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland is running a geography writing competition which should have wide appeal. Submit a short story (up to 500 words) using imagination, creativity and with a wide interpretation, on any geographical concept, set in Queensland.

Entries close
April 30

Prize

The Best of Times Short Story Competition #37

Closing Date 30 April 2024. Genre: Humorous short stories up to 2,500 words. Prizes for first, second and third place. Certificates for highly commended and commended stories. Entry fee $10 per story.

First Friday
of each month

Writing challenges

Furious Fiction

On the first Friday of the month, you are invited to submit a short story up to 500 words, referencing the monthly theme, with only 55 hours to write.


Entries close monthly

Competition

The Wakefield Weekly Writing Competition

An exciting monthly challenge for authors Australia-wide. Each month, Wakefield Press release a new prompt for authors to respond to. The prize includes gift vouchers and the publication of winning entries on the Wakefield Press blog. 

Entries close
Monthly

Submissions

Aniko Press Guest book reviews

Aniko will be accepting one to two guest book reviews per month that fit with the tone and style of Aniko Press. The main focus is on literary and contemporary fiction, short story collections, poetry, interesting/experimental nonfiction and exciting graphic novels. Book reviews should be between 600-900 words, and contain a mix of literary criticism and personal opinion. Each published review is paid $50.00.

Entries close
Various

Grants

Country Arts SA Grants 

Country Arts SA have a range of grants to support arts and cultural activities in regional South Australia. View the grants page for those currently open.

Closes
Monthly

Competition

Right Left Write

QLD Writers Centre’s monthly short fiction competition Right Left Write is a great opportunity to get your writing published. Winning entries are published in the newsletter, on their website, and in an annual print anthology edition. Monthly.

May

Closes
2 May

Residency

Fall into Focus – Residency program in Finland

Residency program for writers, artists and researchers Periods: 1 month. When: Sept / Oct / Nov 2024. Where: Arteles Creative Center, Hämeenkyrö, Finland. Fall into Focus residency program is for writers, artists and researchers who want to concentrate on their creative practice, projects, writing and research.

Closes
10 May

Residency

Banjo Paterson Writing Awards (PDF)

Annual awards hosted by Central West Libraries (NSW), aiming to foster writing with Australian content. Submit short fiction up to 3,000 words or contemporary poetry up to 200 lines. Also includes the ABC Central West Children’s Writing Awards for writers under 16. First prize $2,000 for both Short Story and Contemporary Poetry categories. *Entry fee

Closes
12 May

Competition

John Gavin Writing Competition 2024

There are two open categories for the John Gavin Writing Competition 2024: the Open Category must include John Gavin and/or his trial, 1840s Swan River Colony setting, any form and genre, up to 750 words, with the theme ‘lost worlds’, national entries welcome; and the WA students category.

Closes
17 May

Youth

What Matters? Writing Competition

The What Matters? Writing Competition is open for 2024, our 20th anniversary year! Open to students in Years 5-12, this competition asks young people to answer a deceptively simple question: What matters to you? There is no topic too big or too small and whether fiction or non-fiction, poetry or essays, we want to help young people be heard when they raise their voices! Entries can be up to 600 words and submitted online.

Closes
31 May

Awards

Dymocks Beyond Words Competition

Beyond Words is a national writing competition run by Dymocks Tutoring and Dymocks Books. It is open to primary and high school students across Australia. The competition is free to enter. Students are asked to write a short story between 500-1500 word on any theme. We encourage all students to enter — the contest is judged on a combination of craft as well as the creativity of ideas in the story! There is a prize pool of $20,000.

Closes
31 May

Call for submissions

The Muslim Poetry Anthology

​Submissions are open for publication of a poetry anthology by, with and for Muslim poets. The anthology is the first of its kind in Australia and will be edited by Sara M. Saleh and Zainab Syed, along with commissioning editor Manal Younus. They are looking for poetry that is unsettling, evocative, beautiful and subtle, and holds space for and celebrates the multiplicity of identities as Muslim-identifying artists. Poets and writers of all levels are highly encouraged to submit their pieces.

First Friday
of each month

Open for submissions

2024 Slinkies Under 30s call out

Slinkies is looking for writing that is under 10,000 words of any genre or style to publish in their annual anthology.

First Friday
of each month

Writing challenges

Furious Fiction

On the first Friday of the month, you are invited to submit a short story up to 500 words, referencing the monthly theme, with only 55 hours to write.


