Queensland Premier’s Young Publishers and Writers Award

About the award

This award is part of the Queensland Literary Awards and is awarded to 2 outstanding Queensland writers and/or publishers up to 30 years of age.

Eligibility 

• Queensland residents who can provide proof of a current Queensland address.
• Writers born in Queensland who now live elsewhere and can demonstrate strong, continuing ties with the state. 
• Writers and publishers up to and including 30 years of age at 30 April 2024 (proof of age must be submitted).  
• Individual writers with a steady professional history, and individual publishers with a steady professional history.
• Writers and publishers of all forms, including novels, short stories, poems, works for children, biographies, memoirs, plays, scripts, non-fiction, comics and graphic novels.
• To confirm you're eligible to enter this category, download the full 2024 terms and conditions of entry document.

Prize 

2 awards of $12,000 plus career development support to the value of $3,000 each. Supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.  

Career development support

• This component is administered by Queensland Writers Centre (QWC).
• Career development activities are individual to each entrant but could include things like mentoring, travel for research, and residencies.
• At the time you nominate, you're not required to submit a career development plan; QWC will work with winners after the awards are announced. 

Key dates

• 1 March: entries open
• 12 April: entries close
• 1 March–18 March: early bird entry period
• 19 March–12 April: standard entry period
• 1 August: shortlist announced
• 5 September: awards ceremony at State Library of Queensland 

Nomination requirements

Your online nomination form must include:

• a one-page cover letter outlining your eligibility for this award
• a detailed CV with full publication history (max. 4 pages)
• writers: a portfolio of writing – this should comprise up to 6 pieces of writing, including at least one item published in the previous 12 months
• publishers: a portfolio of up to 5 publications or documented productions, including at least one item produced in the previous 12 months.  

How to enter

• Download and read the full 2024 terms and conditions of entry document.
• Read the nomination FAQs.
• Complete an online nomination form by 12 April.
• Attach all required documents.
• You will receive confirmation of your accepted nomination via email.