Venie Holmgren Environmental Prize
Open to:  Citizens of Australia or have permanent resident status in Australia
Theme: Environmental
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: $1,000

Young Tasmanian Writers' Prize
Open to: Tasmanian students enrolled in Year 7 to 12 at schools that are current members of TATE or who are home schooled
*
Accepts: Year 10 - 12: Short Fiction
Theme: Incorporate a minimum of THREE or the following elements in your story: A place in Tasmania / References to fire, air, earth and/or water / The colours red, blue and/or green, A repeated image or phrase / An evocative smell or taste
Size: 800 - 1,500 words
Entry Fee: $8
Prizes: First: $300 & publication, Runner up x 2: $35 Fullers Bookshop voucher. Jane College Prose Award: $200
*
Accepts: Year 7 - 9: Short Fiction
Theme: Choose  a minimum of TWO of the following to reference anywhere in your story: The colour blue or black / The sound of a black cockatoo / The smell of lavender / The feel of water / The taste of blackberries
Size: 700 - 1,000 words
Entry Fee: $8
Prizes: First: $200, Runner up x 2: $35 Fullers Bookshop voucher, Jane College Prose Award: $100

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

Killer Shorts
US COMPETITION
FIRST WAVE DEADLINE: 05/06/2026
EARLY DEADLINE / EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: 07/08/2026
REGULAR DEADLINE: 31/10/2026
STANDARD DEADLINE / FINAL DEADLINE : 04/12/2026
EXTENDED DEADLINE: 31/12/2026
Open to: Entrant's total earnings for screenwriting must not exceed $USD 10,000 in the past 12 months (does not include prize money)
Theme: Horror
*
1-PLAY SCREENPLAY
Accepts: Screenplay
Size: 1 page
Entry Fee: STANDARD DEADLINE: $USD 10, EXTENDED DEADLINE: $USD 15
Prizes: Grand Prize: $USD 500 & Winner Laurels, The Killer Trophy, 6 Month ISA Connect Membership, plus all Top 3 prizes, Top 3: Industry Circulation, The Scream List, Final Draft 13 Software License, Creator Bundle (Stan Winston School Membership, We Make Movies Gold Membership, and Script Revolution Rockstar memberships), 100% off “Search For New Blood” contest entry, plus all Finalist prizes, Finalists x 10: Finalist Laurels & Script Directory Publication, Stage 32 Access (Free Stage 32 “Next Level” Webinar and 20% off “Search For New Blood” contest entry), Semi & Quarterfinalists: Placement Laurels (Semi or Quarterfinalist), Reduced rates for Stage 32 contests and partner webinars.
*
SHORT SCREENPLAY
Accepts: Screenplay
Size: 1 - 20 pages
Entry Fee: FIRST WAVE DEADLINE: $USD 20, EARLY DEADLINE: $USD 25, REGULAR DEADLINE: $USD 30, FINAL DEADLINE: $USD 35, EXTENDED DEADLINE: $USD 40
Prizes: First x 3: The Killer Trophy & Winner Laurels, Industry Circulation,The Scream List, Stage 32 Pro Package (60-min Career Development Call, Short Script Coverage, FREE “Search for New Blood” contest entry), The Winner’s Bundle (Final Draft 13, Shudder memberships, ISA Connect Memberships and access to Robert McKee’s Horror Webinar Series), Horror Fan Bundle (Rue Morgue Magazine Subscription and Fright Rags Gift Card) plus all Finalist prizes, Finalists x 10: Finalist Laurels & Script Directory Publication, Final Draft 13 Software License, Production Suite (Seed & Spark Consultation and We Make Movies Gold Membership), Stage 32 Access (Script Coverage, Next Level Webinar and 50% off “Search For New Blood” entry), plus all Semifinalist prizes, Semifinalists & Honourable Mentions: Semifinalist Laurels & Script Directory Publication, Stage 32 Package (Next Level Webinar and 20% off “Search For New Blood” entry), Quarterfinalists: Reduced rates for Stage 32 contests and partner services.
*
SHORT STORY (PROSE)
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 6,000 words
Entry Fee: FIRST WAVE DEADLINE: $USD 20, EARLY DEADLINE: $USD 25, REGULAR DEADLINE: $USD 30, FINAL DEADLINE: $USD 35, EXTENDED DEADLINE: $USD 40
Prizes: Grand Prize:  The Killer Trophy & Winner Laurels, One-on-one 30-minute meeting with author and screenwriter Chris Hicks (I Am Not Alone), Featured story placement on the Killer Shorts website, plus all Top 3 & Finalist prizes, Top 3: Winner Laurels, Industry Circulation, plus all Finalist prizes, Finalists x 10: Scrivener Software, Stage 32 Access (Free “Next Level” Webinar and 50% off “Search For New Blood” entry), Semifinalists: Semifinalist Laurels & Script Directory Publication, Free Stage 32 Webinar and 20% off “Search For New Blood” entry, Quarterfinalists: 20% off Stage 32 “Search For New Blood” entry.
*
FEATURE SCREENPLAY
Accepts: Screenplay
Size: 70 - 120 pages
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: $USD 45, REGULAR DEADLINE: $USD 55, FINAL DEADLINE: $USD 65, EXTENDED DEADLINE: $USD 75
Prizes: Grand Prize: $USD 5,000 , The Killer Trophy & Winner Laurels, Guaranteed script review by literary manager John Zaozirny, plus all Top 3 & Finalist prizes, Top 3:  Industry Circulation, The Winner’s Bundle (Final Draft 13, Free Feature Script Entry to ScriptHop’s Gauntlet, and We Make Movies Gold Membership), $50 Deep Cuts Coffee Gift Card, plus all Finalist prizes, Finalists x 10: Finalist Laurels & Script Directory Publication, Seed & Spark Crowdfunding Consultation, plus all Semifinalist prizes, Semifinalists: The Script Directory ( Logline publication in our curated industry database), Quarterfinalists: Quarterfinalist Laurels

