We’re excited to open submissions for The 2017 Scribe Nonfiction Prize for Young Writers.

Now in its fifth year, The 2017 Scribe Nonfiction Prize is a unique development award to foster talented writers aged 30 and under writing longform work. Entries between 5,000 and 10,000 words are welcome across all nonfiction genres, including memoir, journalism, essay, and creative nonfiction

Following a record number of submissions in 2016, shortlisted writers will be selected to take part in an exclusive craft development masterclass with some of Australia’s most exciting nonfiction storytellers. They will also receive personalised feedback on their entry from the judges, and a book pack from Scribe Publications.

The winner will receive a cash prize of $3,000, 10 hours of editorial mentorship to develop their work, and a generous selection of new-release books tailored to their reading interests.

The shortlist will be selected by Elizabeth Flux (Editor of Voiceworks from 2013 to 2015, writer for Junkee, Metro, The Lifted Brow, Kill Your Darlings), Tim McGuire (Editorial Committee of Voiceworks from 2015 to 2016, writer for The Australian, Big Issue, Kill Your Darlings, The Lifted Brow, Going Down Swinging), Julia Carlomagno (Senior Editor, Scribe Publications) and Fiona Dunne (Creative Producer, Express Media). The winner will be selected by Scribe Publications.

Past winners and shortlisted writers have gone on to sign their debut works as a direct result of the prize including Briohny Doyle (Adult Fantasy, published 2017), Oliver Mol (Lion Attack!, published 2015), Patrick Mullins (A Liberal View, forthcoming August 2018), Drew Rooke (The Final Spin, forthcoming 2018), and Lech Blaine (Car Crash, forthcoming late 2018). The 2014 winner, Robbie Arnott, has received critical acclaim for his work, and was awarded The 2015 Tasmanian Young Writers Fellowship.

Writers will also have the chance to ask their burning questions about the prize, and seek advice on what the judges are looking for during a Live Q&A with Scribe editors David Golding and Julia Carlomagno on Thursday August 3. RSVP to the Facebook event to stay up to date. 

Entries close 11.59pm Sunday 10 September.

Ready to submit? Head to the page for submission guidelines, terms and conditions, and to submit your entry!

The Scribe Nonfiction Prize for Young Writers is presented in partnership with Scribe Publications.