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

The Australian Fiction Prize
Open to: Australian residents
Theme: Adult fiction (Check T&Cs for genre exclusions)
Accepts: Manuscript
Size: 75,000 - 100,000 words, pitch of one to three sentences, Synopsis of 500 words, Your biography of 200 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: An offer to negotiate a publishing contract with advance against royalties of $15,000

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

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

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

The Masters Review Best Emerging Writers
US COMPETITION
Open to: Emerging writers
Theme: Open
Accepts: Fiction and creative non-fiction
Size: 8,000 words
Entry Fee: $US 20
Prize x 10: $US 700

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

The Moth International Short Story Prize
IRISH COMPETITION
Open to: Over 16
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: €17
Prize: First: €3,000, Second: €1,000,, Third:  a week-long stay at The Moth Retreat

Apollo Bay Wordfest Short Story Competition

Open to: Residents of Victoria and never had a publishing contract for a full-length novel
Theme: What it means to be human
*
Accepts: Short Story - Adult/Open
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $20
Prize: $500

*
Accepts: Short Story - Secondary school students (under 19)
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $120 book voucher
*
Accepts: Short Story - Primary school students
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $50 book voucher

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

Publishable
Open to: Emerging Australian writers
Theme: None (But see T&Cs for excluded genres)
Accepts: Manuscripts
Size: First 50 pages (Overall work for adult fiction and non-fiction: 55,000 - 110,000 words. Other genres and formats: contact QWC), Synopsis: 400 words
Entry Fee: $65 (Members: $55)
Prize: Shortlist x 10:  mentorship and opportunity to attend pitch interviews, Longlist x 25: Consultation on manuscript development, All entries: Development workshop

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

CRAFT First Chapters Contest
US COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: First chapter of a book-length fiction
Size: 5,000 words
Entry Fee: $USD 20 (some free entry spots available for writers from historically marginalised groups)
Prizes: First: $USD 2,000, a full critique of up to 100K words and an agent query workshop, Second: $USD 500 and an agent query workshop, Third: $USD 300 and an agent query workshop

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

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

Armadale Young Writers' Awards
Open to: Students in Years 3 to 12 and reside or attend school in the City of Armadale
Theme: Open
*
Accepts: Prose - Years 3 & 4
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes:  First: $200, Second: $150, Third: $100
*
Accepts: Prose - Years 5 & 6
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes:  First: $200, Second: $150, Third: $100
*
Accepts: Prose - Years 7 & 8
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes:  First: $200, Second: $150, Third: $100
*
Accepts: Prose - Years 9 & 10
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes:  First: $200, Second: $150, Third: $100
*
Accepts: Prose - Years 11 & 12
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes:  First: $200, Second: $150, Third: $100
*
BEST OVERALL: $50 gift card

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

Mornington Peninsula Mayor's Short Story Writing Awards
Open to: Residents of the Mornington Peninsula Shire
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Short Story - 8 to 12 years old
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $500 and book store voucher
*
Accepts: Short Story - 13 to 17 years old
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $800 and book store voucher
*
Accepts: Short Story - 18 years and over
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $2,000, book store voucher and two-week Police Point Artist Residency

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

CLOSED IN 2026

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 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

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

ACU Prize for Poetry
Open to: Australian residents. Any International student currently studying at an Australian University may also enter
Theme: Witness
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: $25
Prize: First: $10,000, Second: $5,000, Third: $3,000, Highly Commended: $750