Sydney Hammond Memorial Short Story Writing Competition
Open to: All
Theme: I’m Glad You Called
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: $18.50
Prize: First: $200, Anthology cover based on winning story, a new release Hawkeye Publishing book, Second, Third & Fourth: year membership to Queensland Writers Centre ($79)

Prospect Library Children's Writing Competition
Open to: Residents of South Australia in Years Reception to 6
Theme: Symphony of Stories
*
Accepts: Short Story - Reception - Year 2
Size: 100 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 book voucher, Honourable mention: $50 book voucher
*
Accepts: Short Story - Years 3 -4
Size: 250 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 book voucher, Honourable mention: $50 book voucher
*
Accepts: Short Story - Years 5 -6
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 book voucher & the perpetual Jenni Cotton Memorial Trophy, Honourable mention: $50 book voucher

WA Young Writers Award
Open to: Western Australian students in Years 1 to 12
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Short Story - Lower Primary - Years 1 & 2
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First, Second and Third awarded in gifts and vouchers from sponsors
*
Accepts: Short Story - Middle Primary - Years 3 & 4
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First, Second and Third awarded in gifts and vouchers from sponsors
*
Accepts: Short Story - Upper Primary - Years 5 & 6
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First, Second and Third awarded in gifts and vouchers from sponsors
*
Accepts: Short Story - Lower Secondary - Years 7 to 9
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First, Second and Third awarded in gifts and vouchers from sponsors
*
Accepts: Short Story - Upper Secondary - Years 10 & 12
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First, Second and Third awarded in gifts and vouchers from sponsors

Humanities for Life Toowoomba Roadshow Writing Competition

Open to: Residents of the Toowoomba Region
Theme: Respond to classic literature and provide some sense of your life in Toowoomba (and surrounds)
Accepts: Creative writing
Size: 300 - 600 words
Entry Fee: $10 ($5 for students)
Prizes: Writers under 25 years of age: $200, Residents of the Toowoomba region: $200

Olga Masters Short Story Award
Open to: Australian Residents
Theme: Life in rural Australia
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,000 - 4,000 words
Entry Fee: $25
Prize: First: $1,500, Runner-up: $500, Supplementary prizes at the discretion of the organisers

University of Tasmania Prize
Open to: May have up to two authors (collaboration with an artist counts as two authors), one of the authors must be resident in Tasmania (lived there six of the past 12 months)
Theme: None
Accepts: Novel, Graphic novel, playscript, screenplay, work for children/young people, literary non-fiction, a collection of short stories, literary essays or poems
Size: Not mentioned
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $10,000

Shore Scripts Short Film Fund - Fall Season
US COMPETITION
EARLY BIRD: 20/08/2026
REGULAR: 30/09/2026
FINAL: 30/10/2026
Open to: All
Accepts: Scripts
Size: 2 - 30 pages
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: $39, REGULAR: $49, FINAL: $59
Prizes:
Production Grant First: $USD 15,000 production grant, Project & career Guidance with producer Maria Gracia Turgeon, Camera Equipment rental from Arri Rental, Festival planning strategy with Kimberley Browning, Production support and script development, Film shared with judges and industry roster, Short Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF,
Production Grant Top 5:  Feedback, Script sent to directors and relevant industry roster, Short Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF,
Production Grant Finalists: Script sent to directors and relevant industry roster, Short Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF,
Production Grant Semi-Finalists: Short Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF 
Finishing Funds First: $USD 4,000 Finishing Funds Grant, Festival planning strategy with Kimberley Browning, Post-production support and script development, Film shared with industry roster, Short Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF,
Finishing Funds Finalists: Feedback on the Rough Cut of their film, Short Scripts Film Festival Guidebook PDF,
All Submissions: Brief Feedback on what is working and potential for improvement

GriffithReview 95 - Bodies of Work
ANTHOLOGY CALL OUT
Open to:  All
Theme:  For example: What is the fate of the human body? How do our historic perceptions and misconceptions of it inform our present and shape our future?
 Accepts: Fiction and Non-fiction
Size: 4,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: Publication

