Tasmanian Literary Awards 2025 Terms and Conditions

1.1  The Tasmanian Literary Awards are the Tasmanian Government’s biennial literary awards. They celebrate excellence in the Tasmanian literary sector, raise the profile of Tasmanian authors and foster and support literary talent in Tasmania.

1.2  There are six prizes and two fellowships that will be awarded as part of the Tasmanian Literary Awards.

1.3  For each category, key criteria, the judging guidelines and the prize is set out in the following table. Further details, including additional eligibility criteria and entry requirements apply, as set out below.

1.4  Where a book has more than one author, prize monies will be distributed evenly to the authors.

*approximate dates only

The following application process and eligibility criteria apply to each of the published book prizes, in addition to the criteria in clause 1.3.

The author(s)

3.1  The entered work must have no more than two authors. Where a book is a co-created with an artist (for example, an illustrated children’s book, graphic novel, or photography book), the artist is deemed to be an “author” for the purpose of these terms. This means (amongst other things) that Arts Tasmania will pay the artist an equal share of the prize award for this category (unless the author and the artist inform Arts Tasmania in writing that they have agreed to a different share), the artist may meet the Tasmanian residency requirements, and that the artist may submit the entry to the Awards.

3.2  The author, or one of the two authors, must be resident in Tasmania. This means that the author must have lived in Tasmania for six of the past 12 months.

3.3  The author, or one of the two authors, must be living as at the date of entry into the awards.

The book

3.4  The entry must be a published book. A ‘book’ is a paper-based publication with an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) that is available for sale. Publications that are for sale as a digital book only are ineligible.

3.5  The book must have been published for the first time between 1 June 2022 and 1 August 2024.

1. in the case of a collection (such as a collection of poems, short stories or essays), the individual works may have been previously published.

3.6  The book must be in English. A book is still ‘in English’ if words, sentences or short sections of another language are used.

3.7  The book must be the author or authors’ own original work. This means that (amongst other things):

1. the book has not been ghost written by another author; and
2. the author must not have used artificial intelligence to generate the book or part of the book.

3.8  If the book incorporates or uses any Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, the creation of the book must have complied with clause 13.3 below.

3.9  A book may only be entered into one published book prize category.

Entering the book

3.10  An entry must be submitted to Arts Tasmania by:

1. completing the digital entry form on the Tasmanian Literary Awards Website; and
2. delivering a printout of the completed digital entry form, together with four hard copies of the book, to Arts Tasmania.

3.11  The entry must be submitted on or before 30 September 2024 in accordance with this term. Late entries will not be accepted. The printout of the online entry form and hard copies of the book may be delivered to Arts Tasmaniain one of two ways:

1. delivering four hard copies of the book by hand to Arts Tasmania, 4 Salamanca Place, Hobart, between 9am and 5pm weekdays, no later than 30 September 2024.
2. sending four hard copies of the book by post to Arts Tasmania, GPO Box 536, Hobart TAS 7001, postmarked on or before 30 September 2024.

3.12  Arts Tasmania will send the entrant confirmation of entry.

3.13  Any and all materials provided to Arts Tasmania, including hard copies of the book and writing samples, will not be returned to entrants.

3.14  Where the book has more than one author:

1. Arts Tasmania will pay the authors in equal shares, unless the authors inform Arts Tasmania in writing that they have agreed to a different share; and
2. the author who is submitting the entry must have the permission of the other author (or their estate) to do enter the book in these awards. The entering author is responsible for ensuring that Arts Tasmania can be provided the Additional Materials and that the entering author can give the licence and warranties in relation to the use of those materials under clause 11.

3.15  An entry for the published book prizes may be submitted by an agent or publisher on behalf of an author or authors. The agent or publisher does so as agent for the author, and in submitting the entry, warrants that they hold all the rights necessary to enter the awards and agree to these terms on behalf of the author, including to give the permissions and warranties on the author’s behalf.

The following application process and eligibility criteria applies to the University of Tasmania Prize, in addition to the criteria in clause 1.3.

The author(s)

4.1  The entered work must have no more than two authors. Where a work is a co-created with an artist (for example, an illustrated children’s book, graphic novel or photography book), the artist is deemed to be an “author” for the purpose of these terms. This means (amongst other things) that Arts Tasmania will pay the artist an equal share of the prize award for this category (unless the author and the artist inform Arts Tasmania in writing that they have agreed to a different share), the artist may meet the Tasmanian residency requirements, and that the artist may submit the entry to the Awards.

4.2  The author, or one of the two authors, must be resident in Tasmania. This means that the author must have lived in Tasmania for six of the past 12 months.

