Stringybark Open Short Story Competition
Open to: All
Theme: Have a link to Australia, suitable for audience aged 16 and above
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: $15, $28 for 2, $39 for 3
Prizes: First: $500, publication, ebook, paperback, choice of any two Stringybark anthologies (Value $565), Second: $300, publication, ebook, paperback, choice of any two Stringybark anthologies (Value $365), Third: $150, publication, ebook, paperback, choice of any two Stringybark anthologies (Value $220), Fourth: $50, publication, ebook, paperback, choice of any two Stringybark anthologies (Value $120), Highly Commended x 30: Publication, ebook (Value $5)

The Masters Review Winter Short Story Award for New Writers
US COMPETITION
Open to: Emerging writers
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 6,000 words
Entry Fee: $US 20
Prizes: First: $US 3,000, online publication and agency review, Second: $US 300, online publication and agency review, Third: $US 200, online publication and agency review

Calibre Essay Prize
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Non-fiction essay
Size: 2,000 - 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $30 (or $20 for ABR subscribers)
Prizes: First: $5,000, Runner-up: $3,000, Second Runner-Up: $2,000

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

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

CRAFT At Work Challenge
US COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: Work
Accepts: Short Fiction
Size: 3,500 words
Entry Fee: $USD 15 
Prizes: First: $USD 750

Ninth Heaven Writing Prize
Closing Date:
   EARLY BIRD: 31/12/2025
   REGULAR: 14/02/2026
Open to: 18 years and over
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,000 - 2,000 words
Entry Fee: EARLY BIRD: Nil, REGULAR: $10
Prizes: First: $700 & publication, Second: $200 & publication, Third: $100 & publication

Tasmanian Writers' Prize
Open to: Citizens of Australia and New Zealand or Australian permanent residents
Theme: Island or Island-resonant
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $20 
Prize: $500 plus publication, Finalists: Publication

Dolors Alberola Poetry Prize
SPANISH COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry collection
Size: 500 - 800 verses or lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: Translation to another European language, Publication of the collection (bilingual), 50 copies, royalties, Finalists: Publication (Spanish edition), 10 copies, royalties

Griffith Review 93 - Into the Archive Anthology
ANTHOLOGY CALL OUT
Open to:  All
Theme:  Into the Archive
Accepts: Fiction and Non-fiction
Size: 4,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: Publication

The Sheila Malady Short Story Competition
Open to: All
Theme: "Much Ado About Nothing"
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $10 for adults, $5 for young writers (under 18)
Prizes: First: $300, 2 tickets to the Community Play, a handcrafted timber quill, Local prize: Collins Bookstore voucher, 2 tickets to the Community Play, Young writer under 18: Collins Bookstore voucher

Limnisa Short Story Competition
GREEK COMPETITION
Open to: 18 years and over
Theme: Inspired by ONE line by the poem “On this Land” by Mahmoud Darwish
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 500 - 1,500 words
Entry Fee: €10, €25 for 3 stories
Prize: First: Week-long writing retreat by the sea in Greece, Second & Third: 50% off a stay at a writing retreat, Fourth & Fifth: 25% off a stay at a writing retreat

FFF Competition Thirty-Two
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 100 - 300 words
Entry Fee: £4.40
Prizes: First: £165 & publication, Highly Commended: £77, Shortlisted: £66

26/02/2026
 

Next Generation Short Story Awards
US/CANADIAN COMPETITION
Open to: All
Themes/Categories:
African American
Animals/Pets
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour)
Children's/Juvenile
Fairy Tales
Family/Parenting
Fantasy
General Fiction (2,000 to 3,500 words)
General Fiction (3,500 to 5,000 words)
General Fiction ( Under 2,000 words)
General Non-fiction
Health/Wellness/Lifestyle
Historical
Horror/Scary stories/Paranormal
Humour
Inspirational
LGBTQ+
Mystery
Poetry
Relationships
Romance
Science Fiction
Social Change
Spiritual/Religious
Survival/Overcoming Adversity
Suspense/Thriller
Travel
Wild card (for stories that don't fit any other category)
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $USD 25, $USD 20 for each additional category entered for the same story
Prizes: Category winners: $USD 75 & gold medal, Overall First: $USD 500 & trophy, Overall second: $USD 300, Overall Third: $USD 200