Entries close monthly

Competition

The Wakefield Weekly Writing Competition

An exciting monthly challenge for authors Australia-wide. Each month, Wakefield Press release a new prompt for authors to respond to. The prize includes gift vouchers and the publication of winning entries on the Wakefield Press blog. 

Entries close
Monthly

Submissions

Aniko Press Guest book reviews

Aniko will be accepting one to two guest book reviews per month that fit with the tone and style of Aniko Press. The main focus is on literary and contemporary fiction, short story collections, poetry, interesting/experimental nonfiction and exciting graphic novels. Book reviews should be between 600-900 words, and contain a mix of literary criticism and personal opinion. Each published review is paid $50.00.

Entries close
Various

Grants

Country Arts SA Grants 

Country Arts SA have a range of grants to support arts and cultural activities in regional South Australia. View the grants page for those currently open.

Closes
Monthly

Competition

Right Left Write

QLD Writers Centre’s monthly short fiction competition Right Left Write is a great opportunity to get your writing published. Winning entries are published in the newsletter, on their website, and in an annual print anthology edition. Monthly.

June

Entries close
1 June

Prize

2024 Questions Writing Prize

The 2024 Questions Writing Prize aims to recognise and reward young Australian writers (18 to 30 years). The writing can be fiction or non-fiction on any topic, as long as the piece remains between 1500 and 2000 words. The prize for best writing is $3000.

Entries close
3 June

Commission

Canberra Youth Theatre’s Emerging Playwright Commission

Offers a professional commission to an emerging Australian playwright, to create a new full-length work that brings the voices and stories of youth to the stage. The commission offers a successful emerging playwright or writing team $17,100 to develop a full-length script suitable to be performed by actors aged anywhere between 7 and 25.

Applications close
30 June

Residency

Residency at Lighthouse Arts Newcastle

Commit to creativity this new year! Applications for Lighthouse Arts residencies are now open for February to June 2024. Open to writers and creatives of all backgrounds, disciplines, and stages, our residency rounds cater to both local and visiting artists.

Closing
30 June

Awards

The Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards

Open to school students (kindergarten to year 12) across Australia, inspiring them to express their thoughts and feelings through the medium of poetry. Poems up to 80 lines, three poems per student. Optional theme: “Listen, I have an Idea.” The annual anthology includes all the winning, runners-up, shortlisted, highly commended and commended poems from all competition categories. *Entry fee

First Friday
of each month

Writing challenges

Furious Fiction

On the first Friday of the month, you are invited to submit a short story up to 500 words, referencing the monthly theme, with only 55 hours to write.


Entries close monthly

Competition

The Wakefield Weekly Writing Competition

An exciting monthly challenge for authors Australia-wide. Each month, Wakefield Press release a new prompt for authors to respond to. The prize includes gift vouchers and the publication of winning entries on the Wakefield Press blog. 

Entries close
Monthly

Submissions

Aniko Press Guest book reviews

Aniko will be accepting one to two guest book reviews per month that fit with the tone and style of Aniko Press. The main focus is on literary and contemporary fiction, short story collections, poetry, interesting/experimental nonfiction and exciting graphic novels. Book reviews should be between 600-900 words, and contain a mix of literary criticism and personal opinion. Each published review is paid $50.00.

Entries close
Various

Grants

Country Arts SA Grants 

Country Arts SA have a range of grants to support arts and cultural activities in regional South Australia. View the grants page for those currently open.

Closes
Monthly

Competition

Right Left Write

QLD Writers Centre’s monthly short fiction competition Right Left Write is a great opportunity to get your writing published. Winning entries are published in the newsletter, on their website, and in an annual print anthology edition. Monthly.

July

Closes
1 July

Prizes

Wasafiri Queen Mary New Writing Prize

The prize supports writers who have not yet published a book-length work, with no limits on age, gender, nationality, or background.
Categories: Fiction, Life Writing and Poetry. Word Count: Max 3,000 words. Entry: £12 for a single entry, £16 for a double entry, and £6 for a single subsidised entry. Winners: £1,000 cash prize (for each category) and publication in Wasafiri’s print magazine. Deadline: 5pm BST on 1 July.

