Shore Scripts Short Film Fund - Spring Season
US COMPETITION
EARLY BIRD: 27/02/2026
REGULAR: 02/04/2026
FINAL: 04/05/2026
Open to: All
*
Accepts: Short Film Fund - Scripts
Size: 2 - 30 pages (can go up to 45 pages for $US 1 per additional page)
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: $US 39, REGULAR: $US 49, FINAL: $US 59
Prizes:
First: $USD 15,000 production grant, Mentorship with Maria Gracia Turgeon, Camera Equipment rental from Arri Rental, a film festival strategy package with Kimberley Browning, Production support and script development, Film shared with judges and industry roster, Shore Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF,
Top 5:  Feedback, Script sent to directors and relevant industry roster, Shore Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF,
Finalists:  Script sent to directors and relevant industry roster, Shore Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF
Semi-Finalists:  Shore Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF
All Entries: Short Feedback
*
Accepts: Short Film Fund – Finishing Funds
Size: 40 minutes
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: $USD 39, REGULAR: $USD 49, FINAL: $USD 59
Prizes:
First: $USD 4,000 finishing funds grant, Mentorship with Maria Gracia Turgeon, a film festival strategy package with Kimberley Browning, Production support and script development, Film shared with judges and industry roster, Shore Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF, Finalists:  Feedback, Shore Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF 

Allen & Unwin Crime Fiction Prize
Open to: Australian citizens or permanent residents
Theme: Crime or Thriller
Accepts: Manuscript
Size: 70,000 - 100,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil 
Prize:First: Publishing contract with advance against royalties of $25,000

AWC Furious Fiction
Opens: 5pm (Sydney/Melbourne time)
Closes: 55 hours later
Open to: 17 years and older
Theme: Story prompt provided
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: Not mentioned

Little Black Dress Spooky and Horror Story Competition
Open to: Australian residents
Theme: Glitch
*
Accepts: Youth (12 and under) – Spooky Short Story
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: WA First: $25 & certificate & copy of anthology, WA Second: Certificate & copy of anthology, Interstate award: $25 & certificate & copy of anthology, Shire of Mundaring resident encouragement award: $25 & certificate & copy of anthology
*
Accepts: Teens (13 to 17 years old) – Spooky Short Story
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: WA First: $50 & certificate & copy of anthology, WA Second: Certificate & copy of anthology, Interstate award: $50 & certificate & copy of anthology, Shire of Mundaring resident encouragement award: $25 & certificate & copy of anthology
*
Accepts: Adult – Horror Short Story
Size: 2,500 words
Entry Fee: $15
Prizes: First: $100 & certificate & copy of anthology, Second: $50 & certificate & copy of anthology

CRAFT Award for Excellence
US COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Fiction
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $USD 20
Prizes: $1,000, reMarkable Paper Pro tablet & set up and a CRAFT plaque
*
Accepts: Creative Non-Fiction
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $USD 20
Prizes: $1,000, reMarkable Paper Pro tablet & set up and a CRAFT plaque
*
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: $USD 20 (2 pieces in same submission)
Prizes: $1,000, reMarkable Paper Pro tablet & set up and a CRAFT plaque
*
Accepts: Flash Creative Non-Fiction
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: $USD 20 (2 pieces in same submission)
Prizes: $1,000, reMarkable Paper Pro tablet & set up and a CRAFT plaque
*
2 x Editor's choice: $USD 500

CYA - Adult genre Competition
Open to: See website
Theme: Adult Genre
*
Accepts: Aspiring Writer (Check website for eligibility)
Size: First 5,000 words, pitch and 600 word synopsis
Entry Fee: $27.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute video consultation with final judge, Second: $75, Third: $50, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher of adult books
*
Accepts: Published Writer (More than two books published within this section’s genre)
Size: First 12,500 words, pitch and 600 word synopsis
Entry Fee: $49.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute video consultation with final judge, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher of adult books

CYA - Aspiring Authors (Unpublished) Competition
Open to: Check website
Theme: For the children’s and young adults’ market
*
Accepts: Picture book - text only for pre-school children
Size: 500 words & pitch
Entry Fee: $27.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute consultation with final judge, Second: $75, Third: $50, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher
*
Accepts: Picture book - text only for primary school children
Size: 500 words & pitch
Entry Fee: $27.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute consultation with final judge, Second: $75, Third: $50, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher
*
Accepts: Picture book - Non-Fiction - text only for primary school children
Size: 500 words & pitch
Entry Fee: $27.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute consultation with final judge, Second: $75, Third: $50, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher
*
Accepts: Chapter book – A - text only for young primary aged children
Size: First 1,000 words, pitch & 600 word synopsis
Entry Fee: $27.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute consultation with final judge, Second: $75, Third: $50, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher
*
Accepts: Chapter book – B - text only of older aged children (Middle Grade)
Size: First 1,000 words, pitch & 600 word synopsis
Entry Fee: $27.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute consultation with final judge, Second: $75, Third: $50, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher
*
Accepts: Fiction for Young Adults
Size: First 5,000 words, pitch & 600 word synopsis
Entry Fee: $27.50
Prizes: First: $100 and 15-minute consultation with final judge, Second: $75, Third: $50, Submission of short listed entries to at least one publisher

CYA - Hatchlings
Open to: 8 - 18 years old and not been published in book format within the CYA genres.
Theme: Children’s and young adults’ markets
*
Accepts: Picture book - text only for pre-school or primary aged children
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Second: $60, Third: $40
*
Accepts: Chapter Book and Young adult novels
(a) Text only for younger primary aged children
(b) Text only for older aged children (Middle Grade)
(c) Fiction writing for young adults
Size: 
(a) & (b) First 1,000 words, pitch & 600 word synopsis
(c) First 5,000 words, pitch and 600 word synopsis
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Second: $60, Third: $40

Griffith Review Emerging Voices Competition
Open to: Australian citizens and residents, emerging authors (unpublished or only one book published)
Theme: None
Accepts: Fiction and Creative non-fiction
Size: 3,500 – 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $25, Griffith Review subscribers = $15 (entry fee includes complimentary digital subscription for six months)
Prizes: Pool of $20,000

The Speculate Prize

Open to: Emerging writers living in Australia who are enrolled in an undergraduate, VE, asociate, masters or honours degree at an Australian Institition 
Theme: Speculative writing
Accepts: Literary prose
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $1,500 (inclusive of $250 residency stipend), a week-long writing residency at the McCraith House, Mornington Peninsula, VIC ($2,450 value), a free full pass to the 2026 National Writers’ Conference ($110 value), Digital publication and a free Festival Pass for all performance events at EWF26 ($100 value), Highly Commended: $250, a free full pass to the 2026 National Writers’ Conference ($110 value) and a free Festival Pass for all performance events at EWF26 ($100 value)

