Queensland Writers Fellowships

About the award

Queensland Writers Fellowships are part of the Queensland Literary Awards and are awarded to Queensland authors to advance a writing project over 12 months. Fellowships awarded in 2025 are for projects in January – December 2026.

Eligibility 

• Queensland residents who can provide proof of their current Queensland address. 
• Writers born in Queensland living elsewhere who can demonstrate strong, continuing ties with the state.
• Writers with a strong publication history, demonstrated by at least one or a combination of the following publication outcomes:
  • one full-length published book (trade or self-published) in any genre, which is formally published in book form (print) with an ISBN or published electronically with an ISBN
  • 7 short works of fiction or literary non-fiction (as a guide, a minimum of 1,000 words each) published in literary journals, anthologies, newspapers, or magazines
  • 15 poems published in literary journals, anthologies, newspapers, or magazines, or a chapbook
  • a full-length performance script (theatre or film) which has premiered in Australia.
• To confirm you're eligible to enter this category, download the full 2025 terms and conditions of entry document.
• Entry is free to this category.

Prize 

3 Fellowships of $20,000 each, plus career development support to the value of $4,500. 

Supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and State Library of Queensland. Administered by Queensland Writers Centre.

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. There is no shortlist for the Fellowship category.
• 12 September: awards ceremony at State Library of Queensland 

Nomination requirements

Your online nomination form must include the following:

• a completed 2025 Queensland Writers Fellowships application form (see above)
• a CV including your publication history – max. 2 pages
• a sample of previously published work – max. 10 pages 
• up to 3 letters of support or testimonials from publishers, authors, journal editors, or industry experts in support of your proposed project (combine into a single file for upload)
• a sample of the proposed writing project to show the tone and style of the work – max. 6 pages; judges understand this is likely to be at draft stage
• proof of Queensland residency or birth (e.g. photocopy of redacted rates notice, photocopy of driver licence, etc). 

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 including the Queensland Writers Fellowship application form.
• You will receive confirmation of your accepted nomination via email.