Closes
21 July

Prizes

July Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction

Calling writers of all ages and levels of ability to create an original piece of flash fiction of 500 words or less based on two typical writing prompts plus one “anti-prompt”. Compete for A$2,000 in cash prizes, including $1,000 for the winner, cash prizes for the entire shortlist and 2 ‘wildcard’ prizes. Winners are read aloud on the Not Quite Write podcast, where the judges share in-depth analysis about the entries and offer free writing advice

Closes
31 July

Prizes

Anthology Short Story Competition

Established to recognise and encourage creative writing and provide a platform for publication, the Anthology Short Story Competition is open to original and previously unpublished short stories in the English language by a writer of any nationality, living anywhere in the world. There is no restriction on theme or style. Stories submitted must not exceed the maximum of 1,500 words.

Opens
July

Fellowships

Writers SA Varuna Fellowship

We are thrilled to once again team up with Varuna, the National Writers’ House, to offer two writing residency and development fellowships for South Australian writers working in any genre or form. The fellowships provide time, writing space, and consultation to work on your writing in a dedicated writers’ retreat in the beautiful Country of the Darug and Gundungurra peoples in the Blue Mountains! Opens for applications in July.

First Friday
of each month

Writing challenges

Furious Fiction

On the first Friday of the month, you are invited to submit a short story up to 500 words, referencing the monthly theme, with only 55 hours to write.


Entries close monthly

Competition

The Wakefield Weekly Writing Competition

An exciting monthly challenge for authors Australia-wide. Each month, Wakefield Press release a new prompt for authors to respond to. The prize includes gift vouchers and the publication of winning entries on the Wakefield Press blog. 

Entries close
Monthly

Submissions

Aniko Press Guest book reviews

Aniko will be accepting one to two guest book reviews per month that fit with the tone and style of Aniko Press. The main focus is on literary and contemporary fiction, short story collections, poetry, interesting/experimental nonfiction and exciting graphic novels. Book reviews should be between 600-900 words, and contain a mix of literary criticism and personal opinion. Each published review is paid $50.00.

Entries close
Various

Grants

Country Arts SA Grants 

Country Arts SA have a range of grants to support arts and cultural activities in regional South Australia. View the grants page for those currently open.

Closes
Monthly

Competition

Right Left Write

QLD Writers Centre’s monthly short fiction competition Right Left Write is a great opportunity to get your writing published. Winning entries are published in the newsletter, on their website, and in an annual print anthology edition. Monthly.

August

Entries close
31 August

Award

Aesthetica Creative Writing Award

An international literary prize that is a hotbed for new talent in poetry and short fiction. Each winner is awarded with £2,500 as well as publication.

Entries close
31 August

Award

BREW Poetry Award

The BREW Poetry Award honours the profound beauty and transformative impact of verse, recognising poets who skillfully weave language to evoke emotions and imagery. Awards include Judges’ Pick and Community’s Pick, with winners receiving a badge, digital certificate, and potential feature in an anthology or in a The World’s Best Magazine print edition. Entry is free.

Entries close
31 August

Award

Anthology Personal Memoir Competition

Everyone has a story to tell. What’s yours? Authors are invited to share a unique life experience. Whether your memoir recounts a transformative journey, a poignant moment, or a life-altering event, we welcome your story. The Anthology Personal Memoir Competition is open to original and previously unpublished memoirs in the English language by writers of any nationality, living anywhere in the world.
The winner will receive €500 and publication.

Entries close
August

Awards

Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards

The most valuable literary prize in the country, with prizes for Fiction, Non-Fiction, Drama, Poetry, Award for Indigenous Writing and Writing for Young Adults – each receive $25,000. The winner of the Award for an Unpublished Manuscript receives $15,000. The winners of the six main suite categories go on to contest the overall Victorian Prize for Literature, worth an additional $100,000. Usually closes August.

Entries close
August

Awards

Sisters in Crime’s Scarlet Stiletto Awards

Cash prizes for the best crime short stories by Australian women. Maximum length: 5000 words.  $12,365 in prizes on offer. The awards usually close August.

First Friday
of each month

Writing challenges

Furious Fiction

On the first Friday of the month, you are invited to submit a short story up to 500 words, referencing the monthly theme, with only 55 hours to write.


Entries close monthly

Competition

The Wakefield Weekly Writing Competition

An exciting monthly challenge for authors Australia-wide. Each month, Wakefield Press release a new prompt for authors to respond to. The prize includes gift vouchers and the publication of winning entries on the Wakefield Press blog. 