The Southerly Poetry Prize
Open to: Australian citizens and residents (permanent or temporary status)
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 100 lines
Entry Fee: $20 ($10 for subscribers) (May apply for fee to be waived if unable to afford)
Prize: $2,000

FFF Competition Thirty-Three
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 100 - 300 words
Entry Fee: £4.95
Prizes: First: £200 & publication, Highly Commended: £100, Shortlisted: £80

Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction
NOTE: Prompts are emailed out at midday 24/04/2026 with competition closing at midnight 26/04/2026
Open to: All
Theme: Choose Team Amanda or Team Ed. Each team has 3 prompts: a word prompt, an action prompt and a "kicker" prompt
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: $35 (Coaching Package: $175, Daredevil Experience: $250)
Prizes: First: $1,500 & trophy, Second: $1,000, Third: $500, Fourth: $350, Fifth: $250, Sixth: $200, Wildcard x 2: $100

The Grieve Project
Open to: Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia, 18 years and over
Theme: Experiences of grief and loss
*
Accepts: Prose
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: $25.85 ($22 for members)
*
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 38 lines
Entry Fee: $25.85 ($22 for members)
*
Accepts: Still image/artwork
Size: One image
Entry Fee: $25.85 ($22 for members)
*
Accepts: Video
Size: 5 minutes
Entry Fee: $25.85 ($22 for members)
*
Accepts: Audio
Size: 5 minutes
Entry Fee: $25.85 ($22 for members)
*
PRIZES: See website

Living Stories Western Sydney Writing Prize
Open to: Residents of Western Sydney and Wingecarribee Shire (LGA listed on website)
Theme: Is it true ...?
*
Accepts: Fiction, Narrative non-fiction, Essay or Poem - 10 - 12 years old
Size: Poetry: 25 lines, Other: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes:  First: $300, Highly Commended: $200
*
Accepts: Fiction, Narrative non-fiction, Essay or Poem - 13 - 15 years old
Size: Poetry: 25 lines, Other: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes:  First: $300, Highly Commended: $200
*
Accepts: Fiction, Narrative non-fiction, Essay or Poem - 16 -1 8 years old
Size: Poetry: 25 lines, Other: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes:  First: $300, Highly Commended: $200
*
Accepts: Fiction, Narrative non-fiction, Essay or Poem - 18+
Size: Poetry: 25 lines, Other: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes:  First: $750, Highly Commended: $250
*
LGA Winners: Adult: $100, Junior: $75
LGA Highly Commendeds: Adult: $75, Juniour: $50

Moorabool Young Writers Awards
Open to: Young writers who live, study, work or regularly participate in community activities in the Moorabool Shire
Theme: Once Upon a time: Fairy Tales & Fables
*
Accepts: Emergent Writers (Prep - 2) – Complete the picture prompt (on website from February)
Size: Not mentioned
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes:  4 x book pack prizes (selected at random)
*
Accepts: Middle Primary (Grades 3 & 4) - Short Story
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Runner-up: $50, Third: $30, Highly Commended and Honourable Mention
*
Accepts: Upper Primary (Grades 5 & 6) - Short Story
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Runner-up: $50, Third: $30, Highly Commended and Honourable Mention
*
Accepts: Secondary (Years 7 to 12) - Short Story
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $200, Runner-up: $100, Third: $50, Highly Commended and Honourable Mention
*
Up to 15 stories selected for visual interpretation by Ballan Art Space members

Byron Bay International Film Festival Screenplay Contest
Closing Date:
   EARLY BIRD: 06/02/2026
   REGULAR: 30/04/2026
   LATE: 26/06/2026
   SPECIAL EXTENDED: 31/08/2026
Open to: All except screenwriters who have earned more than $US 30,000 gross from screenwriting in the calendar year leading up to the Festival
Theme: None
Accepts: Screenplay
Size: 80 to 120 pages
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: $US 35, REGULAR: $US 45, LATE: $US 55, SPECIAL EXTENDED: $US 75
Prizes: First: $AUD 1,000

Daisy Utemorrah Award
Open to: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander persons living in Australia
Theme: None (but consider the description of the award on the website)
Accepts: Junior or Young Adult Fiction
Size: Not mentioned
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $15,000 and a publishing contract with Magabala Books

Furphy Literary Award
Open to: Australian residents or citizens, 18 years and over
Theme: Australian Life in all its diversity
Accepts: Fiction or Narrative non-fiction
Size: 5.000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First:  $15,000 & LaTrobe University Shepparton Residency, Second: $3,000, Third: $2,000, Selected for publication: $250

Mattie Furphy Short Story Competition
Open to: Residents of Australia, over 18
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee:  $27 ($22 for members)
Prizes: Not mentioned

Peter Cowan 600 Short Story Competition
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 600 words
Entry Fee:  $12, Youth entries: $7 (Humanitix fees are additional)
Prizes: First: $200, Second: $100, Third: $50, Novice: $100, Seniors (60+): $100, Youth (12-17): $100 

Poetica Christi Press Annual Poetry Competition
Open to: Residing in Australia and aged 16 years and over
Theme: A Momentary Darkness
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $300, Second: $100

The Best of Times Short Story Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Humorous
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,500 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: 60% of total entry fees, Second: 15% of total entry fees, Third: 5% of total entry fees, Highly Commended and Commended: Certificate

The Chief of Army Essay Competition
Open to: Serving ADF personnel (SERCAT 3-7) and Australian public servants employed by the Department of Defence
Theme: "How can we rewire the Army to continually adapt to the changing character of war?"
Accepts: Essay
Size: 5,000 words 
Entry Fee: Nil 
Prizes: The Chavel Prize: $3,000, domestic travel to Canberra to brief the Chief of Army's Senior Advisory Committee on the topic of the essay and publication, Runner up: $500, domestic travel to Canberra to brief the Chief of Army's Senior Advisory Committee on the topic of the essay and publication, Commended: considered for publication

30/04/2026
 

Vallum Chapbook Award
CANADIAN COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry Chapbook 
Size: 15 - 30 pages
Entry Fee: $US 30
Prize: $CAD 300, publication and 25 copies of chapbook

Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival Short Story Competition
Open to: Students from Years 3 to 12 from the Mackay, Whitsunday or Isaac regions
Theme: Open
*
Accepts: Years 3 & 4: Short Story
Size: 300 - 400 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Not specified
*
Accepts: Years 5 & 6: Short Story
Size: 300 - 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Not specified
*
Accepts: Years 7 & 8: Short Story
Size: 400 - 600 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Not specified
*
Accepts: Years 9 & 10: Short Story
Size: 600 - 800 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Not specified
*
Accepts: Years 11 & 12: Short Story
Size: 800 - 1,200 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Not specified

