Below is a list of Australian writing competitions in chronological order by closing date.  We recommend that you go to the respective websites for guidelines and to double-check deadlines.

15 July, Max Harris Poetry Award

Offering a prize of $3,000 for the winning poem, this national award recognises the significant contribution that poets make to Australian literary culture.  Entry fee is $10 for one poem and an extra $5 per poem for up to two additional poems. Web:  www.poetryandpoeticscentre.com

25 July, CJ Dennis Literary Awards

First Prize in each category is $200. The theme is One World One Dream, following the theme of the Beijing Olympics, 2008. Maximum 50 lines for poetry and 2,500 words for stories. Entry fee $5.  Entries to: CJ Dennis Literary Awards, PO Box 16, Auburn SA 5451. For guidelines email pt.lane@bigpond.com or phone 08 88492190.

25 July, Poets Union Poetry Prize

Poets Union Poetry Prize $3000 first prize.  Entry fee: $15 ($10 Poets Union members); any theme; 100 line max. Entry forms and conditions: www.poetsunion.com   

28 July, The Nib: CAL Waverley Library Award for Literature

Prize of $20,000. The Award will be presented for excellence in research in the creation of a literary work of merit, first published between 1st July 2007 and 30 June 2008. Other factors examined by the judges will include readability, innovation, knowledge and literary merit, and value to the community. All kinds of fiction and non-fiction are eligible. Guidelines and application forms at www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/library/award or obtained from Waverley Library, telephone (02) 93867709.

30 July, Adelaide PEN creative non-fiction competition

Theme: ‘Caging the Pen: censorship in Australia’. 3000 word maximum, no minimum length. $10 fee for each entry. Winner will receive $100 cash prize and publication in Wet Ink Dec 2008 issue. Post Entry to: Creative non-fiction competition 2008 Adelaide PEN c/- 33 Atkinson Crescent, Aldinga Beach SA 5173. Web: www.adelaidepen.org/comp.htm

31 July, Text Young Adult Prize

We want to unearth some brilliant new writing for teenagers. The prize is open to authors of all ages.  Works of fiction and non-fiction are eligible. The winner will receive a publishing contract with Text and a $10,000 advance against royalties. Web: www.textpublishing.com.au

31 July - The 2008 ABR Reviewing Competition

We've become aware that many university students wished to enter but were finding it difficult to do so before the semester break in July. Thus we have extended the deadline to July 31. Reviews should be 800 words and of any book originally published since January 2006. All categories of books are eligible, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children's and YA books. First prize: $1000 and publication of the review in ABR and at least two future commissions. Second prize: $250. Third prize: a set of Black Inc. books, valued at $200. This competition is a particularly good opportunity for younger and emerging writers and students who wish to establish a career in reviewing.  For further information, e-mail: abradmin@vicnet.net.au  telephone (03) 9429 6700 or visit the ABR website: www.australianbookreview.com.au

1 August, The Iremonger Award for Writing on Public Issues

Organised by Allen & Unwin - Non-fiction works of contemporary political, social and cultural commentary that contribute to public debate. Check website or contact organisers to confirm closing date. First prize: $10,000. Winners published by Allen & Unwin.  Entry Fee: $20. Contact: Website:  www.allenandunwin.com

1 August, Avant Press Short Story Competition

Theme: “Just Add Water”. Unpublished short stories up to 2000 words.  1st prize $250, 2nd prize $150, 3rd prize $75.  Entry fees: $5 for one story, $8 for two stories. For guidelines and entry form, e-mail: vae@bhtafe.edu.au

4 August, Australian Chapter of the World Peace Bell Association Poetry Competition

Prizes: Open: $600, $200, $100. High School: $40, $10, $25. Primary School: $40, $10, $25. Include SSAE. Entry Fee: adults $6, children free. PO Box 910, Cowra NSW 2794. Email: janmun@ozemail.com  

