First Friday
of each season

Prizes

Furious Fiction

On the first Friday of a new season (March, June, September, December), you are invited to submit a short story up to 500 words and be in the running to win $500.

Entries close
4 September

Open for submissions

Nunga Anthology, opportunity for First Nations creatives

Editors Dominic Guerrera and Karen Wyld invite Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander storytellers to submit poetry, fiction and graphic stories for an upcoming Wakefield Press anthology. Although not limited to South Australian storytellers, this anthology will showcase new and established First Nations creatives based in SA and neighbouring communities. Closing 4 September.

Entries close monthly

Competition

The Wakefield Weekly Writing Competition

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

Entries close
1 September

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 1 September.

Entries close
10 September

Competitions

Aniko Press Flash Fiction Competition

Theme: Swollen. Word limit: 100 words (not including title). First prize: Publication on website and social media, a copy of “The Details” by Ia Genberg, plus a copy of the latest issue of Aniko Magazine. Runner up: Publication on our website and social media, plus a copy of the latest issue of Aniko Magazine. Email your entry and a short bio to [email protected] with the subject line “August Flash Fiction Comp.” Entries are limited to two per person. Feel free to interpret the theme however you like – be daring, be imaginative, have fun!

Entries close
11 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. Closing date: Monday 11 September.

Entries close
22 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 and create a POEM FOREST for future generations. Since 2021, over 10,700 poem trees have been planted. All POEM FOREST Prize entries are published in our digital library and have the chance to win $5,000 in prizes, including $500 cash for each category, book packs, garden tours, plants, journals and more. Entries are now open, closing Friday 22 September 2023.

Entries close
24 September

Book fair

Strange Folds Zine Fair

Join Baby Teeth Journal for Strange Folds Zine Fair on September 24th! Join our Postal Zine Swap if you can’t make it to the Fair in Person. 24 September.

Entries close
29 September

Open for submissions

Story Unlikely open for submissions

Seeking short stories of all genres (fiction and nonfiction). 8 cents a word (cap payment at $150), though we do accept stories up to 10k in length. Reprints are 1 cent a word capped at $50. All published stories are professionally illustrated and no submission fee. Submission period runs from 2 January through 29 September.

Entries close
30 September

Competition

Campbelltown Writer’s Competition

The annual Campbelltown Writer’s Competition invites writers from across South Australia to submit their original stories inspired by the theme of seasons. Entries can be fiction or non-fiction but must not exceed 2,500 words and must have a link to Campbelltown. All genres and styles welcome. Categories: junior, youth and open. Prizes of cash gift cards. Entries by by 11pm Saturday 30th 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. The next round of applications open in September 2023.

Entries close
30 September

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.

Entries close
30 September

Grants

May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust 2024 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 for 21 nights in March 2024. Closing date: Saturday 30 September.

Entries close
1 October

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 1 October.

Closes
1 October

Prizes

Southern Cross Short Story Competition

Ballarat Writers Inc is inviting entries to the 2023 Southern Cross Short Story competition, from authors writing in English on the theme of TRACKS OF DESIRE to a maximum of 3,000 words. First prize AUD$1000 with runner-up prizes $400 2nd place and $100 3rd place, and two certificates of commendation. This year’s judge is internationally renowned Graeme Simsion. Closing date 1 October.

Closes
2 October

Prizes

Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Writing 2024

This prestigious biennial national prize offers contemporary Australian writers an opportunity to win cash prizes and to profile their work. Entries are invited for the following categories: short stories (The Alan Marshall Short Story Award) of up to 2500 words on the theme ‘Resistance’, and memoirs of up to 2500 words. The prize is open to all Australian residents. A total prize pool of $17,500 will be awarded. Closes 2 October.

Closes
6 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. All works must have been first published, performed, screened or broadcast and made publicly available between 1 October 2022 and 30 September 2023. Entries close at 5 pm, Friday 6 October 2023.

Closes
9 October

Prizes

2024 Peter Porter Poetry Prize

Celebrating twenty years of world poetry, Australian Book Review welcomes entries to the 2024 Peter Porter Poetry Prize, one of Australia’s most lucrative and respected poetry awards. The prize – worth a total of AU$10,000 – is open to all living poets writing in English. The winner will receive $6,000, with the four other shortlisted poets receiving $1,000 each. Entries must be an original and unpublished single-authored poem of not more than 70 lines. 9 October.

Closes
13 October

Commissions

Tarnanthi – Writing Commissions Call-out

Writers SA and the SA First Nations Writers Group are inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers living in South Australia to take part in a series of paid writing commissions for Tarnanthi.

