The Spark Prize for narrative non-fiction returns in 2022

If you love to write narrative non-fiction and have an idea for a publishable book, then get excited because Hardie Grant Publishing has announced that The Spark Prize has returned for 2022. Submissions are open from 27 May 2022 until 27 June 2022.

What is The Spark Prize?

According to the Hardie Grant website:

The Spark Prize is your chance to win $5000 and develop a narrative non-fiction project from a budding idea to a publishable book with the guidance of Hardie Grant’s professional editorial team. This biennial, joint venture between Hardie Grant Books and RMIT Writing and Publishing aims to foster talent in the narrative non-fiction genre, providing the successful applicant with the essential tools they’ll need to drive their book proposal to publication. The Spark Prize is free and open to all Australian residents over 18.

What is narrative non-fiction?

Hardie Grant defines it:

Narrative non-fiction is a style of non-fiction that tells a fact-based, compelling story using the techniques of fiction writing. It includes (but is not limited to) memoir, hybrid memoir, biography, history, current affairs, popular science, journalism, creative non-fiction, cultural studies and humour. We’re looking for book ideas that will captivate and intrigue a wide audience.

What do you have to do to enter?

You’ll need to submit a book proposal. Here’s what the Hardie Grant website says you need to include:

• a project title
• a brief author bio (maximum 300 words)
• a one-page synopsis of your project
• a detailed chapter outline (maximum 3000 words)
• and a sample (maximum 5000 words) of a book-length work-in-progress

What is the prize?

From the Hardie Grant website, the 2022 winner of The Spark Prize will receive:

• $5000 prize money
• a tailored six-month mentorship with Hardie Grant’s editorial team
• and a week-long residency at RMIT’s gorgeous McCraith House on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria.

Do you want to hone your narrative non-fiction writing techniques? Then look no further than our self-paced Creative Non-fiction – it's your blueprint to writing compelling true-life stories.