$20k unpublished manuscript award launched for WA young writers

Fremantle Press is partnering with social-purpose organisation the Fogarty Foundation to launch an unpublished manuscript award for young writers in Western Australia, worth $20,000.

The biennial award, called the Fogarty Literary Award, is the only one of its kind in the state and will be offered to WA-based writers between ages 18 and 35 for a work of fiction, narrative nonfiction or young adult fiction. Previously published authors who fall within the age bracket are eligible for the award.

Fremantle Press publishers will judge the award, and the winner—who will receive $20,000 and a publishing contract with Fremantle Press—will be announced in May 2019.

The small press says it will use the prize to look for ‘young literary leaders’.

‘The Fogarty Foundation is known for its commitment to making sure all young people in Western Australia get a good education, and they understand that literacy and storytelling are the cornerstones to lifelong learning,’ said Fremantle Press CEO Jane Fraser. ‘This partnership invests not only in the winning writer but also supports that writer to provide literary leadership through participation in educational and literacy events aimed at encouraging more young people to read and write.’

The winning manuscript will be scheduled for publication in 2020, with an education tour planned to coincide with the book’s release.

The Fogarty Foundation, which provides educational and leadership opportunities for young people in WA, has committed to supporting the prize for the first six years.

Entries for the inaugural award will open on 25 March 2019. For more information and submission guidelines, see the Fremantle Press website.

Tags: Western Australia

Category: Awards Local news