Selected writers will be invited to respond creatively to works of art in the Tarnanthi exhibitions and programs. These written responses can be in the form of essays, memoir, poetry and short fiction, as well as criticism and reviews, up to 1500 words in length. Writers will be paid according to Australian Society of Authors rates and will have the support of an editor prior to publication.

Works will be published in a printed booklet produced by the Art Gallery of South Australia. They will also be shared in live readings at Tarnanthi First Friday events between October and January.

Contact Writers SA at [email protected] to inquire or take part.

To apply, please send a 50-word writer bio and in a few sentences let us know why you’d like to be involved. Applications close on Friday 13 October.

Closes
10 October

Submissions

Pitch to The Liminal Review of Books

Writers of colour and Indigenous writers are invited to pitch to the Liminal Review of Books. To apply, you’ll need: a developed pitch of the review/essay you’d like to write and a writing sample that shows you at your best.

Closes
12 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 close 12 October.

Closes
20 October

Prizes

Overland Judith Wright Poetry Prize

Prize for New and Emerging Poets seeks poetry by writers who have published no more than one collection of poems, and is one of the richest prizes for emerging poets. In 2023, the major prize is $6000, with a second prize of $2000 and a third prize of $1000. All three winners will be published in Overland. *Now extended to 20 November*

Closes
20 October

Fellowships

SA Literary Fellowships

Writers SA and the State Library of South Australia have partnered to offer the inaugural SA Literary Fellowships program to support emerging, established, and First Nations writers. Annual Fellows receive a cash prize (2 x $10,000 Mid-Career; 1 x $10,000 First Nations; 2 x $3,000 Emerging), travel stipend, residency, public readings and more. Applications close 20 October.

Closes
20 October

Prizes

2023 Newcastle Short Story Award

Hunter Writers’ Centre is pleased to announce the 2023 Newcastle Short Story Award is now open for submissions. With a first prize of $3,000, the Newcastle Short Story Award has gained recognition as one of Australia’s premier short story competitions, attracting high-calibre writers and esteemed judges. Accepting works of fiction up to 2,000 words by Australian residents and/or citizens aged 18 years and over. 20 October.

Closes
20 October

Submissions

Stamped zine: Call for Contributors

Stamped zine is a project made by migrants, for migrants. If you’re currently on a visa, or having to deal with the Australian Immigration system – This zine is a space for you to discuss and reflect on your experience as a temporary resident. 20 October.

Closes
28 October

Submissions

Heroines Anthology

Heroines Anthology Volume 5 is a GLOBAL POETRY EDITION. Women poets are invited to submit poetry that reimagines women in myth, fairy tale, folklore or legend, or poems that tell women’s lost histories, or untold stories from across the globe. 28 October.

Closes
31 October

Competitions

The Best of Times Short Story Competition #36

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. 31 October.

Closing
31 October

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
30 October

Fellowship

2023 Magabala Fellowship

The Fellowship, worth $10,000, will provide valuable time for a mid-career First Nations author to work on a current manuscript. Magabala welcomes submissions of non-fiction, poetry, memoir and junior, young adult and adult fiction. Closing date midnight, AWST, Monday 30 October 2023.

Closes
30 October

Grants

Magabala Australian Indigenous Coffee (AIC) Creative Grants

Magabala and Australian Indigenous Coffee have two creative grants available for First Nations storytellers, writers illustrators and artists. These grants, worth $10,000 each, will provide valuable time for First Nations creators working in any genre to develop a current manuscript or Illustration portfolio. Closing date midnight, AWST, Monday 30 October 2023.

Closes
31 October

Competition

Right Left Write

QLD Writers Centre’s monthly short fiction competition Right Left Write is a great opportunity to get your writing published. This month’s theme for submissions of up to 500 words is ‘gothic’. Winning entries are published in the newsletter, on their website, and in an annual print anthology edition.

Closes
Monthly

Competitions

The Wakefield Weekly Writing Competition

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

Closes
1 November

Prizes

The Letter Review Prize

Applications are open for The Letter Review Prize categories of Poetry, Unpublished Books, Non-Fiction and Short Fiction. Each category will have a prize pool of USD$1000 to be shared equally by three winners, who will also be published by The Letter Review. 1 November.

Closes
4 November

Submissions

Heart Messages Literary Anthology project

Do you have a story that packs an emotional punch? Engaging writing that leaves us feeling uplifted and deeply human? The 2024 anthology will be a curated literary collection of heart-warming, heartfelt, moving and hopeful stories that reaffirm life, love, and human connection. We welcome memoir, fiction or nonfiction pieces on theme of between 1,500 to 5,000 words. Profits will raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. See submission guidelines.