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

Melton City Libraries Short Story Competition
Open to: People who live, work or study in the City of Melton
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Short Story - Junior A - Prep to Year 3
Size: 1,500 words or 5 minutes to experience
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100 QBD book voucher, $100 Smiggle voucher, One new-release children’s book & trophy, Second: $60 QBD book voucher, $50 Smiggle voucher, One new-release children’s book & trophy, Third: $40 Smiggle voucher, One new-release children’s book & trophy, Highly Commended: One journal and one new-release children’s book, Best First-Time Entry: One journal and one new-release children’s book
*
Accepts: Short Story - Junior B - Year 4 to 6
Size: 1,500 words or 5 minutes to experience
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $150 QBD book voucher, $90 Smiggle voucher & trophy, Second: $100 QBD book voucher, $40 Smiggle voucher & trophy, Third: $40 Smiggle voucher & trophy, Highly Commended: One journal and $20 QBD Book voucher, Best First-Time Entry: One journal and $20 QBD Book voucher
*
Accepts: Short Story - Teen - Year 7 to 12
Size: 1,500 words or 5 minutes to experience
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $100 QBD book voucher & writer’s coaching session, Second: $50 QBD book voucher & writer’s coaching session, Third: Writer’s coaching session, Highly Commended: One journal and one new-release YA book, Best First-Time Entry: One journal and one new-release YA book
Accepts: Short Story - Adult
Size: 3,000 words or 5 minutes to experience
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: One Kobo Lira with Stylus, $250 JB Hi-Fi voucher and one new-release book, Second: One Kobo Clara, $250 JB Hi-Fi voucher and one new-release book, Third: One Kobo Clara and one new-release book, Highly Commended: One journal and one new-release book, Best First-Time Entry: One journal and one new-release book

Newcastle Short Story Award
Open to: Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia, aged over 18 years
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee: $27.50 (Members: $22.00) (1.7% card processing fee)
Prizes: First: $3,000, Second: $1,500, Third: $500, Highly Commended: $250, Hunter Writers’ Centre Member Award: $500

My Brother Jack Awards

Open to: People who live, work or study in the City of Glen Eira
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Short Story - Open
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $800, Second: $600, Third: $400
*
Accepts: Short Story – Senior Secondary (Years 10 – 12)
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $500 gift voucher
*
Accepts: Short Story – Junior Secondary (Years 7 – 9)
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $400 gift voucher
*
Accepts: Short Story – Senior Primary (Years 4 – 6)
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $300 gift voucher
*
Accepts: Short Story – Junior Primary (Foundation – Year 3)
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $200 gift voucher
*
Accepts: Poetry - Open
Size: 60 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $800, Second: $600, Third: $400
*
Accepts: Poetry – Senior Secondary (Years 10 – 12)
Size: 30 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $500 gift voucher
*
Accepts: Poetry – Junior Secondary (Years 7 – 9)
Size: 10 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $400 gift voucher
*
Accepts: Poetry – Senior Primary (Years 4 – 6)
Size: 10 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $300 gift voucher
*
Accepts: Poetry – Junior Primary (Foundation – Year 3)
 Size: 10 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $200 gift voucher

The Richell Prize for Emerging Writers
Open to: Unpublished Australian citizens, permanent residents or on long-term visas for study or work – must be able to undertake the 12 month residency in Australia
Theme: Adult Fiction and Adult narrative non-fiction
Accepts: Fiction and narrative non-fiction
Size: First three chapters (Max 20,000 words), 1 page synopsis, chapter breakdown (no more than 2 pages), author’s statement (750 words)
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $10,000 and Hachette Australia’s 12 month mentorship program

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

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 

Nakata Brophy Prize for Young Indigenous Writers

Open to: Indigenous writers who are 35 years or younger and are an Australian Citizen or permanent resident of Australia
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 88 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prizes: First: $5,000, publication and offered a place as Writer-in-Residence at Trinity College. Runner-up: $500

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 

Friends of Paynesville Library Short Story Competition
Open to: Over 18 years of age
Theme: Open
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: $10
Prizes: First: $400, Second: $200, Third: $100

Not Quite Write Prize
NOTE: Prompts are emailed out at midday 24/07/2026 with competition closing at midnight 26/07/2026
Dates: Early:31/05/2026, Regular: 24/07/2026
Open to: All
Theme: 3 prompts will be emailed consisting of a word prompt, an action prompt and a”Kicker” prompt
Accepts: Flash Fiction
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Early: $28, Regular: $35
Prizes: First: $1,500 & Trophy, Second: $1,000, Third: $500, Fourth: $350, Fifth: $250, Sixth: $200, Wildcard x 2: $100

