2026 Fresh Ink Prize now open

Newcastle Writers Festival is inviting emerging writers living in regional NSW to submit to the 2026 Fresh Ink Emerging Writer Prize. The prize seeks to elevate marginalised voices and is an acknowledgement of the challenges faced by writers in remote and regional areas.

Thanks to the generous support of Newcastle business Fourth Wave Wine via its label Elephant in the Room, the winner will be awarded $5000 to support the development of their writing as well as a week-long residency at Varuna, The National Writers’ House. Up to four shortlisted writers will each receive $250.

The judges of this year’s prize are Sarah Armstrong and Raeden Richardson.

Sarah Armstrong is an award-winning journalist and the author of three acclaimed novels for adults, including the Miles Franklin-shortlisted Salt Rain. Sarah is on the board of the Byron Writers Festival and teaches creative writing to children and adults.

Raeden Richardson is the author of The Degenerates, which was nominated for the Miles Franklin Literary Award. Raeden’s writing has appeared in Griffith Review, The Sydney Morning Herald, Meanjin and New Australian Fiction.

Submissions close at 23.59pm AEST 7 September 2026.

A shortlist will be announced on 16 October and the winner will be announced at a special event on 31 October in Newcastle.

There is a $15 entry fee.

Entries will be assessed on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated ability, skills, and creative thinking.
• Viability of professional development plan.

Please read the SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS

It is recommended you prepare your responses in a separate document and cut and paste information into the online form.

All enquiries can be emailed to admin(at)newcastlewritersfestival.org.au