Closes
5 November

Residencies and Fellowships

2023 Writers SA Varuna Fellowships

We are thrilled to once again 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. 5 November.

Closes
8 November

Call for submissions

UQP Anthology

UQP is seeking submissions for an anthology of personal essays by autistic women and gender-diverse writers, co-edited by Jo Case and Clem Bastow, to be published in early 2025. All published essays will be paid $600. See link for further info and FAQs. Contributions must address the theme of how their autistic identities have shaped their lives and identities, but are not restricted to life stories or diagnosis journeys. Formal diagnosis not required. 8 November.

Closes
10 November

Competitions

Miles Franklin Literary Award

One of Australia’s most prestigious literature prizes, the 2022 Miles Franklin accepts applications from publishers until Friday 10 November 2023.

Closes
10 November

Competitions

Young Writers’ Competition

The Ethics Centre is committed to amplifying young people’s perspectives on what an ethical society looks like to them. This new, annual essay competition is looking for exceptional non-fiction writing on a range of topics, with entries available to ages 13-18 and 19-30. The winner of each age category will receive a prize pack valued at $500 and digital publication.

Closes

10 November

Prizes

Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize ($6500)

Overland’s prize seeking short fiction of up to 3000 words themed around the notion of ‘travel’; open to all writers, nationally and internationally, at any stage of their writing career. The winning story will receive a $5000 first prize and be published in Overland. Closes 10 November.

Closes
10 November

Prizes

Overland Judith Wright Poetry Prize

Prize for New and Emerging Poets seeks poetry by writers who have published no more than one collection of poems, and is one of the richest prizes for emerging poets. In 2023, the major prize is $6000, with a second prize of $2000 and a third prize of $1000. All three winners will be published in Overland. *Now extended to 10 November*

Closes
13 November

Fellowships

S Ernest Sprott Fellowship

This fellowship is available to Australian researchers and writers intending to study outside of Australia, leading to publishing a book relating to dramatic or non-dramatic English literature of the sixteenth or seventeenth centuries.

Closes
14 November

Grant

Elevate: First Nations Storytelling (Literature) Grant

Elevate is a career development grant opportunity of up to $10,000 for First Nations individuals and groups. The opportunity is open to writers, poets, editors, illustrators, journalists, arts workers and groups in the literature sector.

Closes
15 November

Prize

The Bruce Dawe National Poetry Prize

The prize open to poems up to 50 lines of any theme. The winner will receive $3000, and two highly commended entrants will be awarded $500 each. 15 November.

Closes
16 November

Fellowship

Hazel Rowley Literary Fellowship

The Hazel Rowley Literary Fellowship, valued at $20,000, supports Australian writers working on biography project (including memoir). The annual Fellowship commemorates the work of Hazel Rowley (1951–2011). 16 November.

Closes
17 November

Fellowship

Island Non-fiction Editor

Island are seeking expressions of interest for the role of Print Non-fiction Editor. The Non-fiction Editor works closely with the Managing Editor to select and edit the non-fiction content of the print magazine. As part of the broader team, the Non-fiction Editor also helps to guide and deliver Island’s vision. This is a contract position for one year, with the option to renew for another year. For each issue, the Non-fiction Editor will receive a project fee of $1200 (+ super).

Closes
26 November

Mentorships

2024 Boundless Indigenous Writer’s Mentorship Program

The mentorship is awarded annually to an unpublished Indigenous writer who has made substantial progress on a work of fiction or non-fiction. The program will pair an emerging Indigenous writer from anywhere in Australia with a senior Indigenous writer for a structured year-long mentorship. 26 November.

Closing
30 November

Major Award

The 2024 Dorothy Hewett Award

The 2024 Dorothy Hewett Award is opening for submissions in November 2023. The winner of the award receives $10,000, courtesy of the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund, and a publishing contract with UWA Publishing.

You are eligible if:
-You are an Australian writer
-You have an unpublished fiction, poetry or narrative non-fiction manuscript

More information and T&Cs can be found on the UWA Publishing website.

Closing
30 November

Major Award

Odyssey House Victoria Short Story Competition

Odyssey House Victoria’s annual Short Story Competition is open for 2023. This year’s theme is “Burning Bridges” and must include a reference to alcohol or other drugs. First place wins $1000 and a one year membership to Writers Victoria.