Kyogle Writers Festival Poetry Competition
PROCEEDS DONATED TO THE INDIGENOUS LITERACY FOUNDATION
Open to: All
Theme: Under the Surface
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 35 lines
Entry Fee: $5
Prizes: First: $250, Second: $100, Third: $50, Commended x 5: $20

Write a Book in a Day

FUNDRAISING FOR THE KIDS' CANCER PROJECT
Teams choose a day between  01/06/2026 to 30/09/2026 to write and illustrate within a 12 hour period

Open to: Australian residents aged 10 and over, Students in years 5 – 12 and adult writing groups. Teams of 5 to 10 members

Theme: Each team given unique parameters for their chosen writing day consisting of two human characters, one non-human character, a setting, an issue and five random words to be included
*
Accepts: Primary School Division - years 5 to 6 - Short story
Size: 1,500 to 2,500 words
Entry Fee: $77 per team and minimum $240 per team in sponsorship for the book to be eligible for judging
Prizes: Awards for best book and best illustrations. Prizes for top fundraisers

*

Accepts: Middle Secondary School Division - years 7 to 9 - Short story
Size: 3,500 to 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $77 per team and minimum $240 per team in sponsorship for the book to be eligible for judging
Prizes: Awards for best book and best illustrations. Prizes for top fundraisers

*

Accepts: Upper Secondary School Division - years 10 to 12 - Short story
Size: 3,500 to 5,000 words

Entry Fee: $77 per team and minimum $240 per team in sponsorship for the book to be eligible for judging
Prizes: Awards for best book and best illustrations. Prizes for top fundraisers

*

Accepts: Open - aged 18 and over - Short story
Size: 7,000 to 10,000 words
Entry Fee: $77 per team and minimum $240 per team in sponsorship for the book to be eligible for judging
Prizes: Awards for best book and best illustrations. Prizes for top fundraisers

Grenfell Henry Lawson Poetry and Short Story Prize
Open to: Writers living in Australia
Theme: Legends and Larrikins
*
Accepts: Poetry - Open - 18 years or over on 31 March
Size: 48 lines
Entry Fee: $35
Prize: First: $1,000, Second: $500
*
Accepts: Poetry - High School Student
Size: 48 lines
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: First: $250, Second: $100
*
Accepts: Poetry - Primary School Student
Size: 48 lines
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: First: $100, Second: $50
*
Accepts: Short Story - Open - 18 years or over on 31 March
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $35
Prize: First: $1,000, Second: $500
*
Accepts: Short Story - High School Student
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: First: $250, Second: $100
*
Accepts: Short Story - Primary School Student
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: First: $100, Second: $50

Liquid Amber Poetry Prize
Open to: All
Theme: Poetry on Fire
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $25 ($15 if unwaged)
Prizes: First: $1,250, Second: $650, Best poem by an emerging poet: Mentoring Pack with Rose Lucas

The Margaret Hazzard Short Story Award
Open to: Australian women writers and SWWV members worldwide
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $15 or 3 for $30 (For members: $10 or 3 for $20)
Prizes: First: $350, Second: $200, Third: $100

Artz Blitz
Open to: All
Theme: Secret theme revealed 08/05/2026 at 4pm
*
Accepts: Short Story - Adult
Size: 400 – 600 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $1,000, Highly Commended x 2: $250
*
Accepts: Short Story - Youth (13 - 17)
Size: 200 – 400 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $250, Highly Commended x 2: $100
*
Accepts: Short Story - Junior (12 and under)
Size: 100 – 300 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $150, Highly Commended x 2: $50
*
Accepts: Poetry - Adult
Size: 14 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $1,000, Highly Commended x 2: $250
*
Accepts: Poetry - Youth (13 - 17)
Size: 14 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $250, Highly Commended x 2: $100
*
Accepts: Poetry - Junior (12 and under)
Size: 14 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $150, Highly Commended x 2: $50
*
Writer Development Prize: Mentorship with Writers Victoria in 2026
People’s Choice Award: $250

VISUAL ARTS SECTIONS ON WEBSITE

Boroondara Literary Awards
Open to: Victorian Residents, Young Writers: Live, Work or study in the City of Boroondara
Theme: Open
*
Accepts: Open Short Story
Size: 1,500 - 3,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $1,500, Second: $1,000, Third: $500, Keith Carroll Award: $500, Highly Commended x 3: $50 Voucher
*
Accepts: Young Writers  - Junior -Years 5 - 6 - Poetry
Size: 100 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $300, Second: $200, Third: $100, Highly Commended x 3: $30 Voucher
*
Accepts: Young Writers  - Junior -Years 5 - 6 -  - Prose
Size: 300 - 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $300, Second: $200, Third: $100, Highly Commended x 3: $30 Voucher
*
Accepts: Young Writers  - Middle -Years 7 - 9 - Poetry
Size: 200 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $450, Second: $300, Third: $150, Highly Commended x 3: $30 Voucher
*
Accepts: Young Writers  - Middle -Years 7 - 9 -  - Prose
Size: 500 - 900 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $450, Second: $300, Third: $150, Highly Commended x 3: $30 Voucher
 *
Accepts: Young Writers - Senior -Years 10 - 12 - Poetry (also open to young people not in secondary school, aged 15 to 18 years as of 1 January)
Size: 200 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $600, Second: $400, Third: $200, Highly Commended x 3: $30 Voucher
*
Accepts: Young Writers  - Senior -Years 10 - 12 -  - Prose (also open to young people not in secondary school, aged 15 to 18 years as of 1 January)
Size: 900 - 1,300 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $600, Second: $400, Third: $200, Highly Commended x 3: $30 Voucher

Laura Literary Awards
Open to: All
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Section 1 - Open - Short Story
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: $200
*
Accepts: Section 2 - Young Adult (13 - 18) - Short Story
Size: 1,200 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $50
*
Accepts: Section 3a - Upper Primary 11 - 12) - Short Story
Size: 800 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $25
*
Accepts: Section 3b - Junior (9 - 10) - Short Story
Size: 800 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $25
*
Accepts: Section 4 - Junior Primary (5 - 8) - Short Story
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $15
*
Accepts: Section 5 - Open - Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: $200
*
Accepts: Section 6 - Open - Bush Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: $200
*
Accepts: Section 7 - Young Adult (13 - 18) - Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $50
*
Accepts: Section 8 - Junior (9 - 12) - Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $25
*
Accepts: Section 10 - Junior Primary (5 - 8) - Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $15

Men Like Me Poetry Competition
Open to: All
Theme: The diverse experiences of men
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: $20
Prizes: First: $300, Second: $150, Third: $100, Prize winners and Honourable mentions: Publication

Zine West 2026
Open to: Aspiring writers aged 16 and over, who work, live or study in Western Sydney or attend a West Sydney cultural organisation
Theme: None but suitable for 16+ readers
Accepts: Poetry, Prose, Drama, Comic
Size: Poetry: 60 lines, Prose: 800 words, Drama & Comic: 3xA5 pages
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $400, Second: Book award, Third: Book award, Commendations: Giramondo titles, Best Poem and Best Prose: Editor's book award