SAETA Spring Poetry Festival
Open to: Students in Australian Schools
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Students in Yr 11 - 12 - Poetry
Size: Not mentioned
Entry Fee: Entry fee per school to cover administrative costs. $10 for corporate member schools and $20 for non - member schools (Household entries: $10)
Prize: Sponsored by Friendly Street Poets
*
Accepts: Students in Yrs up to Yr 10 - Poetry
Size: Not mentioned
Entry Fee: Entry fee per school to cover administrative costs. $10 for corporate member schools and $20 for non - member schools  (Household entries: $10)
Prize: South AustralianWriter’s Centre Prize and the Budding Poet’s Award
*
Country prizes: The Walter Welburn Prize
Open Prizes: The Adelaide University English Prize

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

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

Writory Monthly Poetry Contest
INDIAN COMPETITION
Open to: 13 plus
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: $USD 5, (2 for $USD 8, 5 for $USD 15)
Prize x 3: Up to $USD 25 with free entry into the next competition

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

The Wakefield Weekly Monthly Writing Challenge
Open to: Authors based in Australia
Theme: ‘drawing a line’
Accepts: Writing
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: Vouchers and publication on blog

Outstanding Short Story Competition
Open to: Writers based in Australia and New Zealand, 16 years and older
Theme: No particular theme but should have relevance to the LGBTQIA+ community
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 750 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $1,000

The Masters Review Summer Short Story Award for New Writers
Open to: Emerging writers
Theme: None
Accepts: Fiction or Nonfiction
Size: 6,000 words
Entry Fee: $US 20 (Nil for up to 50 writers from historically marginalize or underrepresented groups)
Prizes: First: $US 3,000 & agency review, Second: $US 300 & agency review, Third: $US 200 & agency review

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

Bundyi Writing Prize
Open to: Emerging Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander writer
Theme: Open
Accepts: Adult non-fiction
Size: Minimum 70,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes:  $10,000, manuscript development with a First Nations editor, potential publishing contract

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

Chalk Circle Short Story Competition
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
*
CHALK CIRCLE 1500
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1500 words
Entry Fee: £10
Prize: £200

*
CHALK CIRCLE 1500
Theme: A circular story that ends where it began
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: Exactly 360 words (excluding the title)
Entry Fee: £7
Prize: £50

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

Fool for Poetry International Chapbook Competition
IRISH COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry collection
Size: 16 - 24 pages
Entry Fee: €25
Prizes: First: €1000, publication and 25 copies, Second:  €500, publication and 25 copies
In addition, the winning poets will also be offered a reading and three nights' accommodation at the Cork International Poetry Festival

Inner West Council's Library Young Creative Awards: Writer's section

Open to: Aged 12 to 25 and live, work or study in the Inner West, Sydney
Theme: Inspired by or referencing an item from the Inner West Library and History collection
*
Accepts: Short story/poetry/fan fiction//prose - ages 12 to 15
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $500, Runner-up: $250
*
Accepts: Short story/poetry/fan fiction/prose - ages 16 to 18
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $500, Runner-up: $250
*
Accepts: Short story/poetry/fan fiction/prose - ages 19 to 25
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $500, Runner-up: $250
*
Librarian's choice: $250
People's choice: $250

NOTE: Artist and Filmmaker sections also available

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

Port Writers Open Writing Competition
Open to: Australian residents, over 18 years old
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,500 words
Entry Fee: $10 
Prize: First: $200, Second: $50
*
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 32 lines
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: First: $200, Second: $50
*
Hastings Prize for Local Writers: $50

The Betty Olle Poetry Award
Open to: All
Theme: Australian
*
Accepts: Open - Australian Rhyming Bush Verse
Size: Not mentioned
Entry Fee: $15 (2 poems)
Prize: First: Trophy & $500, Runner-Up: Certificate & $200, Highly Commended: Certificate
*
Accepts: Junior (12 years and under) - Australian Rhyming Bush Verse
Size: Not mentioned
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: Trophy & $100, Runner-Up: Certificate & $50, Highly Commended: Certificate

The Scarlet Stiletto Award
Open to: Women (including cisgender, transgender or intersex) who are citizens/residents of Australia
Theme: Crime & Mysteries with the protagonist being female
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $30 for non-members , $20 for Sisters in Crime Members and youth/student concession,
Prizes:
Swinburne University Award (First): $2,000,  
Simon & Schuster Award (Second): $1,000,
Sun Bookshop &Fremantle Press Award (Third): $800,
Carmel Shute Young Writer’s Award ( under 19): $1,000,
Melbourne Athenaeum Library ‘Body in the Library' Award: $1,250; runner up $750,
HQ Books Award for Best Thriller: $1,200,
Kerry Greenwood Award for Best Malice Domestic Story: $1,000,
Every Cloud Phryne Award for Best Mystery with History Story: $1,000,
Bolton Clarke Award for Best Art and Crime Story: $500,
Clan Destine Press Award for Best Cross-Genre Story: $1,000,
Cate Kennedy Award for Best Story Inspired by a Forensic Clue: $500
ScriptWorks Award for a Great Film Idea: $500,
Writers Victoria Award for the Story with the Most Satisfying Retribution: Choice of online course  and membership,
Lesley Gillis and Fran Gillis Award for Best Cosy Cat Capers: $1,000

