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Glendower Award for an Emerging Queensland Writer
About the award
This award is part of the Queensland Literary Awards and is awarded for an outstanding unpublished manuscript by an emerging Queensland writer.
Eligibility
- Queensland residents who can provide proof of their current Queensland address.
- Emerging writers who have never published before.
- Writers who have published/self-published a book with an ISBN are not eligible to enter.
- Writers who have previously published individual short stories, poems, articles or essays in magazines, journals, anthologies, or newspapers in print or online.
- Manuscripts in this category can be:
- novels
- collections of short stories
- novels for children (9+ years of age) and young adults
- biographies
- autobiographies
- memoirs
- general non-fiction.
- Entries should be between 40,000 and 100,000 words, except middle-grade novels for children (9+ years of age), which can be 30,000 and over
- To confirm you're eligible to enter this category, download the full 2025 terms and conditions of entry document.
- Entry is free for this category.
Prize
$15,000, plus manuscript development and publication with University of Queensland Press.
2025 key dates
- 3 March: entries open
- 22 April: entries close at 5 pm AEST
- 3 March–17 March: early bird entry period
- 18 March–22 April: standard entry period
- 30 April: deadline for books to arrive at State Library
- 5 August: shortlist announced
- 12 September: awards ceremony at State Library of Queensland
Nomination requirements
- Manuscript
- Cover letter (introduce yourself to the judges – give a brief biography, relevant writing or education experience, and any publication history).
- A one-page synopsis that summarises the manuscript
How to enter
- Download and read the full 2025 terms and conditions of entry document.
- Read the nomination FAQs.
- Complete an online nomination form by 5 pm AEST on 22 April 2025.
- Attach all required documents.
- You will receive confirmation of your accepted nomination via email.
More information
Congratulations to the 2024 finalists!
"Life Drawing"
Emily Lighezzolo - Winner
Judges' comments:
"Life Drawing" is a compelling contemporary novel told in three distinct parts over several decades. It cleverly explores through the friendship of Charlie and Maisie the societal perceptions of women’s bodies. Moving and insightful, "Life Drawing" picks up on contemporary debates about bodies, control and volition.
Photo by Michelle Ventura Rodriguez
"Tender Age"
Myles McGuire
Judges' comments:
In this queer coming-of-age novel, twenty-one-year-old Byron falls into a ménage à trois with a wealthy older couple and is swiftly drawn into their lives. "Tender Age" is an ambitious and beautifully wrought account of youthful passion and mature love. It’s a striking evocation of its setting and milieu that poses big life questions with style.
Photo by Tim Gatt
"EndGain"
Nicky Peelgrane
Judges' comments:
With an original premise and energetic storytelling, "EndGain" follows wannabe actor Tilly as she drifts aimlessly through life after a family tragedy. An opportunity to perform at a funeral makes her an unexpected viral hit and her funeral performance business "EndGain" is born. Demonstrating flamboyant style and pace, this engaging novel manages to meld the serious and the absurd.
Photo by Zara Finnigan
"Lovesick"
Lillian Telford
Judges' comments:
"Lovesick" offers assured writing and a distinctive voice while its two protagonists, Gordon and Gabby, navigate the intricacies of a life together and apart. With wisdom and real emotional insight, via alternating timelines, "Lovesick" takes the reader on a heart wrenching yet hopeful journey about the centrality of love and family.
Photo: supplied
Past winners
2024
"Life Drawing"
Emily Lighezzolo
2023
“First Name Second Name”
Steve MinOn
2022
"Things Left Unsaid"
Yen-Rong Wong
2021
"The Whitewash"
Siang Lu
2020
"If You're Happy"
Fiona Robertson
2019
"Henry Hamlet’s Heart"
Rhiannon Wilde
Queensland Literary Awards
Explore Queensland Literary Awards, showcasing exceptional authors, both emerging and established, from across Australia.