If you’ve ever dreamed of publishing a gripping crime or thriller novel, this could be your moment. The Allen & Unwin Crime Fiction Prize is back, offering one writer a publishing contract and a $25,000 advance against royalties. It’s a fantastic opportunity for writers of all levels – whether you’re crafting your debut or refining your fifth book – to bring your story to life with one of Australia’s most respected publishers.
Who can enter
Entries opened on 13 October 2025 and close at midnight AEST on 3 April 2026. So get organised!
To enter, you’ll need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident with a full-length adult crime or thriller manuscript between 70,000 and 100,000 words. Your submission must include a one-page synopsis and an author biography. The manuscript must be entirely your own work.
The competition is open to both debut and previously published writers, and the judging process is anonymous. That means all manuscripts are read on merit alone – no name recognition, no shortcuts, just your story and your craft.
What’s on offer
The winner will receive a publishing contract with Allen & Unwin, along with a $25,000 advance against royalties! The winning novel will be published in 2027.
But that’s not the only chance to be discovered – if the judges feel that other entries are of merit, Allen & Unwin may offer additional publishing opportunities. So even if you don’t take out the main prize, your manuscript could still find its way into the world!
Why this prize matters
For writers of crime and thrillers, this is one of the most significant competitions in Australia. It’s a gateway to professional publication. It’s also a reminder that storytelling success often begins not with a lucky break, but with courage – the courage to finish your manuscript and send it out into the world.
If you’re thinking “I’m not going to enter because I’m never going to win anyway” … STOP. That’s just imposter syndrome. Don’t wait for that feeling to go away. Just acknowledge that while you may feel like an imposter, you’re going to move forward anyway – and enter!
You have nothing to lose – and everything to gain. Every published author starts somewhere – and for one writer, that journey will begin here. Whether your manuscript is a gritty police procedural, a psychological thriller, or a story that blurs the boundaries between mystery and suspense, this prize is your chance to turn it into reality.
Entries close 3 April 2026. For full details and the official entry form, visit the Allen & Unwin website.
