Humour writing prize now open

If you’ve published a humorous book intended for readers aged 5-12 years, this is your chance to win a $5000 prize.

The NSW State Library has announced that it has added a younger readers category to its Russell Prize for Humour Writing. Entries for the 2021 Russell Prize for Humour Writing and the 2021 Russell Prize for Humour Writing for Young People are now open.

According to the press release, State Librarian John Vallance said: “We all need a good laugh now more than ever and the State Library is thrilled to administer not one but two prizes which celebrate the value and importance of humour writing. Someone far wiser than I once noticed that if you can’t laugh, you can’t be serious.” 

What is the Russell Prize for Humour Writing?

It runs every two years and was established at the bequest of Peter Wentworth Russell. The Russell Prize is the only award for humour writing in Australia and one of few in the world. 

According to the press release, “applications are now being accepted for the $10,000 Russell Prize for Humour Writing and an inaugural $5,000 award for Humour Writing with a younger audience in mind.” 

Entries close Monday 8 February 2021. 

To find out more and submit, visit the NSW State Library website.