If you’re looking to put your short fiction into the world in 2026, there are two exciting opportunities open to writers across Australia and beyond. From island-inspired storytelling to a celebrated international short story competition, these prizes invite bold ideas, original voices and carefully crafted work. If you’re keen to hone your short story telling skills, Short Story Essentials is a great place to start.
Forty South Publishing’s Tasmanian Writers’ Prize 2026
Forty South Publishing’s Tasmanian Writers’ Prize celebrates short stories that explore island life, identity and imagination. Open to writers across Australia and New Zealand, this prize offers both a cash award and the opportunity for publication in a respected anthology.
Key Information
- What to submit: Short stories of up to 3,000 words with an island or island-resonant theme
- Who can enter: Australian or New Zealand citizens, or Australian permanent residents
- Entry limit: Maximum of two entries per person
- Entry fee: $20 per story
- Prize: $500 cash prize for the winning entry
- Publication opportunity: A selection of the best entries will be published in the Forty South Short Story Anthology 2026
- Submission format: Word document (.doc or .docx) with no name or identifying details in the manuscript
- Additional requirements:
Biography/statement of up to 150 words for publication purposesEntries must be original, unpublished work and not assisted by AI technology - Closing date: 16 February 2026
Find full details and submit your entry via the Forty South website.
The Sheila Malady Short Story Competition
Run by the Stratford Shakespeare Festival Australia, The Sheila Malady Short Story Competition is an established and highly regarded award for short fiction. The competition encourages imaginative, engaging storytelling and attracts entries from a wide range of writers.
Key Information
- What to submit: Original short stories
- Who can enter: Open to writers internationally
- Judging: Entries are judged anonymously
- How to enter: Entries must be submitted online in accordance with the competition guidelines
- Entry fee: $10 for adult writers, $5 for entries from writers 18 years and under
- Prizes:
- The winner of the Open Section will receive: $300 cash, wooden quill crafted by local artist Gavin Roberts, 2 x tickets to the Community Play
- A local prize for a writer residing in Gippsland will also be offered: Collins Bookstore Voucher, 2 x tickets to the Community Play
- A prize for a young writer up to the age of 18 years will awarded:Collins Bookstore Voucher
- Closing date: Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11.59pm AEDT
Full eligibility criteria and submission guidelines are available on the Stratford Shakespeare Festival website.
Whether you’re inspired by island landscapes or drawn to the challenge of an internationally recognised short story competition, these prizes offer exciting opportunities to share your work. If you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to submit your work, now is the time.
