The 2021 Text Prize for Young Adult and Children’s Writing now open

Are you a writer of children or young adult fiction? The Text Prize for Young Adult and Children’s Writing is now open, and there’s $10,000 up for grabs for an outstanding unpublished manuscript.

According to the press release: “Since its inception in 2008, the Text Prize has become one of the most renowned prizes for young adult and children’s writing in Australia and New Zealand.”

Last year’s winner was Andrew Paterson for his middle-grade debut novel, Rainfish, which will be published in August 2021.

This year, Text Publishing is also introducing the Steph Bowe Mentorship for Young Writers. This mentorship is designed to nurture and encourage a writer under 25.

What are the entry requirements?

Unpublished writers of all ages can submit works of fiction or non-fiction that are suitable for children or young adults. Please note, picture books are not eligible. Entrants also need to be residents of or living citizens of Australia or New Zealand.

The Steph Bowe Mentorship for Young Writers is only open to those who opt-in and who are also under 25 years old when they submit to the Text Prize. 

How to submit your manuscript

Submissions close Tuesday 6 April 2021.

The winner will be announced in mid-2021 and will receive a publishing contract with Text and a $10,000 advance against royalties.

To find out more information and details on how to submit, visit the Text Publishing website.