Seniors Card Short Story Competition
Open to: NSW Seniors Card and Senior Savers Card holders
Theme: Neighbours, Strangers and the People in Between
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: Top 100: Publication

Boree Log Poetry Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Australian Bush
Accepts: Bush poetry
Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee: $8 or $30 for 4
Prizes: First: $100 plus trophy & certificate, Highly Commended & Commended: Certificates

Eastwood/Hills FAW Literary Competition
Open to: All
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Category 1 : Flash Fiction
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: $8, $30 for 4
Prizes: First: $150, Second: $50
*
Accepts: Category 2 : Phillipa Holland Award for Poetry
Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee: $8, $30 for 4
Prizes: First: $150, Second: $50
*
Accepts: Category 3 : Alan Russell Award for Memoir
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: $8, $30 for 4
Prizes: First: $150, Second: $50
*
Accepts: Category 4 : Short Story
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: $8, $30 for 4
Prizes: First: $150, Second: $50

F(r)iction Spring Contest
US COMPETITION
Open to: All
*
Theme: None
Accepts: Creative Non-Fiction
Size: 6,500 words
Entry Fee: $US 15
Prizes: First: $US 1,000 & publication, 5 x finalists: consideration for publication
*
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,001 to 7,500 words
Entry Fee: $US 15
Prizes: First: $US 1,000 & publication, 5 x finalists: consideration for publication
*
Theme: None
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: $US 10 or 3 for $US 12
Prizes: First: $US 300 & publication, 5 x finalists: consideration for publication
*
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: three pages
Entry Fee: $US 10 or 3 for $US 12
Prizes: First: $US 300 & publication, 5 x finalists: consideration for publication

Shore Scripts TV Pilot Contest
US COMPETITION
EARLY BIRD: 20/03/2026
REGULAR: 15/05/2026
FINAL: 29/06/2026
Open to: Each writer, or writing team, may not have earned more than $USD 50,000 in screenwriting fees the  preceding 12 months
*
Accepts: Scripts for a TV pilot- 1 hour
Size: 40 - 65 pages
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: $USD 55, REGULAR: $USD 65, FINAL: $USD 75
Prizes: 3 x winners: place in TV writers Mentorship program and 1:1 support from a Writer Development manager, 10 x Finalists: online mixer, networking opportunities and 1:1 support from a Writer Development manager
*
Accepts: Scripts for a TV pilot- 1/2 hour
Size: 20 - 35 pages
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: $USD 50, REGULAR: $USD 60, FINAL: $USD 70
Prizes: : 3 x winners: place in TV writers Mentorship program and 1:1 support from a Writer Development manager, 10 x Finalists: online mixer, networking opportunities and 1:1 support from a Writer Development manager

What Matters? Writing Competition
Open to: Writers undertaking Primary or Secondary education in Australia (or an Australian International School) in Yr 5 to Yr 12
Theme: What Matters?
*
Accepts: Prose/Poetry/Fiction/Non-fiction - Yr 5 & 6
Size: 600 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $350, Writing workshop (either face-to-face or online), Book pack from Allen & Unwin, Runner-up: $200,Writing workshop (either face-to-face or online), Book pack from Allen & Unwin
*
Accepts: Prose/Poetry/Fiction/Non-fiction - Yr 7 & 8
Size: 600 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $350, Writing workshop (either face-to-face or online), Book pack from Allen & Unwin, Runner-up: $200,Writing workshop (either face-to-face or online), Book pack from Allen & Unwin
*
Accepts: Prose/Poetry/Fiction/Non-fiction - Yr 9 & 10
Size: 600 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $350, Tailored program with ReachOut.com with opportunity to be paid $200 for a feature article, Book pack from Allen & Unwin, Runner-up: $200, Book pack from Allen & Unwin
*
Accepts: Prose/Poetry/Fiction/Non-fiction - Yr 11 & 12
Size: 600 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $350, 1 year Membership to Writing NSW, Writing workshop, Book pack from Allen & Unwin, Runner-up: $200, Book pack from Allen & Unwin
*
Overall Winner: $1,500, trophy, Book pack for their school library
Allen & Unwin Prize (Yr 5 to 8): $1,000
Graham Feudenberg Award: Flight to Canberra to spend day shadowing the Political speechwriters and journalists in the Press Gallery
Artistic Merit Award: Access to Varuna's self-paced on-line writing courses plus $100 book pack from Megalong books
Host an Author x 3: Randomly drawn school from the shortlisted entries offered opportunity for 1 hour virtual author visit
Challenging Racism Project Award: $700, $300 Book bundle, certificate, invitation to meet with the Challenging Racism Project Team
Southerly Barribugu Prize: $50 publishing fee, 1hr mentoring session and a book treasure trove of the most recent Southerly issues & other works of Australian Literature

Little Stories, Big Ideas
Open to: Australian Secondary-school aged students
Theme: Shimmer
*
Accepts: Creative Writing - Yrs 7 - 9
Size: 100 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Winner & Runner-up: $250, Writing Masterclass, Voiceworks bundle, YA Book pack
*
Accepts: Creative Writing - Yrs 10 - 12
Size: 100 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Winner & Runner-up: $250, Writing Masterclass, Voiceworks bundle, YA Book pack

ABR Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize

Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short story
Size: 2,000 - 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $30, (ABR Subscribers: $20)
Prizes: First: $6,000, Second: $4,000, Third: $2,500

Finding Beauty Poetry Prize

Open to: Emerging poets who are Australian residents with a strong connection to the Canberra region, 18 years and over
Theme: Human Interaction
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee: $25 ($15 for MARION members, Full-time students/Concession holder: $20)
Prizes: First: $5,000, Second: $2,000, Shortlisted: $750

South Perth Young Writers Award

Open to: School aged children (years 1 to 10) residing or attending school in the City of South Perth
Theme: None
*
Accepts: A. Lower Primary: Year 1 - 2 - Prose
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $150
*
Accepts: B. Middle Primary: Year 3 - 4 - Prose
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $150
*
Accepts: C. Upper Primary: Year 5 - 6 - Prose
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $150
*
Accepts: D. Lower Secondary: Year 7 - 8 - Prose
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $150
*
Accepts: F. Upper Secondary: Year 9 - 10 - Prose
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $150
*
Shortlisted entrants invited to attend a one-on-one workshop with a published local author, who will provide tailored feedback on their stories