8 August, The Coves Historical Writing Competition

Presented by the NSW Writers’ Centre and the Lane Cove Historical Society and sponsored by Gleebooks. This writing competition awards a prize for an unpublished piece of historical fiction of a maximum 2,000 words and a prize for an unpublished piece of historical non-fiction of a maximum 2,000 words.  Cost is $15 per entry. Website: www.nswwriterscentre.org.au

15 August, John Marsden Prize for Young Australian Writers

Run by Express Media (the publishers of ‘Voiceworks’), and sponsored and judged by the eponymous author John Marsden, the award is open to young writers (under 25) of novels, poems and short stories and has a total prize pool of $4,500.  Contact: Bel Schenk at artisticdirector@expressmedia.org.au  Web: www.expressmedia.org.au

28 August, A Feast of Poetry Competition, Cooma

Many categories including: Infants (yrs K-2), 2 Primary (yrs 3-6), (yrs 7-10), Group, Open and Bush poetry. For entry form and guidelines phone: (02) 6452 5546 or email lucia5@optusnet.com.au (Do not submit your poems by email).

29 August, Spring Festival Short Story Competition

Sponsored by the Port of Brisbane Corporation.  Send entries to: Spring Festival Short Story Competition P O Box 1099 Wynnum Central Qld 4178.  Open Theme: Maximum number of words 2000.  First Prize $250, Second Prize $120, Third Prize $75.  Entry Fee $5 per entry or $9 for two.  Limit of 2 entries per author. 

29 August, 2008 Boroondara Literary Awards

City of Boroondara. A prize pool of almost $3,000 is available in the Open Short Story section, a national competition inviting literary works between 1500-3000 words from writers across the country.  The awards are judged by successful industry professionals who are widely recognised for their work in the literary field. To obtain an entry form and guidelines via the website www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/leisure/culture_arts/literary_program

30 August, Ena Taylor Award

Theme is historical fiction, entries can be short stories or poems. Entry Form Required. Include SSAE. Entry Fee: $5. Guidelines Available.  Contact: Louise Evans Phone: (08) 9301 2282 Email: nwacowan@iinet.net.au.  Please see website for further details www.members.iinet.net.au/~nwacowan/DATA/welcome.htm   

31 August, ABR Calibre Prize for an Outstanding Essay

Prize for an original non-fiction essay between 3,000 and 10,000 words. All non-fiction styles are eligible, including life writing, literary studies, history, politics, anthropology and popular science.  First prize $10,000; shortlisted essays at ABR publications rates. Winners published in Australian Book Review. Entry Fee: $30.  Website: www.australianbookreview.com.au  

31 August Scribblers Writing Competition 2008

2 sections – one for school aged entrants, one open entry. In both there is a short story competition (max 2000 words) and a poetry competition (max 40 words). Prizes for short story - $150 and trophy  (1st), $100 (2nd) and $75 (3rd) Prizes for poetry  - $150 and trophy  (1st), $100 (2nd) and $75 (3rd). All winners will be published in an anthology. Entry forms available on www.southwest.com.au/~dunkann/scribblers_index.html

 or by sending SSAE to Scribblers, PO Box 580, Mandurah WA 6210. Winners notified by 20th October.

1 September, Walkley Awards

Australia's premier media accolades. There are 33 Walkley Awards for excellence in journalism across all media. Works must appear between 1 September and 31 July in the preceding year. Individual trophies awarded, and recognition. Gold Winner receives trophy and prize money. Winners announced in national media. Entry Form Required. Entry Fee: $250 for non MEAA members (including GST). Free for members. Guidelines Available. Postal Address: 245 Chalmers Street, REDFERN NSW 2016. Contact: Jane Worthington phone: (02) 93330945 email: jane.worthington@walkleys.com  website: www.walkleys.com