4.3  The author, or one of the two authors, must be living as at the date of entry into the awards.

The literary work

4.4  The entry must be a complete work in the form of any of the following:

1. a novel
2. a graphic novel
3. a playscript
4. a screenplay (comprising one work or episode)
5. a work for children or young people
6. a work of literary non-fiction
7. a collection of short stories, literary essays or poems.

4.5  The entered work:

1. Must be unpublished and must not be under a contract for publication at the time of entry.  In the case of:
1. a collection (such as a collection of poems, short stories or essays), the individual works may have been previously published
2. a playscript or screenplay, the work may be produced, but it must be unpublished.
2. Must be in English. A work is still ‘in English’ if words, sentences or short sections of another language are used.
3. If it incorporates or uses any Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, must have complied with clause 13.3 below in its creation.
4. Must be the author or authors’ own original work. This means that (amongst other things):
1. the work has not been ghost written by another author
2. the author must not have used artificial intelligence to generate the work or part of the work.

4.6  An author may have only one work entered into the University of Tasmania Prize. An entrant to the University of Tasmania Prize may also enter works in other prize categories.

Entering the work

4.7  An entry must be submitted through the digital entry form on the Tasmanian Literary Awards website on or before 30 September 2024. Late entries will not be accepted.

4.8  The entry must be submitted by completing the information required by the digital entry form and submitting a copy of the entered work. The entered work must:

1. be edited, proof-red, type and double-spaced
2. be in PDF or Microsoft Word format
3. not contain the author’s or authors’ name in the entered work or in the name of the digital file submitted.

4.9  Arts Tasmania will send the entrant confirmation of entry.

4.10  An entry for the University of Tasmania prize must be submitted by the author. It may not be submitted by an agent or publisher on behalf of an author or authors.

4.11  Where the work has more than one author:

1. Arts Tasmania will pay the authors in equal shares, unless the authors inform Arts Tasmania in writing that they have agreed to a different share.
2. The author who is submitting the entry must have the permission of the other author (or their estate) to do enter the work in these awards. The entering author is responsible for ensuring that Arts Tasmania can be provided the Additional Materials and that the entering author can give the licence and warranties in relation to the use of those materials under clause 11.

The writer

5.1  Entrants for the Margaret Scott Tasmanian Young Writer’s Fellowship must:

1. be 30 years old or younger on 1 August 2024
2. be living at the date of application and at the date of the announcement of the award of the fellowship
3. be resident in Tasmania. This means that the entrant must have lived in Tasmania for six of the past 12 months
4. not have previously won the Margaret Scott Tasmanian Young Writer’s Fellowship.

Entry for the fellowship and the writing sample

5.2  An entry must be submitted through the digital entry form on the Tasmanian Literary Awards website on or before 30 September 2024. Late entries will not be accepted.

5.3  The entry must be submitted by completing the information required by the digital entry form and submitting a sample of the writer’s writing. The writing sample:

1. must be a maximum of 10 pages
2. must be in PDF or Microsoft Word format
3. must be typed and double-spaced
4. can be from one work or include several different pieces of work
5. can include a genre, such as non-fiction or fiction for adults, non-fiction or fiction for children and young readers, graphic novels, poetry, play scripts, short stories, or literary essays
6. must be the writer’s own original work. This means that (amongst other things):
1. the work has not been ghost written by or co-authored with another author
2. the author must not have used artificial intelligence to generate the work or part of the work.
7. if it incorporates or uses any Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, must have complied with clause 13.3 below in its creation
8. must be anonymous – it must not contain the author’s name in the entered work or in the name of the digital file submitted.

5.4  Arts Tasmania will send the entrant confirmation of entry.

5.5  The judges may shortlist up to four writers. The judges may request that shortlisted writers submit a larger writing sample to be judged.

5.6  Entrants for the Margaret Scott Tasmanian Young Writer’sFellowship may also enter other categories of the Tasmanian Literary Awards.

5.7  Entries for the Margaret Scott Tasmanian Young Writer’sFellowship must be submitted by the writer. Entries may not be submitted by an agent or publisher on behalf of a writer.

The writer

6.1  Entrants for the Aboriginal Writer’s Fellowship must:

1. confirm in this entry from that they have been approved as eligible for Tasmanian Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and services through the Department of Premier and Cabinet, or,
2. that they have submitted a request to the Department of Premier and Cabinet that is still pending review (reviews must be finalised by 30 September 2024).

   Arts Tasmania will contact the Department of Premier and Cabinet to confirm the eligibility of all entries after the closing date.

   Entrants must also:

3. be living at the date of application and the date of the announcement of the award of the fellowship
4. be resident in Tasmania. This means that the entrant must have lived in Tasmania for six of the past 12 months
5. not have previously won the Tasmanian Aboriginal Writer’s Fellowship.