Book Pipeline Unpublished Contest
US COMPETITION
  PRE-REGISTER: 30/01/2026
  SPECIAL ENTRY: 20/03/2026
  EARLY: 20/05/2026
  REGULAR: 25/08/2026
  LATE: 22/09/2026
  EXTENDED: 15/10/2026
Open to: 18 years and over
Theme: None
Accepts: Comics & Graphic Novels, General Fiction, Literary, Mystery/Horror/Thriller, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Young Adult, Middle Grade& & Chapter Book, Picture Books, Non-Fiction & Memoir
Size: Fiction & Memoirs: first 5,000 words and 1-3 page synopsis, Picture books: full manuscript and 1 page synopsis, Non-Fiction: At least a proposal (Memoirs as fiction). Comics & Graphic Novels: 20-28 pages, 1-3 page synopsis
Entry Fee: PRE-REGISTER: $US 35, SPECIAL ENTRY: $US 45, EARLY: $US 55, REGULAR: $US 60, LATE: $US 65, EXTENDED: $US 70
Prizes: Per Category: First: $US 2,500, development & mentoring, industry circulation , consideration from producers, additional long-time review, exclusive invitations to Symposium events

Catchment - Poetry of Place
Open to: Australian Residents
Theme: Show a sense of location
Accepts: Poetry & Tanka
Size: Poetry: 30 lines, Tanka: 5 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: Publication in online journal

Shore Scripts Feature Screenplay Contest
US COMPETITION
EARLY BIRD: 29/05/2026
REGULAR: 14/07/2026
FINAL: 28/08/2026
Open to: All
Accepts: Scripts
Size: 80 - 120 pages
Entry Fee: (Please check prior to entry): EARLY BIRD: $USD 60, REGULAR: $USD 70, FINAL: $USD 80
Prizes: First: $USD 5,000, Mentorship with A-List Filmmaker, Work with Writer Development Manager, Script circulated with industry roster, Industry mentorship, Guaranteed Meetings,
Second: $USD 1,000, Work with Writer Development Manager, Script circulated with industry roster, Industry mentorship, Guaranteed Meetings,
10 finalists: Work with Writer Development Manager, Script circulated with industry roster, Industry mentorship,
5 Genre Winners:  Guaranteed Genres meeting, Work with Writer Development Manager, Script circulated with industry roster
TOP Comedy, Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi & Thriller Script: Genre Industry meetings 
Every submission: Short feedback, Booklet on how to get your screenplay produced

Showdown Add-on: entry to be considered for the Paid Option Agreement with Showdown Productions

Fiction Factory Poetry Competition
UK COMPETITON
Open to:  All
Theme:  None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: £5,  £9 for 2, £12 for 3 (£20 for optional assessment)
Prizes: First : £100 and feedback on 5 poems, hour Zoom call with a judge

Furphy Literary Award - Junior and Youth

Open to:  Australian residents aged 17 and under who live or attend school within the Goulburn Valley
Theme:  None
*
Accepts: Poetry - Up to 12 years old
Size: 20 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First : $300, Second: $100, Third :$50
*
Accepts: Short Story - Up to 12 years old
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First : $300, Second: $100, Third :$50
*
Accepts: Poetry - 13 - 17 years old
Size: 30 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First : $300, Second: $100, Third :$50
*
Accepts: Short Story - 13 - 17 years old
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First : $300, Second: $100, Third :$50

Jerry Jazz Musician Short Fiction Prize

US COMPETITION
Open to:  All
Theme:  None (but consider interests of the readership)
Accepts: Short Story
Size: Up to 3,000 words preferred but up to 4,000 words considered
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $USD 150

Mosman Youth Awards in Literature
Open to: Primary and Secondary School students
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Story - Senior - Years 10,11,12
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $350, Second: $150
*
Accepts: Story - Junior - Years 7,8,9
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $200, Second: $100
*
Accepts: Story - Primary - Years K-6
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Second: $75
*
Accepts: Poetry - Senior - Years 10,11,12
Size: 20 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $250, Second: $150
*
Accepts: Poetry - Junior - Years 7,8,9
Size: 20 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $150, Second: $100

NSW Poetry Prize
Open to: Writers aged 16 and over
Theme: Comedy
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $15
Prizes: First: $200, Second: $100, Third: $50

Poetry d'Amour Love Poetry Contest
Open to: All
Theme: Love
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: $10, $20 for 2, $25 for 3, $30 for 4
Prize: First: $500, Second: $300, Highly Commended x 2, Commended x 2

RD Walsh Memorial Writing for the Environment Prize

Open to: Australian Citizens
Theme: It’s your conversation! About any topic that relates in some way to one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
 *
Accepts: One-Act Play – under 19 years
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $500, Second: $250, Pat Strong Award for a Young Writer: $100
*
Accepts: One-Act Play - 19 - 26 years
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $500, Second: $250
*
Accepts: One-Act Play – Over 50
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $500, Second: $250

Geography Writing Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Changing Environments in Queensland
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $300 & 1 year RGSQ membership, Second: $150 & 1 year RGSQ membership. Third: 1 year membership to the Queensland Writers Centre  & 1 year RGSQ membership

Michael Terence Publishing Short Story Competition
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short story – fiction or non-fiction
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: £9
Prizes: First: £1,000,  Publication in MTP Anthology and Anthology Title based on the winning entry's title, Second: £500, Publication in the MTP Anthology, Third: £250, Publication in the MTP Anthology, Runners-up x 5: £50, Publication in the MTP Anthology

Make Your Own Storybook Competition
Open to: Western Australian Students, PP to Year 8
Theme: None
Accepts: Picture Books and Story Books (See website)
Size: 5,000 words, Page size: A5 to A4
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Three prizes awarded in each category:
- Years PP to 2 - Picture Book
- Years 3 to 4 - Picture Book
- Years 5 to 6 - Picture Book
- Years 7 to 8 - Picture Book
- Years 3 to 4 - Story Book
- Years 5 to 6 - Story Book
- Years 7 to 8 - Story Book
Students may work with a partner, maximum of two students per book

MeetCute Storyteller Competition
UK COMPETITION
Open to: Writers aged 18 and over
Theme: Romance
Accepts: First Chapter of Novel
Size: Not mentioned
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: £500 and an offer of agency representation from kate Nash Literary Agency Ltd

Ros Spencer Poetry Prize
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: $10, $20 for 2, $25 for 3, $30 for 4
Prize: First: $1,001, Second: $499, Highly Commended x 2, Commended x 2

IEU QLD & NT Literary Competition
Note: Limitation on entries per school: 10 in each student section, 5 in Open section
Open to: Students in years 5 -12 and teachers from all schools across Queensland and from non-Government schools across the Northern Territory.
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Years 11-12
1. Poem, 2, Short Story,  3. Non-fiction Prose
Size: Poem: No limit, Short Story: 600-1,500 words, Non-fiction prose: 600 - 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $300, Second: $200, Third: $100
*
Accepts: Years 9-10
1. Poem, 2, Short Story
Size: Poem: No limit, Short Story: 500-1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $150, Second: $100, Third: $75
*
Accepts: Years 7-8
1. Poem, 2, Short Story
Size: Poem: No limit, Short Story: 500-1,200 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $150, Second: $100, Third: $75
*
Accepts: Years 5 - 6
1. Poem, 2, Short Story
Size: Poem: No limit, Short Story: 400-800 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $150, Second: $100, Third: $75
*
Accepts: Open: Staff: Short Story
Size: 800-2,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $300, Second: $200, Third: $100

