Between English homework and end-of-year exams lies an opportunity for self-expression with literary reward and a book-filled holiday. In 2020, we established our National Novella and Poetry Prize competitions to provide aspiring young writers with opportunities to develop their literary skills.
Each year, we pour countless hours into the difficult challenge of shortlisting talented prose and villanelles to select our winners. The list could go on, but here are the top three reasons why you should enter or nudge that budding writer with a little inspiration.
- To Challenge Oneself
Nothing is quite as daunting and as liberating as a blinking cursor on the presepsis of its first word. There is challenge in the unknown; each competition is left open, to allow a space for creativity to flow. Whether you have a novella of epic fantasy toiling away in your imagination or a whimsical poem dancing between your dreams, this is a chance to rise through the abundance of words, to kill your darlings, and hit your word goal all at once.
- It's a Unique Opportunity
There are some, but we believe too few opportunities for writers, especially school students. Our aim is to bridge the gap between industry and schools, carving out opportunities for aspiring writers to explore their passion. Each submission is reviewed by industry professionals. Although individual feedback can't be provided to all, shortlisted works are given invaluable insights to nurture their literary pursuits.
- You Can Win a Holiday
If the satisfaction of a finished literary work isn't motivation enough, the chance to win a holiday to the Gold Coast should seal the deal in entering. With the winner of each category receiving cash prizes, flights and accommodation to our annual Storyfest Gold Coast Writers' Festival (30 Mar to 01 Apr '26) and the opportunity to meet with acclaimed Australian authors and publicists. We think that's plenty of incentive to get writing before the December 5 2025, deadline.
Want more information? Please see the details of each competition below. We look forward to receiving your submissions soon and wish you the best of luck with your writing.