1 September, Gwen Harwood Poetry Prize

Organised by Island Magazine, the Gwen Harwood Poetry Prize is open to anyone. Entries must be previously unpublished poems only. Poem or linked series, 100 lines maximum. First prize $1,500. Runners-Up $150. Entry Form Required. Include SSAE. Entry Fee: $12. Guidelines Available. Contact: Gina Mercer Phone: (03) 62262325.  Email: island@tassie.net.au  Visit website for further details and to confirm closing date www.islandmag.com

1 September, Rodney Seaborn Playwrights Award

The Award encourages development of material (not necessarily religious) that conveys a message of faith, hope and love. A panel of judges are appointed annually by the Rodney Seaborn Playwright’s Trust. Prize: $10,000 Entry Form Required. Include SSAE. Entry Fee: $15. Guidelines Available. Contact: Carol Martin phone: (02) 96977654 email: sbwfoundation@aol.com  website: www.sbwfoundation.com  

5 September New Holland Publishers/NSW Writers’ Centre Genre Fiction Award

Award for an unpublished genre fiction manuscript by a published or unpublished writer.  First prize: Publication by New Holland Publishers.  First, Second and Third prizes: The NSW Writers’ Centre will also offer a 10-hour manuscript development grant to the prize-winner (value $500), a 15-hour manuscript development grant to the second prize-winner (value $750), 20-hour manuscript development grant to the third prize-winner to prepare the manuscript for publication (value $1,000). Second and third prize-winners and short-listed manuscripts will also be considered for publication.  The manuscript must never have been published before and must not be under consideration by any other publisher or for any award. All entrants must be or become members of the NSW Writers’ Centre. ($65 full membership, $50 concession for pensioners & students)  Manuscripts must be genre fiction, ie crime, adventure, action, thriller, historical, family saga, chic lit, lad lit, romance, young adult, science fiction, fantasy or humour, etc.  Completed manuscript must be 60,000 - 100,000 words. Entry fee: $40; $25 concession for students, seniors, unemployed. Inquiries: ph (02) 9555 9757, email nswwc@nswwriterscentre.org.au   

12 September, EJ Brady Short Story Competition

The Mallacoota Arts Council has hosted the EJ Brady Short Story writing competition for more than a decade. Prizes: Major Short Story: $1500 winner, $200 runner up. Very Short Story: $500 winner, Tom Donovan Encouragement Award: $100. Maximum length: 2500 words.  The Very Short Stories must not exceed 700 words.  Entry Fee is $10 for Major Short Story, $7 for Very Short Story. Post entries to EJ Brady Short Story Competition, Mallacoota Arts Council, PO Box 201, Mallacoota, Vic, 3892.  Entry form available from website www.mallacootaarts.org  Enquiries mallacootaarts@aapt.net.au   

19 September, Rolf Boldrewood Literary Awards

The Outback Writers’ Centre and the Macquarie Regional Library aim to remember the past and foster the future through these awards for prose and poetry with an Australian theme. Prose is to 3000 words, and can be fiction, article or essay (including family history). Poetry is to 80 lines and can be in any form or style. 1st prize in each section is a Boldrewood bust-by sculptor Brett Garling, valued at $100, plus $600. 2nd $300 and 3rd $150. For guidelines and entry forms, send SSAE to The Convenor, Rolf Boldrewood Literary Awards, PO Box 1042, Dubbo, NSW 2830. Website www.mrl.nsw.gov.au  Phone 02 6801 4501.

26 September, The Examiner Port Stephens Literature Awards 2008

$1000 in prize money. Adults: - Short stories up to 2500 words on any theme. 1st $400, 2nd $200 and 3rd $100.  $100 Tanilba House Award. Four $50 most highly commended prizes. Entry fee: - $5 per story. Standard competition conditions apply – No entry form required. Separate cover sheet with story title and author’s contact details. Stories to be typed and double spaced.  Postal orders or cheques made out to TACE - cash accepted.  Address:   Literature Competition, 6 The Parkway North, MALLABULA NSW 2319.  Enquiries to Geoff Walker on phone 02-4982-4095. Website http://tace.tilligerry.com  