AAWP Writing Prizes
* 
AAWP / Westerly Magazine Life Writing Prize
Open to: All
Theme: Life writing
Accepts: Any form associated with Life Writing
Size: 3,500 words
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: $500, one year subscription to Westerly & Conference fees to attend the annual AAWP conference
*
AAWP - UWRF Global Writing Communities Translators' Prize
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry and Prose
Size: Poetry: 30 lines, Prose: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: Ticket to UWRF, accommodation during the festival , one year membership to AAWP and fully subsidised fees to attend the annual conference
*
Sudden Writing Prize
Open to: Emerging writers under 25 years of age
Theme: None
Accepts: Creative works
Size: Prose: 400 words, Poetry: 40 lines, Prose Poems: 200 words
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: $500, publication on Express Media website, Voiceworks subscription, one year membership to AAWP and fully subsidised fees to attend the annual conference
*
AAWP / UWRF Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers
Open to: Emerging writers
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: Ticket to UWRF, accommodation during the festival, one year membership to AAWP,  and fully subsidised fees to attend the annual conference, consideration for publication by Meniscus
*
AAWP / UWRF Poetry Prize for Emerging Writers
Open to: Emerging writers
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines for lineated poetry, 400 words for prose poetry and hybrid forms
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: Ticket to UWRF, accommodation during the festival, one year membership to AAWP,  and fully subsidised fees to attend the annual conference, consideration for publication by Meniscus
*
AAWP and Recent Work Press Novella Prize
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Prose or verse
Size: : 50 lines for poetry or 5,000 words for prose, Synopsis: 500 words (full manuscript expected to be 40,000 – 50,000 words)
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: $500 and fully subsidised fees to attend the annual conference, consideration for publication by Recent Work Press
*
 ‘Chapter One’ The AAWP Publication Pathway for Emerging Writers
Open to: Emerging writers (see website for definition)
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry collection, literary novel, short story collection or a hybrid work
Size: First chapter: 50 lines for poetry or 5,000 words for prose, Synopsis: 500 words
Total work: Prose: at least 40,000 words, Poetry: at least 40 pages
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: $500, letter of recommendation to Western Australia Publishing, Conference fees to attend the annual AAWP conference

Anthology Poetry Award
IRISH COMPETITION
Closing Date: 
VERY EARLY BIRD: 31/01/2026
EARLY BIRD: 31/06/2026
REGULAR: 31/10/2026
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: VERY EARLY BIRD: €12, EARLY BIRD: €15, REGULAR: €18
Prizes: First: €1,000, Second: €250, Third: €150

Anthology Short Story Award
IRISH COMPETITION
Closing Date: 
VERY EARLY BIRD: 31/10/2025
EARLY BIRD: 31/01/2026
REGULAR: 31/07/2026
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: VERY EARLY BIRD: €12, EARLY BIRD: €15,  REGULAR: €18
Prizes: First: €1,000, Second: €250, Third: €150

Byouk Feb - June Competition
Open to: All
Theme: None (Diverse voices are encouraged)
Accepts: Novels
Size: First few pages plus a few favourite pages totalling 10 pages
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: Publication and marketing (physically and digitally worldwide)

Dorothea Mackeller Poetry Awards

Open to: School Students (K – Yr 12) enrolled in Australian education facilities, group poems and class poems allowed
Theme: Optional theme: The Traveller
 

Entry Fee:  
    Individual (where home-schooled or school not taking part): $20 for up to 3 poems,
    School Entry up to 30 entries: $30, 
    School Entry over 30 entries: $60, 
    School Entry over 100 entries: $80

*
Accepts: Lower Primary (Years K - 3) Poetry
Size: 80 lines (2,000 characters)
Prize: First: $300, trophy & prize pack, Runner-up: $150 & prize pack
*
Accepts: Upper Primary (Years 4 - 6) Poetry

Size: 80 lines (2,000 characters)
Prize: First:  $400, trophy & prize pack, Runner-up: $200 & prize pack

*
Accepts: Assisted Learning Primary Poetry

Size: 80 lines (2,000 characters)
Prize: First: $400, trophy & prize pack, Runner-up: $200 & prize pack
*
Accepts: Junior Secondary (Years 7 - 9) Poetry

Size: 80 lines (2,000 characters)
Prize: First:   $500, trophy & prize pack, Runner-up: $300 & prize pack

*
Accepts: Senior Secondary (Years 10 - 12) Poetry

Size: 80 lines (2,000 characters)
Prize: First:  $500, trophy & prize pack, Runner-up: $300 & prize pack

*
Accepts: Assisted Learning Secondary Poetry

Size: 80 lines (2,000 characters)
Prize: First:  $500, trophy & prize pack, Runner-up: $300 & prize pack

*
DAVID MAHER AWARD (Primary only): $300, trophy & prize pack
KURRUMBEDE AWARD (Entries from a school within 100km of Gunnedah):
PRIMARY SCHOOL AWARD: $250, trophy & prize pack
SECONDARY SCHOOL AWARD: $250, trophy & prize pack
SCHOOLS’ AWARD:
PRIMARY SCHOOL: $1,000, trophy & prize pack
SECONDARY SCHOOL: $1,000, trophy & prize pack

Fiction Factory Short Story Prize
UK COMPETITION
Open to:  All aged 16 and over
Theme:  None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: £7 (£13 for 2, £18 for 3) (Optional critique: £35)
Prize: £500

Flash 500 Flash Fiction Competition
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: £5 for one story, £8 for 2, £11 for 3, £14 for 4
Prize:First: £300, Second: £200, Third: £100

High Country Words Writing Competition
Open to: All
Theme: WILD!
*
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $20, $10 for additional entries (Local/Student/Pensioner: $10, Arts Mansfield members and Mansfield Readers & Writers members: One free entry)
Prizes: First: $500, Local: $200
*
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 100 lines
Entry Fee: $20, $10 for additional entries (Local/Student/Pensioner: $10, Arts Mansfield members and Mansfield Readers & Writers members: One free entry)
Prizes: First: $500, Local: $200
*
Accepts: Memoir
Size: 2,ooo words
Entry Fee: $20, $10 for additional entries (Local/Student/Pensioner: $10, Arts Mansfield members and Mansfield Readers & Writers members: One free entry)
Prizes: First: $500, Local: $200

