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Young Writers Award
Entry is open
State Library of Queensland is pleased to announce that the 2025 Young Writers Award is open for entries.
First prize is $2,000 and publication with Kill Your Darlings. State Library will also publish the work of up to 3 runners-up who will be awarded $500. The winner and runners-up will receive Queensland Writers Centre membership.
Since 1998, the Young Writers Award has recognised and celebrated a diversity of young and exciting Queensland voices. The award gives young writers all over Queensland an opportunity to tell their stories, make industry connections, and achieve publication.
Who is eligible?
Queensland writers aged 18–25 at 12 May 2025. Stories must be unpublished (not published in print and/or online).
Is there a theme?
No, you can write about anything. Just keep the word count below 2,500.
How much does it cost to enter?
Nothing! Entry is free.
May I enter more than one story?
No, just one entry per person each year.
Where can I read the terms and conditions of entry?
Great question! See below for the full T&Cs.
How do I prepare my entry?
In short: do not include the author's name on the story, number each page, and upload as a Word doc/docx. More information is in the T&Cs.
How do I enter?
Read the terms and conditions, format your story carefully, then fill out the entry form.
How to enter
- Read the terms and conditions of entry to make sure you're eligible
- Format your work correctly
- Submit your unpublished short story as a Word document
- Make sure your name doesn't appear anywhere on the story
- Submit your entry online during the entry period
Remember: entry is free!
Contact us
If you have any questions about the Young Writers Award, please email us at StoriesIdeas@slq.qld.gov.au