30 September, Halstead Press Prize for the Best Reject

Canberra’s new publisher, Halstead Press, wants to unearth manuscripts by local writers that have slipped through the nets and slush piles.  The inaugural Halstead Press Prize for the Best Reject will be awarded to an exceptional unpublished non-fiction book. Submission requirements: Three copies of the entire text (with illustrations if applicable), and copies of at least three rejection notices (the more the better) from publishers. Assessment criteria: Literary merit and value and / or interest of the contents. Eligibility: the book must have garnered at least three rejections by publishers.  Prize: $600 cash and $200 worth of free Halstead Press books (selected by the winner from titles in stock).  The winning book will be considered for publication by Halstead Press. Entry: Free.  Post or deliver entries to: Halstead Press, Gorman House Arts Centre, Ainslie Avenue, Braddon ACT,  2612.  Website www.halsteadpress.com.au

30 September, FAW (Qld) Soapbox Article Writing Competition

An article writing competition on an open theme for punchy (even opinionated!) articles up to 2,000 words. Prizes $150, $50. Entry Form Required. Include SSAE. Entry Fee: $5. Guidelines Available. Contact: Nancy Cox-Milner phone: (07) 33437645 email: nancycoxmillner@optusnet.com.au

30 September, ACT Writers Centre and Z4 Wines - Award for Book Reviewing

The ACT Writers Centre and Z4 wines announce a new award for book reviewing. The award will be for a published book review to 1000 words, published between 1/1/07 and 31/12/07, by a writer residing in the ACT region. There will be a maximum of 2 entries per person, to be accompanied by a $3 entry fee and a copy of the book review (showing the name and date of the publication). Entries should be sent to ACT Writers Centre Book Review Competition, Gorman House, Ainslie Ave, Braddon ACT 2612 by Tuesday 30 September. No entry form necessary. Unused stamps to the value of $3, can be sent instead of a cheque. Enquiries on 02 6262 9191.

30 September, Tom Howard Poetry Contest

Poems of any length, type or theme. All prizes in US dollars: $2,000; $1,000, $500; $250; plus 5 at $200 each, and 5 at $100 each. Entry Fee: US$6 per 25 lines, minimum fee US$12. Guidelines Available. Contact: Australian Coordinator, John H Reid phone: (02) 43532521 email: rastar7@bigpond.com.au  website: http://poetrycontests.exactpages.com

30 September, The Writers' Resource Centre short story competition

The WRC short story competition is held twice a year, with deadlines in May and September. Entry is free, with prize winners and commended stories published in a printed anthology.  Best New Australian Writers Competition.  Word length: 2500 words maximum. Guidelines at  www.writersworld.com.au

1 October, Writers of Wynnum Manly Spring Short Story Competition

Organised by Writers of Wynnum Manly.  Short story competition - open theme - up to 2500 words. First Prize $125.  PO Box 3500 , TINGALPA QLD 4173. Contact: Di Hill phone: (07) 38930300.  E-mail dihill@eftel.net.au  for guidelines and entry form. 

1 October, The Age Short Story Competition

Prize: $2,000, $1,000 and $500. Entry Fee: Not applicable.  Contact organisers to confirm details: Frances Atkinson phone: (03) 96004211 email: books@theage.com.au website: www.theage.com.au

30 October, Science Fiction Writers of Earth Short Story Competition

Science Fiction Writers of Earth (SFWOE) - Both science fiction and fantasy are accepted - 2,000 to 7,500 words. This competition is open to previously unpublished writers only.  First prize $250 plus publication, second $150, third $75. Entry Form Required. Entry Fee: $5. Guidelines Available. Contact: Australasian Coordinator, Rob Riel email: jandr@hunterlink.net.au website: www.flash.net/~sfwoe    

31 October, Melbourne Poets Union National Poetry Competition

Organised by Melbourne Poets Union Inc.  Maximum line limit of 50 lines.  Prizes: $1,550 in prize monies. Entry Form Required. Include SSAE. Entry Fee: $6 per poem or 3 for $15.  Guidelines Available.  Email: mpuinc@yahoo.com website:     www.home.vicnet.net.au/~mpuinc/