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 

Victorian Bush Poetry Championships - Written
Open to: All
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Silver Brumby Poetry Award - Serious
Size: 120 lines
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $150 & trophy, Second: $70, Third: $30
*
Accepts: Corryong Larrikin Award - Humorous
Size: 120 lines
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $150 & trophy, Second: $70, Third: $30
*
VBPMA Overall Written Champion: $1,000
VBPMA Novice Written Champion: $50

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

Flash 500 Short Story Competition
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,000 - 3,000 words
Entry Fee: £7, £12 for 2, £16 for 3, £20 for 4 (optional critique: £30)
Prizes: First: £500, Second: £200, Third: £100

Sutherland Shire Literary Competition
Open to: Australian citizens or permanent residents, over 18 years
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Traditional Verse
Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee: $15
Prizes: First: $1,000, Second: $500, Shire Resident's Prize: $500
*
Accepts: Free verse
Size: 80 lines
Entry Fee: $15
Prizes: First: $1,000, Second: $500, Shire Resident's Prize: $500
*
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $15
Prizes: First: $1,000, Second: $500, Shire Resident's Prize: $500

The Tom Grass Spirit of Adventure Literary Prize
UK COMPETITION
  EARLY: 28/02/2026
  FINAL: 31/03/2026
Open to: Emerging writers aged 25 and over
Theme: Spirit of adventure
 Accepts: Fiction or Non-fiction
Size: 1,500 - 3,000 words
Entry Fee: EARLY: Nil, FINAL: £15
Prizes: First: £1,000 and meeting with literary agent, Runner-up x 2: £500 and meeting with literary agent

Sorrento Writers Festival Creative Writing Prize
Open to: Australian citizens or residents aged 18 and over
Theme: None
Accepts: Creative Writing
Size: 2,500 - 3,000 words
Entry fee: Nil
Prize: $5,000

Mulga Bill
Open to: All
Theme: Harvest
 *
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $5
Prizes: First: $500, Second: $150
*
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 25 lines
Entry Fee: $5
Prizes: First: $200, Second: $50

The Golden Pen
Open to: Western Australian Students, years 4 to 12
Theme: Metamorphosis
*
Accepts: Senior Category - High school students year 9 - 12 : Any format eg Poetry, prose, comics
Size: 2,000 words or six A4 pages
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Overall winner: e-reader ($249) and book pack, Shortlisted x 3: 6-month book subscription to Paper Bird Book Shop ($147)
 *
Accepts: Middle Category - High school students year 7 - 8 : Any format eg Poetry, prose, comics
Size: 2,000 words or six A4 pages
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Overall winner: e-reader ($249) and book pack, Shortlisted x 3: 6-month book subscription to Paper Bird Book Shop ($147)
*
Accepts: Junior Category - Primary school students year 4 - 6 : Any format eg Poetry, prose, comics
Size: 2,000 words or six A4 pages
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: Overall winner: e-reader ($249) and book pack, Shortlisted x 3: 6-month book subscription to Paper Bird Book Shop ($147)
*
Classroom entries of 5 or more submissions: First: workshop with a Scribblers creative 

Ada Cambridge Prizes

Ada Cambridge Biographical Prose Prize
Open to: 18 years and over and who live in the state of Victoria
Theme: Biographical
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,000 - 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $15
Prize: $500

Ada Cambridge Poetry Prize
Open to: 18 years and over and who live in the state of Victoria
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 30 lines
Entry Fee: $15 (up to two poems)
Prize: $500

Young Adas Short Story Prize
Open to: Aged between 14 - 18 years and who live or work in the western suburbs of Melbourne
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $250

Jennifer Burbidge Short Story Award
Open to: Australian Writers
Theme: Disability in an Australian Setting
Accepts: Fiction or Nonfiction
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $15
Prize: $500

Peter Carey Short Story Award
Open to: Australian residents 18 years and over
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,000 - 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $15
Prizes: First: $2,000, Runner-up: $1,000, Best Local Entry: $500

Book Links Short Story Competition
Open to: Australians aged 18 and over who are aspiring or emerging writers in the early stages of their career
Theme: Suitable for children up to 15 years old
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $250 & published on website

