About the 2022 awards

Premier’s Prize for Fiction - $25 000

For the best work of fiction by a Tasmanian writer

Entries closed on 13 July 2022

Premier’s Prize for Non-fiction - $25 000

For the best work of non-fiction by a Tasmanian writer

Entries closed on 13 July 2022

Minister for the Arts’ Prize for Books for Young Readers and Children - $25 000

For a published work written for children and young adults in any genre

Entries closed on 13 July 2022

Tim Thorne Prize for Poetry - $25 000

For a published book of poetry by a Tasmanian writer

This award is named in honour of renowned Tasmanian poet Tim Thorne (1944–2021)

Entries closed on 13 July 2022

University of Tasmania Prize - $10 000

For the best new unpublished literary work by a Tasmanian writer

Supported by the University of Tasmania

Entries closed on the 15th August 2022

Tasmanian Aboriginal Writer’s Fellowship – $10 000

Open to all unpublished and published Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers living in Tasmania.

Entries closed on the 15th August 2022

The recipient of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Writer’s Fellowship will also be offered a publishing opportunity in Island Magazine in 2023. The writer can select one of their existing unpublished pieces, or work on something completely new. The work can be in any genre or form (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, script or a hybrid piece) of up to 4000 words.

The writer will work with Island’s editorial team to develop and finalise the piece. Copyright in the work will remain with the author, and they will receive a licencing fee at Island’s 2023 contributor rate. Publishing timelines to be agreed between the recipient and Island’s Managing Editor.  Extended editorial support/mentorship to develop the work can also be negotiated.

Margaret Scott Tasmanian Young Writer’s Fellowship - $5 000

Awarded to a young Tasmanian young writer (aged 30 years and under)

Named in honour of well-known Tasmanian writer, Margaret Scott (1934–2005)

Entries closed on the 15th August 2022

The recipient of the Margaret Scott Tasmanian Writer’s Fellowship will also be offered a publishing opportunity in Island Magazine in 2023. The writer can select one of their existing unpublished pieces, or work on something completely new. The work can be in any genre or form (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, script or a hybrid piece) of up to 4000 words.

The writer will work with Island’s editorial team to develop and finalise the piece. Copyright in the work will remain with the author, and they will receive a licencing fee at Island’s 2023 contributor rate. Publishing timelines to be agreed between the recipient and Island’s Managing Editor.  Extended editorial support/mentorship to develop the work can also be negotiated.