2026 Penguin Literary Prize
Closing Date: Monday, 15 December 2025, 11:59pm (AEDT)
The Penguin Literary Prize was established to find, nurture and develop new Australian authors of literary fiction – in keeping with Penguin Random House’s proud tradition of publishing this country’s greatest writers.
This prize is open to Australian residents aged 18 and over. Submissions should be completed, unpublished works of fiction of up to 100,000 words along with a 300 word synopsis and pitch. You will be required to upload ONE single Word document (no bigger than 3MB in size)
2026 Penguin Literary Prize WPEntry fee: Free
Closing Date: Monday, 15 December 2025, 11:59pm (AEDT)
THE MOTH POETRY PRIZE 2025
CLOSING DATE 31 DECEMBER 2025
The Moth Poetry Prize is one of the biggest prizes in the world for individual unpublished poems. The prize is open to anyone over 16, and each year attracts thousands of entries from new and established poets from over 50 countries worldwide.
1st PRIZE €6,000
3 RUNNER-UP PRIZES OF €1,000
8 COMMENDED PRIZES OF €250
The prize is judged anonymously by a single poet each year. Past judges include Claudia Rankine, Marie Howe, Deborah Landau, Daljit Nagra, Leontia Flynn, Billy Collins, Nick Laird, Warsan Shire, Hannah Sullivan, Fiona Benson and Nobel Laureate Louise Glück.
Past winners include Laurie Bolger, Lance Larsen, Aniqah Choudhri, Michael Lavers, Natalya Anderson, Lee Sharkey, Ann Gray (whose poem was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best Single Poem) and Abigail Parry (who was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection).
The winner of The Moth Poetry Prize 2024 was American author Andrew Krivák.
‘Every writer knows what it’s like to be working alone in a room with words. And then you’re on a shortlist with fantastic poets like Naoise Gale and Anthony Lawrence and Shelley Stenhouse, all of whom know what that work and that aloneness is like. So, to be part of that, to be recognized by The Moth, and to be just one of the voices that make up their larger literary tradition, this all means a great deal to me.’ Andrew Krivák
https://www.themothmagazine.com/
The Stringybark Open Themed Short Story Award 2026
Closes: 11:59 pm AEST 1 February 2026
Stringybark Stories is proud to announce its 45th short story competition since 2010. Stringybark Publishing, and authors Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist are proud to sponsor the Stringybark Open Themed Short Story Award 2026.
This is our flagship short story award. The theme is completely open however your short story must have a link to Australia (no matter how small and inconsequential – a passing koala is fine with us). The story must be:
• 1500 words or fewer in length;
• have a link to Australia;
• written for an audience aged 16 and above.
We have an award pool of over $1420 in cash and books to encourage you in this endeavour, provided by our sponsors Stringybark Publishing, and Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist.
Opens: 10 October 2025
Closes: 11:59 pm AEST 1 February 2026
Length: ≤1500 words
Award value: Over $1420 in cash and books.
Entry fees: $15 for one story, $28 for two stories, $39 for three stories (max). Details at: https://www.stringybarkstories.net
International Rubery Book Award
Website with Writing Competition details: http://www.ruberybookaward.com
Closing Date: 31st March 2026
Open to International
About the Writing Competition
The Rubery Book Award
The Rubery Book Award is an internationally recognised literary prize that celebrates outstanding books from independent authors and small presses. Open to all genres—including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and children’s literature—the award seeks to recognise originality, craft, and professional excellence.
The competition provides authors with a platform to gain global visibility, credibility, and recognition beyond mainstream publishing. Winners receive cash prizes, a prestigious glass award, and exposure on the official Rubery website. Shortlisted titles and winners often attract media attention, helping indie authors reach wider audiences and build their literary careers.
Key Details:
• Eligibility: Self-published and small-press books in English
• Entry Formats: Print copies or digital files
Prizes:
• Book of the Year: £2,000
• Category Winners: £200
• Glass award for all winners; reviews for winners and shortlisted authors
• Entry Fee: Applies (varies by country; e.g., UK £46, US $70)
• Deadline: 31 March 2026
• More Info: ruberybookaward.com
The Rubery Book Award is a prestigious opportunity for independent authors to showcase their work, gain international recognition, and connect with readers, booksellers, and the wider literary community.
https://www.ruberybookaward.com/