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

Lorikeet's Open Your Mind Poetry Competition
Open to: WA residents living with mental health challengers or caring for those that are
Theme: Stronger together, Louder together
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 18 lines (max two poems per person)
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Second: $75, Third: $50, Lorikeet & MIFWA Participants: First: $100, Second: $75

King of the Ranges Bush poetry Competition

Open to: All
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Bush Poetry - Serious
Size: 74 lines or 3-3:30 minutes
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $50, Second: $30, Third: $20
*
Accepts: Bush Poetry - Humorous
Size: 74 lines or 3-3:30 minutes
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $50, Second: $30, Third: $20
*
BEST OVERALL: $100 and trophy

Fisher's Ghost Writing Prize
Open to: Live, work or studies in the Campbelltown Local Government area
Theme: “Years in the Making”
 *
Accepts: Adult
Size: Short stories/narrative non-fiction/memoirs: 500 words, Poetry: 25 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $300, Highly Commended: $100
*
Accepts: Years 4 - 6
Size: Short stories/narrative non-fiction/memoirs: 500 words, Poetry: 25 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100, Highly Commended: $50
*
Accepts: Years 7 - 9
Size: Short stories/narrative non-fiction/memoirs: 500 words, Poetry: 25 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100, Highly Commended: $50
*
Accepts: Years 10 -12
Size: Short stories/narrative non-fiction/memoirs: 500 words, Poetry: 25 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100, Highly Commended: $50

Queensland Poetry Awards

ARTS QUEENSLAND THOMAS SHAPCOTT POETRY PRIZE FOR AN UNPUBLISHED MANUSCRIPT
Open to: Queensland residents or have a significant, demonstrable connection to Queensland
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: Manuscript of 48 - 100 pages
Entry Fee: $50, $40 Concession/Members
Prizes: First: $5,000 & a publishing contract and editorial development with UQP, Runner Up: $500

ARTS QUEENSLAND VAL VALLIS AWARD FOR AN UNPUBLISHED POEM
Open to: Australian residents
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee: $25, $20 concession/members
Prizes: First: $3,500 & publication, Runner Up: $500 & publication

OODGEROO NOONUCCAL INDIGENOUS POETRY PRIZE
Open to: Residents of Australia & an Indigenous Writer
Theme: Open
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee: $15, Nil Concession/Members
Prizes: First: $3,500 & publication, Runner-Up: $500 & publication

ARTS QUEENSLAND XYZ PRIZE FOR SPOKEN WORD
Open to: Australian residents
Theme: None
Accepts: Recorded Poetry
Size: Maximum of 3 minutes per poem
Entry Fee: $25, $20 Concession/Members
Prize: $3,500 and publication

Cabonne Women Writers Open Writing Competition

Open to: 16 years and over and live in a rural or remote area (All genders)
Theme: Lost
Accepts: Open format
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $300

Pens Against Poverty
Open to: Australian students in grades 3-10 (needs a teacher or parent to submit/endorse the entry)
Theme: Where I Belong
Accepts: Short Story or Poem
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: Not specified (Cash prizes were award last year)

CRAFT Flash Prose Prize
US COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Fiction and creative nonfiction
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: $USD 20 (entry can include two flash prose pieces)
Prizes: First x 3: $USD 1,000, a bundle of the Rose Metal Press Field Guides, publication, 3 x Editors choice: $USD 200, publication

Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize
Open to: Residents of Blacktown City , NSW
Theme: All Out
*
Accepts: 8 - 11 years: Story
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $200 plus school prize of $100
*
Accepts: 12 - 14 years: Story
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $200 plus school prize of $100
*
Accepts: 15 - 17 years: Story
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $200 plus school prize of $100
*
Accepts: Adult (18+): Story
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $300
*
Accepts: 8 - 11 years: Poem
Size: 25 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $200 plus school prize of $100
*
Accepts: 12 - 14 years: Poem
Size: 25 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $200 plus school prize of $100
*
Accepts: 15 - 17 years: Poem
Size: 25 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $200 plus school prize of $100
*
Accepts: Adult (18+): Poem
Size: 25 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $300

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

KSP Poetry Competition
Open to: Australian residents
Theme: Open
*
Accepts: Poetry – Open (18 years plus)
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $12
Prizes: First: $300 plus one weeks' residency at KSP Writers' Centre, Second: $150, Commended: Certificate
*
Accepts: Poetry - Youth (10 to 17 years)
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Second: $50, Commended: Certificate, Mundaring National Young Writers Encouragement Award for under 14s: $25
*
Annette Cameron Encouragement award for an unpublished WA poet
Accepts: Poetry - (Over age of 18)
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $12
Prize: $150

KSP Short Fiction Competition
Open to: Australian residents
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Short Fiction - Open
Size: 2,500 words
Entry Fee: $12
Prizes: First: $300 plus one weeks' residency at KSP Writers' Centre, Second: $150, Commended: Certificate
*
Accepts: Short Fiction - Youth (up to 17 years of age)
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Second: $50, Commended: Certificate, Mundaring National Young Writers Encouragement Award for under 14s: $25