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

Ledbury Poetry Festival Competition
UK COMPETITION
Open to: All aged 18 years and over
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size: 40 lines
Entry Fee: £6
Prize: First: £1,000 & a week’s poetry course, Second: £500, Third: £250

Peter Blazey Fellowship
Open to: Australian residents with a publishing record
Theme: None
Accepts: Biography, Autobiography and Life Writing
Size: Curriculum vitae of two pages, synopsis of one page and 5,000 word extract of a work in progress
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: Up to $20,000 

Heroines Womens' Writing Prize
Open to: Women writers
Theme: Reimagine women in myth, fairy tale, folklore or legend
Accepts: Poetry & Short Fictions
Size: Poetry: 3 pages, Fiction: 2,500 words
Entry Fee: $15
Prize: $500

Alice Sinclair Memorial Writing Competition
Open to: All
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Category A: Poetry
Size: 50 lines
Entry Fee: $15
Prize: First: $300 & Certificate, Second: $150 & Certificate
*
Accepts: Category B: Short Story
Size: 2,500 words
Entry Fee: $15
Prize: First: $300 & Certificate, Second: $150 & Certificate

Monash WordFest Short Story Writing Competition
Open to: Reside, work or study in the City of Monash, or be a member of the Monash Public Library Service
Theme: None
*
Accepts: Category A: 12 - 14 years: Short Story
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: First: $300, Second: $150, Third: $100
*
Accepts: Category B: 15 - 17 years: Short Story
Size: 1,000 words
Entry Fee:  Nil
Prize: First: $500, Second: $250, Third: $150
*
Accepts: Category C: Adult: Short Story
Size: 2,000 words
Entry Fee:  Nil
Prize: First: $700, Second: $350, Third: $250

Seán Ó Faoláin International Short Story Competition
IRISH COMPETITION
Open to: All
Theme: None
Accepts: Short Story
Size: 3,000 words
Entry Fee: €19
Prizes: First: €2,000, featured reading at the Cork International Short Story Festival (with 4-night hotel stay and full board), publication, Second: €800, publication, Runners-up x 4: €400, publication

Stories of Life

Open to: All
Theme: Autobiographical or biographical, about an aspect of Christian faith
*
Accepts: Short Story - Open
Size: 500 words
Entry Fee: $15, Nil for under 18
Prize: First: $200, $100 Omega discount coupon & one-year Omega Writers membership, Second: $100 & one-year Omega Writers membership, Third: $50 & $50 Omega discount coupon, Youth Award: $50
*
Accepts: Short Story - Open
Size: 1,500 words
Entry Fee: $15, Nil for under 18
Prize: First: $200, $100 Omega discount coupon & one-year Omega Writers membership, Second: $100 & one-year Omega Writers membership, Third: $50 & $50 Omega discount coupon, Youth Award: $50

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 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

What's Your Story?
*
SHORT STORY
Open to:  Victorian Residents over the age of 18 years
Theme: None
Accepts: Short story
Size:  1,000 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $500
*
POETRY
Open to:  Victorian Residents over the age of 18 years
Theme: None
Accepts: Poetry
Size:  40 lines
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $500
*
CREATIVE STORY WRITING - 5 -8
Open to:  Students aged 5 to 8 who live or go to school in Stonnington
Theme: None
Accepts: Short story
Size:  300 - 500 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $100 book voucher
*
CREATIVE STORY WRITING - 9 -12
Open to:  Students aged 9 to 12 who live or go to school in Stonnington
Theme: None
Accepts: Short story
Size:  500 - 750 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $200 book voucher
*
CREATIVE STORY WRITING - 13 -17
Open to:  Students aged 13 to 17 who live or go to school in Stonnington
Theme: None
Accepts: Short story
Size:  750 - 900 words
Entry Fee: Nil
Prize: $300 book voucher

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

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: Ticket to Children and Young Adult Conference (value $410), $200, Anthology cover based on winning story, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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