31 October, Mornington Peninsula Prize

Organised by Peninsula Regional FAW.  Mornington Peninsula Prize Short Story Competition, open theme up to 3000 words and Poetry Competition, open theme, max 30 lines. Short Story Prize: $300, $150 $50, Highly Commended, Commended. Poetry Prize: $150, Highly Commended, Commended.  Entry Form Required. Include SSAE. Entry Fee: Short Story $7.50 Poetry $5. Guidelines Available.  Contact: Owen Quayle phone: (03) 59753351 email: peninsulafaw@bigpond.com

31 October, Aurealis Awards

The Aurealis Awards recognise the achievements of Australian writers of science fiction, horror and fantasy. The Awards have six divisions each with multiple awards; science fiction, horror, fantasy, young adult, children's and the golden Aurealis, drawn from the winners of the previous five divisions. Entrants are nominated and the relevant forms are available on the website www.aurealisawards.com   Entry form required. No entry fee: Contact: Ron Serdiuk email: director@aurealisawards.com

31 October - $200,000 award for new scripts

A scriptwriting prize wants to reward the next generation of Australian writers for stage and screen with a total booty of $200,000 and the chance of a lifetime. Submissions deadline: 31 October, 2008  For more information, visit www.inscription.com.au

31 October, Openbook Prize

The NSW Writers' Centre proudly supports Australian authors by offering an annual award for the best work of fiction, non-fiction and children's/young adult self-puyblished by an individual author or by an Australian publishing company which does not have a distribution arrangement for its authors.  There is also a prize for the best marketing plan. The prizes are sponsored by Gary Allen P/L, Breakout DesignPrintWeb and Messenger Marketing.  Best Non-Fiction Book:  $500 cash prize.  Best Fiction Book: $500 cash prize. The Messenger Marketing Award for the most Innovative Marketing Plan for a Non-Fiction Book:  $500 cash prize and a place at the Messenger Publishing for Passion and Profit Full Day Marketing, Funding and Distribution Workshop (valued at $1,200).  Entry fee: $25.  Guidelines at www.nswwriterscentre.org.au

31 October, Positive Words short Story and Poetry Competition

Open short story, up to 500 words and Open poetry up to 32 lines. Entries must be original and previously unpublished.  Entry fee: $3.  First prize: $50.  For more information or to submit entries contact  Positive Words, 466 Old Melbourne Road, Traralgon Vic 3844.  Phone 03 5174 3668.

1 November, Sydney Theatre Company Patrick White Playwright Award

Sydney Theatre Company - Full length play that has not been professionally performed. Please contact organisers to confirm closing date. First prize $20,000 plus a professional reading of the play.  Entry form required. Entry fee: Not applicable.  Guidelines Available.  Contact: Ben White phone: (02) 92501700 email: reception@sydneytheatre.com.au  website: www.sydneytheatre.com.au/content.asp?cID=36

7 November, Overland Magazine Judith Wright Poetry Prize For New and Emerging Poets

Overland, the most radical of Australia’s literary journals, invites entries to the annual Overland Judith Wright Poetry Prize, open to all poets who have not yet had a collection of their work commercially published (that is, by a publishing house with commercial distribution).  A maximum of three unpublished poems is allowed per entrant. Major prize of $3000 with two minor prizes of $500. More details about the prize, entry fees and the 2007 winners at www.overlandexpress.org

28 November, Paramount Publishing International Short Story Competition

Cash prizes vary. Winners announced on website.Entry Form Required.  Entry Fee: $10.  Guidelines Available. Website: www.paramountpublishing.com.au

