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Young Writers Award

Young Writers Award

The 2025 Young Writers Award is now closed.

Results will be announced on 31 July.

Entries are closed

The 2025 Young Writers Award is now closed. Thanks to all the young Queensland writers who sent us their short stories.

We will announce the winners, runners-up, and highly commended entries on 31 July.

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. We thank our 2025 partners Kill Your Darlings and Queensland Writers Centre.

Terms and conditions of entry_2025 Young Writers Award

Terms and conditions of entry_2025 Young Writers Award

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Svetlana Sterlin, Young Writers Award runner-up

Where are they now?

Congratulations to Svetlana Sterlin, runner-up in 2023, who recently published her first book!

Three people sit in the Poinciana Lounge; one is typing on a laptop and two are smiling and talking

Read stories by past winners from 1998 to now.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the Young Writers Award, please email us at StoriesIdeas@slq.qld.gov.au

From the blog

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Where are they now: Past winners and finalists of the Young Writers Award

Catch up on what previous finalists and winners have to say about entering the Young Writers Award.

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What makes a great short story?

As the 2025 Young Writers Award opens for entries, many young writers are asking what makes a great short story? What ingredients do these diverse, and creative winning, short stories have? And how can I make my short stories better? Let's find out!

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The turning point: John Morrissey

John Morrissey chats with us about the journey to write his impressive debut collection of short stories, Firelight.