Andrew Hardy Poetry Prize
Open to: Tasmanian residents aged 8 to 25
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Poetry - ages 8 to 15
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Cash prizes (to be determined)
*
Accepts: Poetry - ages 16 to 25
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Cash prizes (to be determined)

Booklinks Short Story Writing Competition for Children in Years 4 - 6
Open to: Children in years 4 - 6 living in Australia
Theme: None
Accepts: Short story
Size: 500 - 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100

Dickinson Memorial Literary Prize
NOTE: SUBMISSIONS IN HARD-COPY BRAILLE, A WORD DOCUMENT, SIMBRAILLE or a DUXBURY-readable file
Open to: Australian Residents who are legally blind, or have low or no vision, People's Choice: Open
Theme: Challenge
*
Accepts: Adult (Over 18) - Short Story
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $350, Second: $150
*
Accepts: Adult (Over 18) - Poem/Song Lyrics/Limerick
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $350, Second: $150
*
Accepts: Adult (Over 18) - Article/Opinion
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $350, Second: $150
*
Accepts: Senior Student (13 - 17 years) – Creative Writing
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $350, Second: $150
*
Accepts: Junior Student (12 years and under) – Creative Writing
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $350, Second: $150
*
Accepts: People's Choice – Creative Writing
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $350, Second: $150

Lambing Flat Regional Writing Competition

Open to: All
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Short Story - Adult Open
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: $10 or 4 for $30
Prizes: First: $200, Second: $100, Third: $50, Emerging Writer: $100
*
Accepts: Poetry - Adult Open
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $10 or 4 for $30
Prizes: First: $200, Second: $100, Third: $50, Emerging Writer: $100
*
Accepts: Short Story - Infants (Years 1 - 2)
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $30, Second: $15
*
Accepts: Poetry – Infants (Years 1 - 2)
Size: 15 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $30, Second: $15
*
Accepts: Short Story - Junior Primary (Years 3 - 4)
Size: 600 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $40, Second: $20
*
Accepts: Poetry - Junior Primary (Years 3 - 4)
Size: 15 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $40, Second: $20
*
Accepts: Short Story - Primary (Years 5 - 6)
Size: 750 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $50, Second: $25
*
Accepts: Poetry - Primary (Years 5 - 6)
Size: 20 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $50, Second: $25
*
Accepts: Short Story - Secondary (Years 7 - 9)
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Second: $50
*
Accepts: Poetry - Secondary (Years 7 - 9)
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Second: $50
*
Accepts: Short Story - Secondary (Years 10 - 12)
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Second: $50
*
Accepts: Poetry - Secondary (Years 10 - 12)
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100, Second: $50

Roly Sussex Short Story Competition
Open to: Australian Citizens or Residents
Theme:  None
*
Accepts: Short Story - Open
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $35
Prizes: First: $7,500 plus assistance to travel from outside South-East Queensland to attend awards ceremony, Second: $1,500
*
Accepts: Short Story - Secondary School
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $25
Prizes: First: $1,000 plus assistance to travel from outside South-East Queensland to attend awards ceremony, Second: $500

#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

Campbelltown Writer's Competition
Open to: South Australian writers
Theme: “Connections”. Open writers must have also include a reference to the Campbelltown area. Other writers, a reference to the Campbelltown area is preferred but not essential
*
Accepts: Fiction or Non-fiction - Junior writer (7 -14 years old)
Size: 2,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First:  $125 gift card, Runner-up x 2: $75 gift card
*
Accepts: Fiction or Non-fiction - Junior writer (15 - 24 years old)
Size: 2,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First:  $175 gift card, Runner-up x 2: $100 gift card
*
Accepts: Fiction or Non-fiction - Open writer (25 years old and over)
Size: 2,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $225 gift card, Runner-up x 2: $125 gift card

Eyeland Book Awards
GREEK COMPETITION
€1 FROM EACH SUBMISSION DONATED TO UNITED NATION'S REFUGEE AGENCY GREECE
EARLY BIRD: 20/09/2026
REGULAR: 20/10/2026
Open to: All
Theme: None
Award categories:
- Full Length books of fiction (novels or novellas) of any genre
- Collections of short stories
- Collections of poems
- Historical Fiction
- Memoir / Authobiography
- Children’s and YA books – Graphic Novels
- LGBTQIA+ (texts of any genre with main theme related to the community)
- Sci-Fi – Fantasy/ Magic Realism
- Crime / Thriller – Horror (Novel or novellas)
- Self-published books
- Distinction for U20 – a short story or three poems
- Short story contest for 18
- Short plays
Size: 
- Published/Unpublished books: 300,000 words;
- Text/Poetry Collection: up to 300 pages
- Play:20 minutes with up to four roles
Entry Fee:
EARLY BIRD: €30
REGULAR:  €40
Short story U 18: Nil
Writers of countries suffering from the consequences of a war: Nil
Grand prize winners from prior EBA contests: Nil
Writers from first-time-submitting countries: Nil
Prizes: Grand Prize (Published books): five-day holiday in Anthens in November 2026 to attend the prize ceremony (Air tickets not included), tickets to Acropolis of Athens, 5-day public transport ticket, round-trip ticket for the ferry to the island of Aegina
Grand Prize (Unpublished books): Translation into Greek and publication from Strange Day Books,
Writers' choice: Five-day stay in Athens in November 2026 to attend the ceremony OR translation of the book into Greek,
Short Story U18: special distinction and a handmade ceramic
Short Play: Audio performance of the play
24 prize winners: Handmade ceramic designed for the EBA awards