30 November, Alexander Henderson Award

Organised by Australian Institute of Genealogical Studies. This Award is presented annually to the person producing the best family history published in Australia, in the opinion of the Institute.  First prize: Trophy. Certificates for minor prizes. Winners published in the Genealogist. Postal Address. Entry Form Required. Entry Fee: Not applicable. Guidelines Available.  Postal address: c/- AIGS, PO Box 339 , BLACKBURN VIC 3130.  Contact: phone: (03) 98773789 email: info@aigs.org.au website: www.aigs.org.au

30 November, The Blackened Billy Verse Competition

This is one of the most prestigious Bush Poetry competitions in Australia.  The Blackened Billy Trophy is keenly sought after and there are cash prizes to the value of $700. Bush poetry is a traditional type of verse written with rhyme and rhythm that reflects the Australian way of life.  The genre has widened in recent years to encompass modern living in both the city and the bush.  Tamworth Poetry Reading Group welcomes entries from new and old writers.  Entry forms will be available on September 1.  Please write to Jan Morris PO Box 3001, West Tamworth or email janmorris@northnet.com.au

1 December -  IP Picks National Awards for Unpublished Manuscripts

Prizes awarded for unpublished poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, or best first book manuscript. Upper limit for prose is 80,000 words. Prize: Publishing contract. Winners Published in one of IP's award-winning imprints. Highly Commended and Commended entries may also be offered royalty contracts.  Entry Form Required.  Entry Fee: $60 reading fee. Guidelines Available.  Check website for further competition details. Contact: Dr David Reiter phone: (07) 3324 9319 email: info@ipoz.biz website: http://www.ipoz.biz/ip/ip_picks.htm

5 December, Miles Franklin Literary Award

Organised by Cauz Group Pty Ltd.  The Award is for a published novel that presents Australian life in any of its phases. Biographies, collections of short stories and books for children are not eligible. The novel must be published in the year preceding the Award.  Visit website or contact organisers to confirm closing date.  Prize: In 2007 $42,000 was awarded to winner. Entry Form Required. Include SSAE.  Entry Fee: $75 Guidelines Available.  Contact: Petrea Salter phone: (02) 91442415 email:  psalter@cauzgroup.com.au See website for more information: www.trust.com.au

10 December, ABR Poetry Prize

In its short life, this competition has become one of the most prestigious poetry competitions in the country.  First prize: $4000. Shortlisted poems: $250. Poems up to 100 lines.  Entry fee of $20. Post your entry to ABR Poetry Competition, PO Box 2320, Richmond South, Victoria 3121. See guidelines at www.australianbookreview.com.au/

19 December, Hal Porter Short Story Competition

Organised by ArtsNet East Gippsland . Entries must not exceed 2,500 words. Do not submit entries by email please. Results are available by including a SSAE with entry. Check website for prizes and whether the competition will be running in 2008. Include SSAE. - Entry Fee: $5.50. Guidelines Available. Check website to confirm competition dates and details or email competition organiser. Contact: Peter Millard phone: (03) 51526731 email: theoffice@artsnet.net.au  website: www.artsnet.net.au/

31 December - The Kokako Tanka Competition

First Prize - NZ$250, 2 Runners-up prizes of NZ$100 each. Send entries to: The Kokako Tanka Competition, 42 Flanshaw Road, Te Atatu South, Auckland 8, New Zealand.  Tanka must be previously unpublished and not under consideration elsewhere. Entry fee is NZ$2 per tanka or 3 for NZ$5; for overseas entries (make cheques out to Kokako. Overseas entrants send cash at own risk). Send two copies of each tanka, or group of tanka, with your name and address on one copy only. Winners will be notified by mail. Any theme is acceptable. Queries, email: pprime@ihug.co.nz

31 December, Tom Collins Poetry Prize

The FAWWA Tom Collins Poetry Prize is an annual competition. Maximum 60 lines per poem.  Prizes: 1st $1000.00  2nd $400.00  4 x Highly Commended $150. Entry Fee: $5 per poem. Contact phone 08 9384 4771 or email admin@fawwa.org.au See guidelines at website www.fawwa.org.au/program/competitions.htm