The Peter Cowan 600 Word Short Story Competition 2026 is now open, inviting writers to craft a compelling story in just 600 words or less. The competition celebrates the art of short fiction and honours one of Western Australia’s most respected writers, Peter Cowan. If you’d like to strengthen your short story skills before entering, explore our course Short Story Essentials, designed to help you craft powerful characters, structure tight narratives and make every word count.
From the competition website:
Entries for the 2026 Peter Cowan 600 Word Short Story Competition are now open. Entries close on April 30th at 11.59pm AWST.
Stories may be of any theme, narrative structure, or genre but they MUST be 600 words or less. Poetry is not accepted. You may enter as many times as you wish. Winners in each category will receive cash prizes!
Categories:
Open – all ages, all abilities, all styles. $12.00 entry fee
- 1st prize – $200
- 2nd prize – $100
- 3rd prize – $50
Novice – your writing has never won, placed, or been published before. $12.00 entry fee
- Winner – $100
Seniors (60+) – $12.00 entry fee
- Winner – $100
Youth (12- 17) – $7.00 entry fee
- Winner – $100 + small Humanitix ticketing fee.
600 words maximum. Stories 601 words or more will be disqualified. Story title is not included in the word count.
Competition Rules:
Please ensure that your story:
- Has never been published (print, blogs, and internet).
- Has not won or been acknowledged in any other competitions (awarded certificates or prizes).
- Is not longlisted/shortlisted for a competition or publication. If so, please let us know so we can withdraw that entry from the competition.
- Is completely your own work and must not have any copyright infringements.
- Is 600 words or less.
If you have never won a competition or been awarded a certificate in a competition, or have never been published, you are eligible for the Novice Award.
About the Competition: In honour of Peter Cowan (1914–2002), one of Western Australia’s most esteemed writers and academics. It is fitting that the competition celebrates short story writing as Peter published several volumes of short fiction and is well known for writing in this genre. The recipient of several major writing awards, Peter was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1987. He was named a Western Australian State Living Treasure in 1999.
For more information and to enter, go to the competition website here.