Bruce Dawe National Poetry Prize
Open to: Australian citizens or Permanent Residents of Australia
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $8
Prizes: First: $3,000, Highly Commended x 2: $500

The Nature Conservancy Nature Writing Prize
Open To: Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia over age of 18
Theme: Writing of Place. Set in the Australian landscape
Accepts: Essay
Size: 3,000 - 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $30 ($25 for subscribers)
Prize: First: $8,000, Highly Commended (The Rosina Joy Buckman Award): $1,000

Poem Forest
A native tree will be planted on Dharawal and Wodi Wodi Country for every entry received
Open to: Australian student or young person (aged 18 and under) or an accredited teacher
Theme: The Sounds of Country
*
Accepts: Lower primary ( F - Year 3) -  Poetry
Size: 20 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, native seeds pack, poetry journal, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize
*
Accepts: Upper primary ( Years 4 - 6) -  Poetry
Size: 20 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, native seeds pack, poetry journal, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize
*
Accepts: Primary First Nations ( F – Year 6) -  Poetry
Size: 20 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, native seeds pack, poetry journal, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize
*
Accepts: Primary CaLD ( F - Year 6) -  Poetry
Size: 20 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, native seeds pack, poetry journal, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize
*
Accepts: Lower secondary (Years 7 - 9) -  Poetry
Size: 20 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, native seeds pack, poetry journal, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize
*
Accepts: Upper secondary (Years 10 - 12) -  Poetry
Size: 20 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, native seeds pack, poetry journal, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize
*
Accepts: Secondary First Nations ( Years 7 - 12) -  Poetry
Size: 20 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, native seeds pack, poetry journal, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize
*
Accepts: Secondary CaLD ( Years 7 - 12) -  Poetry
Size: 20 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, native seeds pack, poetry journal, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize
*
Accepts: Accredited Teacher (All ages) -  Poetry
Size: 20 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $100 Dymocks book voucher, native seeds pack, poetry journal, certificate, Highly Commended: book prize
*
Wollongong Community Greening Local Prize ( F – Year 12):
School Prize: free school excursion/incursion for one class (up to 30 students) with Wollongong Botanic Garden and 30 free plants form the Farden’s Greenplan Nursery for the best collaborative class poem
Individual Prize: $100 Dymocks book voucher, native seeds pack, poetry journal, certificate and $50 Wollongong Botanic Garden’s Greenplan Nursery voucher

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

Armadale Writers' Award
Open to: Western Australian writers, aged 18 years and over
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,000 - 3,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $1,500, Second: $1,000, Third: $750, 7 x finalists: $50 book voucher, Local Prize: $500

Bridport Prize Memoir Award
UK COMPETITION
Open to: 16 and over
Theme: None
Accepts: Memoir
Size: Initially: 5,000 - 8,000 words of total work plus 300 word overview, If Long-listed: 15,000 words, If Short-listed: 30,000 words
Entry Fee: £26
Prize: First:  £1,500, a year of mentoring, consultation with a literary agent, Advice from an editor, opportunity to discuss with University of Exeter’s Creative Writing Department, Runner-up: £750, feedback, Opportunity to discuss with University of Exeter’s Creative Writing Department, Highly Commended x 3: £150, manuscript appraisal, invitation to an industry day, Opportunity to discuss with University of Exeter’s Creative Writing Department

Creative Writing Ink Short Story Competition
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: £12
Prizes: First: £1,000, a creative writing course of the winner's choice and publication, Runners-up x 2: £200

Destiny International Literary Prize
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: Respond to the theme song
*
Accepts: Lyrics or Performed Song
Size: Not mentioned
Entry Fee: £10, £5 for members
Prize: First:  £100, Second: £50, Third: £25
*
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,000 - 5,000 words
Entry Fee: £10, £5 for members
Prize: First:  £1,000, Second:  £100, Third:  £50
*
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: £10, £5 for members
Prize: First:  £1,000, Second:  £100, Third: £50
*
Accepts: Script
Size: 10 pages
Entry Fee: £10, £5 for members
Prize: First:  £100, Second: £50, Third: £25

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 (Optional Critique: £15)
Prize:First: £300, Second: £200, Third: £100

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

Southword Editor's Poetry Award
IRISH COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Three poems
Size: Not mentioned
Entry Fee: €24 (includes complimentary 1 year subscription)
Prize: €1,000

The Bedford Flash Fiction Competition
UK COMPETITION
Open to: 17 years and over
Theme: None
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 300 words
Entry Fee: £8.50, three for £17 (Full time students: £6, three for £12)
Prize: First: £500

The Henshaw Short Story Competition

UK COMPETITION
ALL PROFITS EACH YEAR WILL GO TO BOOKS FOR A CHOSEN SCHOOL
Open to: All over 16
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: £6, Optional Feedback: £14
Prizes: First: £200, Second: £100, Third: £50
16 Years and under may enter to receive a free critique