Poetry London Prize

UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee: £10 (£5 for subscribers) (Limited free entries for writers on low incomes)
Prizes: First: £5,000, Second: £2,000, Third: £1,000

Scribes Writers "Poetic License"
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Free Verse
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: $12
Prizes: First: $200, Second: $100, Third: $50, Highly Commended & Commended: Certificate

Short Stories Unlimited Poetry Competition
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: No limit (but use common sense)
Entry Fee: $5 (Mailing list members: $5 for 3)
Prizes: First: $100 & copy of ebook, Second: $50 & copy of ebook, Third: $25 & copy of ebook, Highly commended x 2: $10 & copy of ebook

Short Stories Unlimited Short Story Competition
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $10 (Mailing list members: additional entries $5)
Prizes: First: $200 & copy of anthology, Second: $100 & copy of anthology, Third: $50 & copy of anthology, Highly commended x 2: $20 & copy of anthology

Southword Creative Non-Fiction Award

IRISH COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Essay / Memoir
Size: 4,000 words
Entry Fee: €20
Prizes: First: €1,000 & publication in Southword, Second: €400 & publication in Southword

TCK Publishing Poetry Awards Contest
US COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: US$ 5
Prize: US$ 1,000

The Mayday Hills Ghost Story Competition
To be performed on stage by entrant at Bijou Theatre Hall, Beechworth, on 31/10/2026
Open to: Australian or New Zealand citizen or resident
Theme: Horror that involves paranormal/ghost/spirit
Accepts: Short Story
Size: No more than 15 minutes performance
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100 & Trophy, Second: $50, Third: $25

The Queen Mary Wasafiri New Writing Prize
UK COMPETITION
Open to: Writers who have not published a book-length work of fiction, life-writing or poetry (excluding self-published works or poetry chapbooks)
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Poetry (up to 3 poems = a single entry)
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: £12, £16 for 2, £6 for a subsidised entry
Prize: First: £1,000 & publication
*
Accepts: Fiction
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: £12, £16 for 2, £6 for a subsidised entry
Prize: First: £1,000 & publication
*
Accepts: Life Writing
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: £12, £16 for 2, £6 for a subsidised entry
Prize: First: £1,000 & publication

Wells Festival of Literature Competition
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: Open
*
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: £8
Prizes: First: £1,000, Second: £500, Third: £250, Local Prize: £100
*
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,000 - 2,000 words
Entry Fee: £8
Prizes: First: £750, Second: £300, Third: £200, Local Prize: £100
*
Accepts: A Book for Children (age 7 and up)
Size: First three chapters or 30 pages, whichever is shortest, plus a synopsis of up to 2 pages (Shortlisted entrants may be asked for complete manuscript)
Entry Fee: £8
Prizes: First: £750, Second: £300, Third: £200, Local Prize: £100
*
Accepts: Young Poets (16 - 22 years old)
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: £3
Prizes: First: £200 & membership to The Poetry Society, Second: £150, Third: £100

WEN Credible Economist Writing Competition
Open to: High school students, university students, early career economists 
Theme: Economic issue that matters to Australia future (six broad themes on the website to help get ideas)
Accepts: Article
Size: 800 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $250, Second: $150, Third: $100, Top three and 3 x Honourable mentions: 1 year WEN membership

Write Around the Murray Short Story Competition
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $15
Prize: First: $1,000, Second: $200 book voucher, Third: $100 book voucher

Randolph Stow Young Writers Award
Open to: Students in years 3 - 12 who live or study in the Midwest and Gascoyne Regions, Western Australia
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Lower Primary - Year 3 & 4 - Prose
Size: 1,200 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize:  Not specified
*
Accepts: Lower Primary - Year 3 & 4 - Poetry
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize:  Not specified
*
Accepts: Upper Primary - Year 5 & 6 - Prose
Size: 1,200 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize:  Not specified
*
Accepts: Upper Primary - Year 5 & 6 - Poetry
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize:  Not specified
*
Accepts: Lower Secondary - Year 7 & 8 - Prose
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize:  Not specified
*
Accepts: Lower Secondary - Year 7 & 8 - Poetry
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize:  Not specified
*
Accepts: Middle Secondary - Year 9 & 10 - Prose
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize:  Not specified
*
Accepts: Middle Secondary - Year 9 & 10 - Poetry
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize:  Not specified
*
Accepts: Upper Secondary - Year 11 & 12 - Prose
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize:  Not specified
*
Accepts: Upper Secondary - Year 11 & 12 - Poetry
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize:  Not specified

The Eden School Prize
Open to: Years 8 to 10 students attending a South Australian government school
Theme: "How can practicing kindness and empathy make the world a better and happier place?”
Accepts: Essay
Size: 800 words or 3-4 minutes for a visual presentation/speech
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $1,250, Second: $750, Third: $500

Canberra Youth Theatre's Emerging Playwright Competition
Open to: Emerging writer, Australian citizen or permanent resident, aged under 35 and over 16
Theme: Suitable to be performed by at least 8 actors aged between 7 and 25
Accepts: Play
Size: Minimum 1 hour, minimum 8 characters as an ensemble
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $17,700 for development of the script, Two finalists: $1,500 

AGHS Short Story Competition Orange

Open to: Year 6 students living in Orange, Millthorpe and Molong & surrounding areas
Theme: A real or imaginary garden of a grandfriend with whom you have a relationship through gardening. Grandfriend: Grandparent, great aunt, great uncle, older neighbour, older family friend
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $200, plant & plaque for winner's school for the writer and AGHS membership for the grandfriend, 3 x Runner Ups: $75 nursery voucher for the writer and AGHS membership for the grandfriend

E.M. Fletcher Writing Prize
Open to: Residents of Australia or New Zealand, over 18 years of age
Theme: Family history/genealogy theme
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,500 - 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $35 ($20 for members)
Prize: First: $1,000, Runner Up: $500, Rosemary McKenzie Member Prize: $100 

Barry Young River of Stories
Open to: Students must reside within a 150k radius of Albury/Wodonga
Theme: Friends
*
Accepts: Short Story - Students: Years 3 - 4
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $50 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $25 book voucher
*
Accepts: Short Story - Students: Years 5 - 6
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $50 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $25 book voucher
*
Accepts: Short Story - Students: Years 7 - 8
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $50 book voucher
*
Accepts: Short Story - Students: Years 9 - 10
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $50 book voucher
*
Accepts: Short Story - Students: Years 11 - 12
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $50 book voucher
*
Accepts: Poetry - Students: Years 3 - 4
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $50 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $25 book voucher
*
Accepts: Poetry - Students: Years 5 - 6
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $50 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $25 book voucher
*
Accepts: Poetry - Students: Years 7 - 8
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $50 book voucher
*
Accepts: Poetry - Students: Years 9 - 10
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $50 book voucher
*
Accepts: Poetry - Students: Years 11 - 12
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 & $300 for school library, Runner-up: $50 book voucher
*
BEST PRIMARY SCHOOL ENTRANT - Poetry: $250 
BEST PRIMARY SCHOOL ENTRANT – Short Story: $250 
BEST HIGH SCHOOL ENTRANT - Poetry: $250 
BEST HIGH SCHOOL ENTRANT – Short Story: $250 

