The 2021 Richell Prize for Emerging Writers is now open

Entries have now opened for the 2021 Richell Prize for Emerging Writers. This competition is in its seventh year and invites submissions from unpublished writers in adult narrative non-fiction and adult fiction. The prize is in memory of Hachette Australia’s CEO, Matt Richell, who died suddenly in 2014. 

In 2020, we were thrilled to see that almost half of the authors on the long list were from our AWC community!

The winner of the Richell Prize receives $10,000 in prize money plus a year’s worth of mentoring from Hachette Australia. 

Fiona Hazard, Hachette Australia Group Publishing Director said in the press release: “Every year, I am impressed by the talent unearthed by the Richell Prize. We are very proud to give an opportunity for emerging writers to connect with a publisher and progress their work. This year, I would like to especially encourage non-fiction writers to back themselves and enter the prize.”

According to the press release, you do not need to have a complete manuscript to enter, but you must intend to finish it. 

What do you need to do to enter? 

According to the Emerging Writers’ Festival website, what you’ll need to provide is the following:

• The first three chapters of the work with a maximum word length of 20,000 words;
• A one-page synopsis;
• A chapter breakdown of the rest of the work, no more than two A4 pages long.

Entries close on Friday 9 July 2021.

To find out more about the Richell Prize for Emerging Writers or to submit your manuscript, visit the Emerging Writers’ Festival Website.