City of Fremantle Hungerford Award
Open to: Western Australian who has not previously published a full-length manuscript in book form
Theme: None
Accepts: Novel, verse novel, young adult fiction or a work of narrative non-fiction
Size: 50,000 - 100,000 words
Entry Fee: $35
Prize: $15,000

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

SCWC Poetry Award
Open to: Living in Australia over the age of 18
Theme: states
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $15 ($10 for SCWC members)
Prizes: First: $1,000, Second: $100, Ron Pretty SCWC Member award: $100, Wollongong Art Gallery Special Award: $100

RAS AB Paterson Bush Poetry Award
Open to: School aged Australian poets
Theme: Exploring the beauty, mystique, enchantment and unique characteristics of the Australian Bush
*
Accepts: Bush poetry - Primary (K - 6)
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
*
Accepts: Bush poetry - Secondary (7 - 12)
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
*
Prize: "Banjo Paterson: A Life in Pictures and Words from the Banjo Paterson Family Archive" by Alistair Campbell, a copyrighted reproduction of Banjo Paterson's original notes for 'Waltzing Matilda' and a family pass to the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show

Woollahra Anzac Day Writing Competition
Open to: Primary and Secondary students attending school or living in the Woollahra Municipality
Theme: About a family member who served or Anzac Day means to you
*
Accepts: Creative writing - High School students
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $200 voucher
*
Accepts: Creative writing - Primary School students
Size: 250 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $100 voucher

Melbourne Poets Union International Poetry Competition
Open to: All
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $15 for first entry, $10 thereafter, Overseas entrants: $US 20 for up to 3 poems
Prizes: First: $1,500. Second : $500, Third: $300, Fourth: $100, 3 x Highly commended: $100, 6 x Commended: Book Prize

AAALS Creative Writing Competition
Open to: Residents and citizens of Australia and New Zealand, aged over 18. Indigenous categories are open to Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori writers.
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 100 lines
Entry Fee: $US 20 (Nil for members)
Prize: $US 1,000 and publication
*
Accepts: Creative Prose - Fiction or Non-fiction
Size: 3,500 words
Entry Fee: $US 20 (Nil for members)
Prize: $US 1,000 and publication
*
Accepts: Indigenous Writers - Poetry
Size: 100 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $US 1,000 and publication
*
Accepts: Indigenous Writers - Creative Prose - Fiction or Non-fiction
Size: 3,500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $US 1,000 and publication
*
All entrants receive a subscription to the journal Antipodes

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

Calanthe Collective Prize for Unpublished Poetry
Open to: All
Theme: None
*
UNDER 18, RESTRICTED TO HIGH SCHOOL AGED PEOPLE
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $400, Highly Commended x 2: $100
*
OPEN, POETS WHO ARE YET TO HAVE A BOOK OR CHAPBOOK PUBLISHED
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $10
Prize: First: $1,000, Highly Commended x 2: $250

Ethel Webb Bundell Literary Award for Poetry
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 100 lines
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $250, Second: $150, Third: $100

FAW Tasmania Nairda Lyne Award
Open to: All
Theme: Suitable for children aged 8-12 years
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: $5
Prizes: $100 & winner's name inscribed on a plaque in the State Library Launceston Branch, Best Tasmanian Entry: Hobart Bookshop voucher

Flash 500 Flash Fiction 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

SNAFU: Level Up
ANTHOLOGY CALL OUT
Open to: All
Theme: Horror based in litRPG-style story
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,500 - 9,500 words
Submission Fee: Nil
Payment: 5c / word

The Caterpillar Poetry Prize
IRISH COMPETITION
Open to: Over 16
Theme: Poetry written by an adult for children (aged 7-11)
Accepts: Poetry
Size: No limit
Entry Fee: €16
Prizes: First: €1,000 plus a week at The Moth retreat in Ireland, Second: €500, Third: €250

The Henshaw Short Story Competition
UK COMPETITION
PROCEEDS ARE USED TO PURCHASE BOOKS OR OTHER ESSENTIALS FOR A SELECTED 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
*
Note that writers aged 16 and under may submit to receive a free critique

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

Little Black Dress Spooky and Horror Story Competition
Open to: Australian residents
Theme: The 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 500 & 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 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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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 

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 

#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

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