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

The Moth Nature Writing Prize
IRISH COMPETITION
Open to: Over 16
Theme: Nature writing
Accepts: Prose and Poetry
Size: 4,000 words
Entry Fee: €16
Prizes:  First: €1,000 and a week at The Moth Retreat in Ireland, Second: €500, Third: €250

The Pearl Prize
EARLY BIRD: 30/09/2026
LATE RISER: 10/12/2026
A BIT LATER TO THE PARTY: 30/05/2027
Open to: Over 18 years old
Theme: A queer perspective from GSD or allies, “The Mystery Out There” and contain three of the following words/objects: Purse, Walking Stick, Umbrella, Poirot Moustache, Monocle, Glove
Accepts:  Creative writing
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: $25, LATER RISER: $30, A BIT LATER TO THE PARTY: $35 (Covers two entries)
Prize: First: $2000 & opportunity to pitch a novella to Osborne and Fawkner Publishing

Tom Collins Poetry Prize
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: $27 ($22 for Members)
Prizes: First: $1,000 , Second: $300, Third: $100

Woorilla Poetry Competition
Open to: All
Theme: None
*
JUDITH RODRIGUEZ OPEN SECTION
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: First: $3,000, Runner-up: $500
*
LOUISE ROCKNE YOUTH SECTION (12 - 18 years old)
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee: Nil for first 4 entries, $5 each thereafter
Prize: First: $300, Runner-up: $100

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

ImPress Writing Competition
Open to: South Australian Residents
Theme: Stories are like music, each adding its own sound to the world. What happens when one story creates conflict, and what brings the harmony back?
 *
Accepts: Short story or poem - Years 3 - 4
Size: 300 words
Entry Fee: Nil
*
Accepts: Short story or poem - Years 5 - 6
Size: 300 words
Entry Fee: Nil
*
Accepts: Short story or poem - Years 7 - 8
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
*
Accepts: Short story or poem - Years 9 - 11
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
*
Accepts: Short story or poem - Teacher
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil

Prizes include Cool Online writing course, book vouchers and book prizes

Peter Porter Poetry Prize
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee:
Online entry - Subscriber: $20,
Online entry - Non-Subscriber: $30,
Online entry & Subscription packages available
Prizes: First: $6,000, Shortlisted entries x 4: $1,000

MiNDFOOD Poetry Competition
Open to: Australian and New Zealand residents
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 100 - 400 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Australian winner: $1,000, New Zealand winner: NZ$1,000

MiNDFOOD Short Story Competition
Open to: Australian and New Zealand residents
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: Approximately 2,000 words (about 100 words either side is fine)
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Australian winner: $1,000, New Zealand winner: NZ$1,000

SD Harvey Short Crime Story Award
Open to: Australian Residents
Theme: Crime
Accepts: Fiction or Non-Fiction
Size: 2,000 - 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $35
Prize: Not mentioned

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

Ernestine Hill Memorial Award
Open to: Permanent residents of Australia
Theme: Australian Country
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 4,000 words
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: $1,000

Fiction Factory Flash Fiction Competition
UK COMPETITION
Open to:  All aged 16 and over
Theme:  None
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: £7 (£13 for 2, £18 for 3)
Prize: First: £350, Second & Third: Free assessment

Flash 500 Novel Opening Chapter & Synopsis Competition
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Opening Chapter of a Novel with Synopsis
Size: Opening chapter up to 3,000 plus one page synopsis (750 words)
Entry Fee: £10, £18 for 2, £26 for 3 (£35 for optional critique)
Prizes: First: £500, Second: £200 

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

Martha Richardson Memorial Poetry Prize
Open to: All
Theme: Night
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: $35 ($25 for members of Ballarat Writers), $15 for each additional poem
Prize: First: $1,000, Second: $400, Third: $100

Noosa Arts Theatre National One-Act Playwriting Competition
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: One-Act Play
Size: 30 - 45 minutes, see T&Cs for staging requirements
Entry Fee: $60
Prizes: The Eleanor Nimmo Prize for Best Play (First): $10,000, Second: $3,000, Third: $1,000, Audience Choice Award: $500

Rae Alison Cerhan Australian Ballad
Open to: Permanent residents of Australia
Theme: Australiana
Accepts: Ballad
Size: 100 lines
Entry Fee: $18
Prize: First: $600, Second: $200, Third: $100

Short Stories Unlimited Poetry Competition - Future
Open to: All
Theme: Future
Accepts: Poetry
Size: No limit (but use common sense)
Entry Fee: $5
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 - Future
Open to: All
Theme: Future
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $200 & copy of ebook, Second: $100 & copy of ebook, Third: $50 & copy of ebook, Highly commended x 2: $20 & copy of ebook

The Aluminium Crown
Prize funds are sourced from entirely from the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme and fundraising will continue until the closing date
Open to: 18 plus
Theme: Speculative fiction. Prompt: In the year 2055, due to environmental pressures, Melbourne will be forced to think inside the box: the CBD will be enclosed in a gargantuan protective structure. This is the Central Business Cube, the CBC.
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 500-4,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Minimum of $300 