Farrells Bookshop Kids' Story Writing Competition

Open to: Residents of Mornington Peninsula
Theme: Include: "The sound became louder & I realised it was…”
*
Accepts: Short Story / Picture Story / Poetry - Lower Primary - Prep to Year 2
Size: 1,000 words (2 pages)
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Farrells book vouchers

*
Accepts: Short Story / Picture Story / Poetry - Middle Primary - Years 3 to 4
Size: 1,000 words (2 pages)
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Farrells book vouchers

*
Accepts: Short Story / Picture Story / Poetry - Upper Primary - Years 5 to 6
Size: 1,000 words (2 pages)
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Farrells book vouchers

*
Accepts: Short Story / Picture Story / Poetry - Lower Secondary - Years 7 to 9
Size: 1,500 words (3 pages)
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Farrells book vouchers
*
Accepts: Short Story / Picture Story / Poetry - Upper Secondary - Years 10 to 12
Size: 1,500 words (3 pages)
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Farrells book vouchers

The Silver Gull Play Award
Open to: Residents of NSW or ACT, over the age of 18 as of 1 Jan 2026
Theme: Plays with a purpose
Accepts: Play
Size: at least 60 minutes
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $5,000, Shortlisted writers: $2,000 shared

Anthology Personal Memoir Competition
IRISH COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: Personal unique life experience
Accepts: Memoir
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: €15
Prizes: First: €500

FAW Tasmania Beatrice Clarke Award
Open to: Poets aged 14 and under
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: $5
Prizes: First: $100, Second: $50, Encouragement Prize x 2: $25

FAW Robyn Mathison Open Poetry Award
Open to: Residents of Australia
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: $5
Prizes: First: $150, Second: $50

Heywire Competition
Open to: Australian Residents aged 16-22 and not living in Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth or Sydney
Theme: True story about an aspect of your life, where you live
Accepts: Audio, Video, Photos or Text
Size: Video & Audio: 2 - 4 minutes, Photos: 10 images, Text: around 400 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize (awarded up to 33 people): Opportunity for story to be produced for ABC and a trip to the Heywire Regional Youth Summit in Canberra (details on website), invitation to the Heywire Gala Dinner. Includes flight and accommodation.

Insight's Creative Writing Competition
Open to: Enrolled in years 7 - 12 in Australian Secondary Education
Theme: Optional theme: Ignite
*
Accepts: Creative writing - Year 7
Size: 1,400 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $200, Second: $125, Third: $50
*
Accepts: Creative writing - Year 8
Size: 1,400 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $200, Second: $125, Third: $50
*
Accepts: Creative writing - Year 9
Size: 1,400 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $250, Second: $175, Third: $100
*
Accepts: Creative writing - Year 10
Size: 1,400 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $250, Second: $175, Third: $100
*
Accepts: Creative writing - Year 11
Size: 1,400 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $300, Second: $225, Third: $150
*
Accepts: Creative writing - Year 12
Size: 1,400 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $300, Second: $225, Third: $150
*
Iris Breuer Writing Award: $200
The Rising Star Award
The Change-Maker Award
The Staff Selection

The Wild Muse Nature Writing Prize
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: Nature's Wisdom and Healing
Accepts: Stories, poems and essays
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: £10
Prizes: First: £750, Second: £300, Third: £150

#periodpride Competition
PRIZE IS PAID TO THE NOMINATED COMMUNITY GROUP OR SCHOOL

Open to: All (but with a focus on young voices)
Theme: Social issues surrounding menstruation, focus on young people
Accepts: Written 
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes paid to nominated community group or school: First: $5,000, Second: $2,000, Third: $1,000, Category winner: $1,000 

NOTE: Other categories include Video/Short Film, Performed Song, Art Work and Major Art Installation

Anthology Flash Fiction Competition
IRISH COMPETITION
  EARLY BIRD: 28/02/2026
  STANDARD: 30/09/2026
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 250 words
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: €10, REGULAR: €12
Prize: €300

30/09/2026

Anthology Nature Writing Prize
IRISH COMPETITION
Closing Date: 
EARLY BIRD: 31/01/2026
REGULAR: 30/09/2026
Open to: All
Theme: Nature Writing
Accepts: Essay
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee:  EARLY BIRD: €12, REGULAR: €15
Prizes: First: €300

Rhiza Edge Short Story Competition
Open to: Australian and New Zealand writers
Theme: Hidden Creatures and suitable for 12+ to read
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,000 - 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $22 (20% discount for seniors and students). School entry fee available on contact
Prizes: Copy of the book, 15 minute pitch, plus either a. 5 further copies or b. $100 discount on manuscript appraisal

The Larrikin House Prize
Open to: Australian Authors
Theme: Own Voices
Accepts: Picture books, Middle Grade, YA and Adult fiction
Size: Picture books: 500 words, All other manuscripts: first 1,000 words
Entry Fee:  $25
Prizes: 12 months mentorship, zoom chat about the industry, consideration for publication

Silver Quill Written Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Australian
*
Accepts: Poetry - Open Serious
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: Cash prizes
*
Accepts: Poetry - Open Humorous
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: Cash prizes
*
Accepts: Poetry - Novice
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: Cash prizes
*
Accepts: Poetry - Junior (under 18 years)
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: Cash prizes

Hilarie Lindsay Young Writers Poetry Competition
Open to: Australian School Children
Theme: Open
*
Accepts: Section 1 - Poetry - Yrs 11 & 12
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: First: $125
*
Accepts: Section 2 - Poetry - Yrs 9 & 10
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: First: $100
*
Accepts: Section 3 - Poetry - Yrs 7 & 8
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: First: $90
*
Accepts: Section 4 - Poetry - Yrs 5 & 6
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: First: $70
*
Accepts: Section 5 - Poetry – Yrs 3 & 4
Size: 30 lines
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: First: $50
*
Accepts: Section 6 - Poetry - Yrs 1 & 2
Size: 20 lines
Entry Fee: $5
Prize: First: $30

Jean Stone Poetry Award
Open to: Australian Residents
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: $15
Prize: $500

Anthology Travel Writing Competition
IRISH COMPETITION
  EARLY BIRD: 31/03/2026
  STANDARD: 30/11/2026
Open to: All
Theme: Authentic Travel Experience
Accepts: Article
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: €12, REGULAR: €15
Prize: €300