Entries close
Monthly

Submissions

Aniko Press Guest book reviews

Aniko will be accepting one to two guest book reviews per month that fit with the tone and style of Aniko Press. The main focus is on literary and contemporary fiction, short story collections, poetry, interesting/experimental nonfiction and exciting graphic novels. Book reviews should be between 600-900 words, and contain a mix of literary criticism and personal opinion. Each published review is paid $50.00.

Entries close
Various

Grants

Country Arts SA Grants 

Country Arts SA have a range of grants to support arts and cultural activities in regional South Australia. View the grants page for those currently open.

Closes
Monthly

Competition

Right Left Write

QLD Writers Centre’s monthly short fiction competition Right Left Write is a great opportunity to get your writing published. Winning entries are published in the newsletter, on their website, and in an annual print anthology edition. Monthly.

September

Opens
1 September

Prizes

Commonwealth Short Story Prize

The prize is free to enter and open to any citizen of a Commonwealth country who is aged 18 and over. It is awarded for the best piece of unpublished short fiction (2,000–5,000 words). Regional winners each receive £2,500 and the opportunity to be published online by Granta magazine, and the overall winner receives £5,000. A free prize for unpublished short fiction, open to any citizen of a Commonwealth country. Translations or entries in languages other than English are also accepted. The 2025 prize will open for submissions on 1 September 2024.

Closing
29 September

Open submissions

Story Unlikely

Story Unlikely is seeking short stories. Submission period runs from February 2nd through September 29th. No restrictions on genre (seeking all types of stories; fiction and creative nonfiction). 10k word limit (15k for Members). 8 cents a word, reprints are 1 cent a word (we cap payment at $200, or $400 for Members). All published stories are illustrated. No submission fee.

Entries close
30 September

Prizes

Woorilla Poetry Prize

Be part of a highly recognised poetry competition that has assisted poets for over 30 years. Enjoy the opportunity to win cash prizes and have your work published in multiple categories. Closes 30th September 2024.

Entries close
30 September

Prizes

Anthology Flash Fiction Competition

Established to inspire creativity, great writing and to provide a platform for publication. The Anthology Flash Fiction Competition is open to original and previously unpublished flash fiction pieces on any theme or genre in the English language by writers of any nationality, living anywhere in the world. We are looking for writing that is clever and unique, inspires us, and crafts a compelling story.
The winner will receive a €300 cash prize.

Entries close
30 September

Prizes

Anthology Nature Writing Competition

The Anthology Nature Writing Competition is created to celebrate the beauty of the natural world, inspire literary excellence and encourage Anthology’s readers to explore the great outdoors. Whether it’s the wonder of life right in your own garden, an encounter with wildlife, the serenity of a forest, a reflection on environmental challenges, or the healing power of nature, we welcome your stories.
The winner will receive €500.

First Friday
of each month

Writing challenges

Furious Fiction

On the first Friday of the month, you are invited to submit a short story up to 500 words, referencing the monthly theme, with only 55 hours to write.


Entries close monthly

Competition

The Wakefield Weekly Writing Competition

An exciting monthly challenge for authors Australia-wide. Each month, Wakefield Press release a new prompt for authors to respond to. The prize includes gift vouchers and the publication of winning entries on the Wakefield Press blog. 

Applications close
March & Sept

Grants

Carclew’s Project & Development grants for individuals

Carclew offers grants to early career artists aged 26 years or under, for arts projects with a tangible outcome and/or skills and career development. Project & Development grants for individuals provide up to $10,000 and are offered twice per year for activity occurring in the following six months. Closing March and September.

Entries usually close
September

Fellowship

Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli Fellowship for Writers

Open to mid-career writers, this $13,500 fellowship is awarded to someone in recognition of their literary achievements and commitment to humanity and social justice issues. Applicants must be under the age of 40 and identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA+, living with a disability, or culturally and linguistically diverse. Usually closes September each year.

Entries usually close
September

Fellowships

May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust Ian Wilson Memorial Fellowship

Apply for this “gift of time and support”, which includes accommodation, local support, and travel to Adelaide providing creative time away from home.