Closing
30 November

Competition

Anthology Travel Writing Competition

Now open to original and previously unpublished travel articles in the English language by writers of any nationality, living anywhere in the world. Open to both new and established writers, articles submitted must not exceed 1,000 words. The winner will receive a €500 cash prize and the chance to see their work published in a future issue of Anthology. *Entry fee.

Closing
30 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. Books must be published between 1 January – 31 December 2023.

Closing
November

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
Monthly

Competitions

The Wakefield Weekly Writing Competition

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

Closes
November

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. Closes 1 November.

Closes
November

Awards

CBCA Book of the year awards

The annual Children’s Book Council of Australia awards aim to promote and celebrate quality literature for young Australians and support a wide range of Australian writers and illustrators of children’s books. Entries are open March–November.

First Friday
of each season

Prizes

Furious Fiction

On the first Friday of a new season (March, June, September, December), you are invited to submit a short story up to 500 words and be in the running to win $500.

Closes
Monthly

Competitions

The Wakefield Weekly Writing Competition

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

Closes
Monthly

Competitions

Australia Council Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups Grants

This program funds a range of activities that deliver benefits to the arts sector and wider public, including national and international audiences. Grants are available from $10,000 to $50,000. Closing 5 December.

Closes
5 December

International residency

Keesing Studio residency (Paris)

The Keesing Studio residency at the Cité internationale des arts is an opportunity for writers to direct their own program of activity and expand their practice and networks. There are five residencies on offer during 2024-2025: three one-month residencies (with $5000 support), one three-month residency (with $12,500 support) and one six-month residency (with $25,000 support).

Closes
7 December

Submissions

UQP Open for Submissions

The University of Queensland Press is currently accepting unsolicited submissions for their literary fiction and non-fiction lists, as well as their Stories for the Future initiative, which invites titles that address the climate crisis. Submissions will only be accepted during the first week of every month. Manuscripts submitted outside of this time will not be considered.

Closes
11 December

Prizes

Penguin Literary Prize 2024

The annual Penguin Literary Prize returns, offering literary fiction writers the opportunity to win $20,000 and publish with PRH AU. As the richest prize for an unpublished manuscript in the Australian publishing industry, the Penguin Literary Prize also has an amazing legacy of fostering some of our country’s best and brightest voices. Closing December 11.

Closes
15 December

Prizes

Witcraft Monthly Humour Competition

Witcraft is introducing a Monthly Humour Competition. Fiction. 200-1000 words. Send us skillfully written stories that are brief, humorous and engaging, with the emphasis on wit, word play, absurdity and inspired nonsense. Prizes: First A$50, Second A$20, Third A$10. No entry fee.

Closes
18 December

Submissions

Call for Submissions: Heroines Anthology, Volume 5

Women poets are invited to submit poetry that reimagines women in myth, fairy tale, folklore or legend, poems that tell women’s lost histories, or untold stories, to the Heroines Anthology and Women’s Writing Prize. This will be the Heroines Anthology’s fifth volume and it is a GLOBAL POETRY EDITION. First prize is $500 and all short-listed entries will be published in the anthology.

Closes
15 December

Fellowships

First Nations Fellowships

Arts SA and Brink Productions are offering Fellowships to two emerging SA First Nations playwrights/storytellers, to work within a supported process on creating a script for a new theatre work, and gain further professional and industry networks over a 12-month period. This Fellowship is aimed at supporting artists telling stories specifically out of South Australia, with a commitment to telling those stories in a theatrical form. EOIs close 15 December.

Closes
15 December

Awards and Prizes

South Australian Literary Awards

These biennial awards shine a light on the best writing talent in South Australia and nationally, with prizes across a range of genres as well as three fellowships for South Australian writers. Closing date for submissions is 5pm, Friday 15 December 2023.

Closes
17 December

Awards and Prizes

Gwen Harwood Poetry Prize

Island magazine’s Gwen Harwood Poetry Prize is seeking new poetry between 20-100 lines, in any form. Winning poet receives $2,000, two runners-up receive $500; all three winners to be published in Island issue 170 (March 2024). Closes 17 December.

Closes
31 December

Competitions

The Moth Poetry Prize

The Moth Poetry Prize is one of the biggest prizes in the world for a single unpublished poem. The prize is open to anyone, as long as the poem is previously unpublished. The overall winner of €6,000 will be announced at a special award ceremony online in the spring of 2024. 31 December.

Closes
31 December

Competitions

Melbourne Poets Union – International Poetry Competition

Submit unpublished, original poems up to 50 lines; multiple submissions permitted. First prize (Leon Shann Award) $1,700, second prize $700, third prize $500.

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
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
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
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

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

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
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
22 March 2024

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
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 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.