The Bedford Competition
UK COMPETITION
Open to: 17 years and over
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: £8.50, three for £17 (Full time students: £6, three for £12)
Prize: First: £2,000, Second: £400, Third: £300, Bedford Prize: £200, Cygnature Prize (25 years and under): £300
*
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: £8.50, three for £17 (Full time students: £6, three for £12)
Prize: First: £2,000, Second: £400, Third: £300, Bedford Prize: £200, Cygnature Prize (25 years and under): £300

The Hope Prize
SUPPORTING CAMFED (The Campaign for Female Education)
EARLY BIRD: 31/07/2026
REGULAR: 31/10/2026
Open to: Over 18
Theme: Hope, courage and resilience
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: $25, REGULAR: $33 (limited fee-free places for writers experiencing hardship)
Prizes: First: $10,000, Second: $2,000, Third: $1,000

The National Poetry Competition
UK COMPETITION
Open to: 18 years and over
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: £9 and £6 for each subsequent entry in the same submission (Members: One free second poem, with subsequent poems £6)
Prize: First: £5,000, Second: £3,000, Third: £2,000, Commended: £500

Simpson Prize Competition

Open to: Year 9 & 10 students
Theme: ‘How useful are artefacts and artwork as historical sources when researching the experience of Australians who served in either the First World War of Second World War?’ Discuss with reference to either World War one OR World War Two.
Accepts: Essay or Video
Size: Essay: 1,200- 1,500 words (body of essay), Video: 10 minutes with accompanying written explanation of up to 400 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Winners and runners-up from each state and territory participate in a 3-day study program in Canberra. The eight winners travel overseas for an extensive study tour culminating in Anzac Day ceremonies in that location

F(r)iction Contest - Fall
US COMPETITION
Open to: All over 13
*
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: professional edit & consideration for publication
*
Theme: None
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 1,000 words per piece
Entry Fee: $US 10, $US12 for 3
Prizes: First: $US 300 & publication, 5 x finalists: professional edit & consideration for publication
*
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: Three pages per poem
Entry Fee: $US 10, $US12 for 3
Prizes: First: $US 300 & publication, 5 x finalists: professional edit & consideration for publication

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

The Bath Children's Novel Award
UK COMPETITION
Open to: International writers yet to be traditionally published
Theme: Open
Accepts: YA novels, novels for teens, children’s novels, early readers, chapter books and the text of picture books
Size: First 5,000 words plus one page synopsis
Entry Fee: £33 with some sponsored places available for writers on low income
Prizes: First: £5,000, Most promising Longlisted Novel: Edit Your Novel the Professional Way on-line course

The Gregory O'Donoghue International Poetry Competition
IRISH COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: €7, 5 for €30
Prizes: First: €2,000, Featured reading at the Cork International Poetry Festival (with four-night hotel stay and full board), featured on podcast, publication, Second: €500, publication, Third: €250, publication, 10 x runners-up: €50, publication

Turtle Publishing NextGen YA Competition
Open to: Aged 13 and above
Theme: Young Adult fiction
Accepts: Short Story / Prequel to exisitng manuscript / First chapter of an upcoming novel
Size: 1,500 - 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $45, (Add-on: $55 for optional assessment)
Prize: Up to 20 winners: Professional developmental edit, copy/line edit. publication

Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize
Open to: Aged 18 plus
*
OPEN CATEGORY
Theme: None
Accepts: Adult fiction or non-fiction
Size: 80,000 words (submit 300 word synopsis and first 30 pages with a one page plan). Must submit full manuscript within 72 hours of being notified as a finalist.
Entry Fee: $45, ($99 to include 1-2 pages of constructive feedback)
Prize: Trade publishing contract with Hawkeye (T&Cs apply) and editing package
*
OWN VOICES CATEGORY
Theme: Reflect an identity or lived experience the author personally holds from a community that is underrepresented or marginalised
Accepts: Adult fiction or non-fiction
Size: 80,000 words (submit 300 word synopsis and first 30 pages with a one page plan). Must submit full manuscript within 72 hours of being notified as a finalist.
Entry Fee: $45, ($99 to include 1-2 pages of constructive feedback)
Prize: Trade publishing contract with Hawkeye (T&Cs apply) and editing package

Somerset National Poetry Prize
Open to: All current secondary school students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents attending school or receiving home schooling in Australia under 19 years of age at close of entries
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Junior Secondary - Years 7 to 9
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $15
Prize: $300 plus opportunity to attend the Somerset Storyfest and be billeted with members of the Somerset College
*
Accepts: Senior Secondary - Years 10 to 12
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $15
Prize: $300 plus opportunity to attend the Somerset Storyfest and be billeted with members of the Somerset College

Storyfest National Novella Writing Competition
Open to: All current secondary school students attending school or receiving home schooling in Australia under 19 years of age at close of entries
Theme: None
Accepts: Novella
Size: 8,000 - 20,000 words
Entry Fee: $20
Prizes: National winner: $300, Finalists x 3: $100 plus opportunity to attend the Somerset Storyfest and be billeted with members of the Somerset College