Entries close
September

Prizes

POEM FOREST

A free nature writing prize that breathes life back into the natural world that sustains us. Created by Red Room Poetry, in partnership with Wollongong City Council, POEM FOREST invites students and teachers to use their words to make positive climate action. For every nature poem received a tree is planted to help heal habitats. All POEM FOREST Prize entries are published in a digital library and have the chance to win $5,000 in prizes. Usually closes September.

Entries open
September

Fellowship | Scholarship

Magabala Books Fellowship and Scholarship

The Fellowship, worth $10,000 is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytellers is intended to provide valuable time for a mid-career author to work on a current manuscript. The scholarships support professional development relating to writing, illustration and storytelling, and are open to both emerging and established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers, artists, illustrators and storytellers. Applications usually open in September.

Entries close
Various

Grants

Country Arts SA Grants 

Country Arts SA have a range of grants to support arts and cultural activities in regional South Australia. View the grants page for those currently open.

Closes
Monthly

Competition

Right Left Write

QLD Writers Centre’s monthly short fiction competition Right Left Write is a great opportunity to get your writing published. Winning entries are published in the newsletter, on their website, and in an annual print anthology edition. Monthly.

October

Closes
20 October

Prize

October Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction

Calling writers of all ages and levels of ability to create an original piece of flash fiction of 500 words or less based on two typical writing prompts plus one “anti-prompt”. Compete for A$2,000 in cash prizes, including $1,000 for the winner, cash prizes for the entire shortlist and 2 ‘wildcard’ prizes. Winners are read aloud on the Not Quite Write podcast, where the judges share in-depth analysis about the entries and offer free writing advice.

Closes
30 October

Prize

Anthology Photography Competition

Open to photographers working at any level, the Anthology Photography Competition celebrates outstanding standalone images. It also provides a platform for photographers to showcase their work through publication. Images submitted must be on the theme of ‘Everyday Wonders’. Submissions will be judged on quality, creativity, originality, and visual/emotional impact. The winner will receive a €500 cash prize.

Closes
30 October

Prize

Anthology Travel Writing Competition

Established for writers who like to share authentic travel experiences and to provide a platform for publication. The Anthology Travel Writing Competition is open to original and previously unpublished travel articles in the English language by writers of any nationality, living anywhere in the world. We are looking for an engaging article that captures the reader’s attention, conveying a strong sense of the destination and the local culture. FIRST: €500

Closes
31 October

Prize

Anthology Poetry Competition

Established to recognise and encourage excellence in the craft of poetry writing and to provide a platform for publication, the Anthology Poetry Competition is open to original and previously unpublished poems in the English language. Entries are invited from poets of all nationalities, living anywhere in the world. There is no restriction on theme or style. Poems submitted should not exceed 40 lines. FIRST: €1,000 cash prize and publication

Closes
31 October

Prize

Anthology Art Competition

The Anthology Art Competition is established to foster and support both established and emerging visual artists and provide a platform for publication. The competition is open to multiple genres including painting, printmaking, mixed media, photography and digital media.
The winner will receive €500 and editorial coverage in a future issue of Anthology.

Closes
October

Fellowships

SA Literary Fellowships

Writers SA and State Library of South Australia have partnered to offer the SA Literary Fellowships program to support emerging, established, and First Nations writers, with a writing prize (2 x $10,000 Mid-Career; 1 x $10,000 First Nations; 2 x $3,000 Emerging) and more. Applications will be open from August-October 2024 TBC.

First Friday
of each month

Writing challenges

Furious Fiction

On the first Friday of the month, you are invited to submit a short story up to 500 words, referencing the monthly theme, with only 55 hours to write.


Entries close monthly

Competition

The Wakefield Weekly Writing Competition

An exciting monthly challenge for authors Australia-wide. Each month, Wakefield Press release a new prompt for authors to respond to. The prize includes gift vouchers and the publication of winning entries on the Wakefield Press blog. 

Entries close
Monthly

Submissions

Aniko Press Guest book reviews

Aniko will be accepting one to two guest book reviews per month that fit with the tone and style of Aniko Press. The main focus is on literary and contemporary fiction, short story collections, poetry, interesting/experimental nonfiction and exciting graphic novels. Book reviews should be between 600-900 words, and contain a mix of literary criticism and personal opinion. Each published review is paid $50.00.

Entries close
Various

Grants

Country Arts SA Grants 

Country Arts SA have a range of grants to support arts and cultural activities in regional South Australia. View the grants page for those currently open.

