Bundyi Publishing announces unpublished manuscript prize

Simon & Schuster imprint Bundyi Publishing has announced the Bundyi Writing Prize, which will be awarded to an outstanding unpublished manuscript of adult fiction by an emerging Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander writer.

The winner of the new award will receive a cash prize of $10,000, as well as manuscript development with a First Nations editor, and ‘the opportunity to receive a standard book publishing contract with the Bundyi imprint in relation to their manuscript, in ebook, print and/or other format’.

Bundyi publisher-at-large Anita Heiss said of the prize: ‘One of my many goals with Bundyi is to see the imprint used as a springboard for emerging authors towards solid publishing careers. I believe the Bundyi Writing Prize is one level of support we can offer to make a real difference to an emerging writer’s journey, and I am excited about the stories the prize will uncover.’

Simon & Schuster Australia managing director Dan Ruffino said: ‘The Bundyi Writing Prize is the natural extension of our shared vision for Bundyi that Anita first passionately pitched to me. I’m proud to offer this opportunity to emerging First Nations writers, and I can’t wait to read their submissions.’

Named for the Wiradyuri word meaning ‘to share with me’ and founded in 2023, the Bundyi imprint focuses on cultivating First Nations talent in the industry by publishing books by First Nations authors, then working with First Nations editors and designers. Among its first acquired titles is Murriyang: Song of Time, the new memoir by Stan Grant, released in December 2024.

Submissions for the inaugural prize are open today, with the shortlist scheduled to be announced in September and the winner in December.

Category: Local news