2026 Fresh Ink Prize opening soon

Newcastle Writers Festival will be inviting emerging writers living in regional NSW to submit to the 2026 Fresh Ink Emerging Writers Prize from 20 July. The prize seeks to elevate marginalised voices and acknowledges the challenges faced by writers in remote and regional areas.

Thanks to the 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 five shortlisted writers will each receive $250, with thanks to the festival’s Patrons Program.

Key Dates

• Submissions open at 9.00am on 20 July 2026.
• Submissions close at 11.59pm AEST on 7 September 2026.
• The shortlist will be announced on 16 October.
• The winner will be announced at a special event on 31 October in Newcastle. Shortlisted writers are expected to attend. The festival will provide accommodation and travel assistance if required.

Judges

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.

How to apply

Entries will be assessed on the following criteria:

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

Judges may consider:

• Potential of the writer
• Impact on career

A submission link will be available from 9.00am on 21 July 2026. Applicants must submit the following:

• Bio which includes your publishing history if you have one.
• A sample of writing of between 2000 and 3000 words as well as a precis.
• A 12-month professional development plan that includes a clear trajectory of learning (via courses), writing, project research, and/or revision (via mentoring, and/or editing, manuscript assessment).
• The plan should also include a budget with no more than $250 allocated to sundries such as stationery and software. Travel and accommodation can be included if it is required for the development of your project but cannot make up more than 50% of expenses.

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

Please read the guidelines and terms and conditions before applying: CLICK HERE

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