From open submission windows to exciting success stories, here’s what’s making news in the writing world this week.
Penguin Random House opens submissions for children’s and YA manuscripts during July 2025
Penguin Random House Australia is now accepting unsolicited submissions for children’s and young adult manuscripts throughout July. Submit 50–100 pages via their online portal.
This is a rare opportunity to have your work read by one of the country’s biggest publishers. Picture books, poetry, plays, and educational works aren’t eligible – but if you’re writing children’s or YA, make sure your work is polished and submitted by the 31 July deadline. And note that the submissions page states: “We will not consider any manuscripts submitted before or after July 2025.”
AWC graduate Anne Farrell scores a book deal with Riveted Press
Big congratulations to AWC graduate Anne Farrell, whose debut children’s novel will be published by Riveted Press in 2026. The story – about a timid rakali (a native Australian water-dwelling mammal) who finds courage through friendship – is written for readers aged 7–9, and is the first in a planned trilogy. Woohoo!
This deal follows years of persistence, mentoring, and hard work, including taking many courses at the Australian Writers’ Centre. The manuscript gained traction after being recognised in the 2024 Just Write For Kids Pitch It! competition. We love seeing AWC grads get published – and we know that Anna is one to watch!
Affirm Press welcomes submissions for general fiction and non-fiction
Affirm Press is accepting general fiction and non-fiction submissions on the first Monday of each month. So now you have clear dates to work towards. Children’s and teen manuscript submissions are also welcomed twice a year, with the next window expected later in 2025.
They’re looking for strong voices, compelling ideas, and manuscripts that truly shine. Be sure to read the submission guidelines carefully and prepare your synopsis, author bio, and sample chapters ahead of time.
Seriously, follow the instructions because their submissions page clearly states: “Please follow our guidelines accurately. If you don’t, we’ll know you’re not serious.”
AWC graduate and author Stef Gemmill launches new children’s literature festival
After completing several courses at the Australian Writers’ Centre – including Writing Picture Books and Edit Your Novel – then getting published, author Stef Gemmill has now launched a major new initiative: the Sketch and Scribe Festival, aimed at helping children’s writers connect directly with publishers.
Stef is no stranger to success. Her debut picture book A Home for Luna won the Rubery Book Award, and she’s long championed pathways for emerging authors.
Entries Now Open: 2025 Woollahra Digital Literary Award
Entries are now open for the 2025 Woollahra Digital Literary Award, a national prize celebrating Australian writing first published in digital formats. It’s open to all Australian residents aged 16 years and over, who have published work online in the first instance in the last two years.
With a total prize pool of $8,500, the award recognizes excellence across four categories: Fiction ($2,500), Non-Fiction ($2,500), Poetry ($1,000), and Digital Innovation ($1,500). Entries close on 14 August 2025. Shortlisted works will be announced on 7 November 2025, followed by an awards ceremony on 25 November at Woollahra Library in Double Bay, Sydney.
