If you’re a writer with a completed but unpublished novel, there’s a fantastic opportunity worth knowing about: the ASA/HQ Commercial Fiction Prize. Run jointly by the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) and the HQ imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, the biennial Prize is designed to unearth the best of fresh, commercially appealing storytelling.
Here is some information their website:
The Australian Society of Authors is delighted to be working in partnership with HQ, a division of HarperCollins, to offer the biennial ASA/HQ Fiction Prize.
The Prize honours a tradition that reaches back thousands of years: storytelling. It is seeking the best of commercial fiction: vibrant writing that entertains, enlightens, and provokes lively water-cooler conversations.
The winner will receive a publishing contract with HQ, with a $10,000 advance against royalties, and the runner-up will receive $500 and a year’s membership with the ASA.
The prize, first announced in 2020, has launched the careers of numerous debut authors: Sargasso by Kathy George, The Vet from Snowy River by Stella Quinn, Brunswick Street Blues by Sally Bothroyd and Untethered by Ayesha Inoon.
Entering the prize can be a fabulous opportunity for any debut commercial fiction writer.
Key Dates
- Prize opens for submissions: 26 November 2025, 3pm AEDT
- Prize closes for submissions: 30 January 2026, 5pm AEDT
- Shortlist announced: 29 April 2026
- Winner announced: 13 May 2026
Application Elements
- The Prize is for a novel, book-length, work of commercial fiction not previously published.
- Previously published novels, including independently published works or works out on submission, are NOT eligible for entry.
- Non-fiction, erotica, young adult/children’s, poetry or play manuscripts are NOT eligible for entry.
Applications will be asked to provide three documents:
- Your manuscript. The manuscript must be between 70,000 and 140,000 words.
- 500-word synopsis. Synopses over 500 words will render entries ineligible.
- 300-word biography. Biographies over 300 words will render entries ineligible.