Closes
October

Competitions

NSW Premier’s Literary Awards

The annual awards are the richest and longest running state-based literary awards in Australia, covering all genres of writing. entries usually close in October.

Closes
October

Prizes

The Stella Prize

The Stella Prize awards the best book by an Australian woman, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry with $50,000. Nominations usually close October.

Closes
Monthly

Competition

Right Left Write

QLD Writers Centre’s monthly short fiction competition Right Left Write is a great opportunity to get your writing published. Winning entries are published in the newsletter, on their website, and in an annual print anthology edition. Monthly.

November

First Friday
of each month

Writing challenges

Furious Fiction

On the first Friday of the month, you are invited to submit a short story up to 500 words, referencing the monthly theme, with only 55 hours to write.


Entries close monthly

Competition

The Wakefield Weekly Writing Competition

An exciting monthly challenge for authors Australia-wide. Each month, Wakefield Press release a new prompt for authors to respond to. The prize includes gift vouchers and the publication of winning entries on the Wakefield Press blog. 

Entries close
Monthly

Submissions

Aniko Press Guest book reviews

Aniko will be accepting one to two guest book reviews per month that fit with the tone and style of Aniko Press. The main focus is on literary and contemporary fiction, short story collections, poetry, interesting/experimental nonfiction and exciting graphic novels. Book reviews should be between 600-900 words, and contain a mix of literary criticism and personal opinion. Each published review is paid $50.00.

Entries close
Various

Grants

Country Arts SA Grants 

Country Arts SA have a range of grants to support arts and cultural activities in regional South Australia. View the grants page for those currently open.

Closes
Monthly

Competition

Right Left Write

QLD Writers Centre’s monthly short fiction competition Right Left Write is a great opportunity to get your writing published. Winning entries are published in the newsletter, on their website, and in an annual print anthology edition. Monthly.

Closes
November

Residencies and Fellowships

Writers SA Varuna Fellowships

Each year we team up with Varuna, the National Writers’ House, to offer two new writing residency and development fellowships for SA writers working in any genre or form. The fellowships provide time, writing space, and consultation to work on your writing in a dedicated writers’ retreat in the Blue Mountains. Usually closes November.

Closes
November

Competitions

Miles Franklin Literary Award

One of Australia’s most prestigious literature prizes, the Miles Franklin accepts applications from publishers usually until November.

Closing
November

Competition

CBCA Book of the Year Awards

Awards for published Australian books for readers under the age of eighteen. Six categories including Book of the Year for Older Readers, Younger Readers, and Early Childhood Readers; Picture Book of the Year, Eve Pownall Award and Award for New Illustrator. Entries open March-November.

December

Closing
31 December

Seeking submissions

Sojournal: One Image One Story

Sojournal is a non-profit labour of love and at present we cannot offer payment to contributors. We will not be running any advertisements on our site so the only income we might achieve is through donations.
Sojournal exists to support you in your story telling because we love great travel stories. If you are published by Sojournal we will spread your work as widely as possible.

First Friday
of each month

Writing challenges

Furious Fiction

On the first Friday of the month, you are invited to submit a short story up to 500 words, referencing the monthly theme, with only 55 hours to write.


Entries close monthly

Competition

The Wakefield Weekly Writing Competition

An exciting monthly challenge for authors Australia-wide. Each month, Wakefield Press release a new prompt for authors to respond to. The prize includes gift vouchers and the publication of winning entries on the Wakefield Press blog. 

Entries close
Monthly

Submissions

Aniko Press Guest book reviews

Aniko will be accepting one to two guest book reviews per month that fit with the tone and style of Aniko Press. The main focus is on literary and contemporary fiction, short story collections, poetry, interesting/experimental nonfiction and exciting graphic novels. Book reviews should be between 600-900 words, and contain a mix of literary criticism and personal opinion. Each published review is paid $50.00.

Entries close
Various

Grants

Country Arts SA Grants 

Country Arts SA have a range of grants to support arts and cultural activities in regional South Australia. View the grants page for those currently open.

Closes
Monthly

Competition

Right Left Write

QLD Writers Centre’s monthly short fiction competition Right Left Write is a great opportunity to get your writing published. Winning entries are published in the newsletter, on their website, and in an annual print anthology edition. Monthly.

Novelist Gail Jones wins the Fiction Award, Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature. Via State Library of South Australia.

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