Entry for the fellowship and the writing sample

6.2  An entry must be submitted through the digital entry form on the Tasmanian Literary Awards website on or before 30 September 2024. Late entries will not be accepted.

6.3  The entry must be submitted by completing the information required by the digital entry form and submitting a writing sample. The writing sample:

1. must be a maximum of 10 pages
2. must be in PDF or Microsoft Word format
3. must be typed and double-spaced
4. can be from one work or include several different pieces of work
5. can include a genre, such as non-fiction or fiction for adults, non-fiction or fiction for children and young readers, graphic novels, poetry, play scripts, short stories, or literary essays
6. must be in English. A work is still ‘in English’ if words, sentences or short sections of another language are used.
7. if it incorporates or uses any Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, must have complied with clause 13.3 below in its creation; and
8. must be the writer’s own original work. This means that (amongst other things):
1. the work has not been ghost written by or co-authored with another author
2. the author must not have used artificial intelligence to generate the work or part of the work.

6.4  Arts Tasmania will send the entrant confirmation of entry.

6.5  The judges may shortlist up to four writers. The judges may request that shortlisted writers submit a larger writing sample to be judged.

6.6  Entries for the Tasmanian Aboriginal Writer’s Fellowship must be submitted by the writer. Entries may not be submitted by an agent or publisher on behalf of a writer.

6.7  Entrants for the Tasmanian Aboriginal Writer’s Fellowship may also enter other categories of the Tasmanian Literary Awards.

7.1  The recipients of the Margaret Scott Tasmanian Young Young Writer’s Fellowship and the Aboriginal Writer’s Fellowship will each receive support from Island Magazine Inc towards a publishing opportunity in Island Magazine:

1. The recipient may select a work authored by the recipient for publication.  The work may be an existing unpublished piece, or it can be something new.  The work can be in any genre or form (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, script, or a hybrid piece) and should be up to 4,000 words in length.
2. The recipient will work with Island Magazine’s team to develop and finalise the chosen piece of writing.
3. The publishing timelines are to be agreed between the recipient and Island Magazine. Island Magazine and the writer may negotiate for Island Magazine provide editorial support or broader mentorship to develop the work.
4. Copyright of the work will remain with the writer.
5. If the work is published by Island Magazine, the writer will receive a licencing fee from Island Magazine in line with the contributor rate for the year of publication.

8.1  Any breach of the terms and conditionsby an entrantmay render an entry invalid. Eligibility following a breach of the terms and conditions will be determined by Arts Tasmania in accordance with clauses 8.2 to 8.5. Arts Tasmania may determine that any breach may render an entry invalid. However, Arts Tasmania may in its absolute discretion instead request that a minor breach be rectified where it is capable of rectification (for example, one relating to double-spacing requirements for an entry). Arts Tasmania will made all decisions in relation to eligibility consistently, fairly and without favour as between entrants.

8.2  Arts Tasmania staff will review and determine the eligibility of all entries and applications before they are provided to judges.

8.3  If any issue in relation to eligibility is raised during the judging process, the judges will refer this issue to Arts Tasmania for determination.

8.4  Arts Tasmania may request supporting documentation or information to support decisions on eligibility. If the information or documentation is not provided within the timeframe set, this may render an entry invalid. Arts Tasmania must provide a reasonable time to provide the supporting documentation or information.

8.5  The decision of Arts Tasmania on eligibility is final.

9.1  The Tasmanian Literary Awards will be judged by a panel of experts drawn from the literary community, including Tasmania and interstate.

9.2  Arts Tasmania will appoint a judging panel for each category of the awards.

9.3  The judges on each judging panel will be independent. If a judge identifies a conflict of interest, they must declare that conflict of interest, and the judge will not read or review the relevant entry.

9.4  The University of Tasmania Prize and the Margaret Scott Tasmanian Young Writer’s Fellowship will be judged anonymously. This means that the judging panel will not know the names of the entrant associated with a particular entry during the judging process.

9.5  The relevant judging panel will determine a longlist for each published book prize.

9.6  The relevant judging panel will determine a shortlist for each published book prize.

9.7  The relevant judging panel may determine a shortlist for each fellowship and the University of Tasmania Prize.

9.8  The relevant judging panel will determine a single winner for each book prize (other than the people’s choice award), the University of Tasmania Prize and each fellowship. If the judging panel’s determination is not unanimous, the decision will be made by majority.

9.9  The judging process is confidential.

10.1  Books that are shortlisted for the published book prizes will be eligible for the People’s Choice Award in the relevant category. Extracts from shortlisted books will be published on the Tasmanian Literary Awards website, alongside a People’s Choice voting form.

10.2  Voting for the People’s Choice Award will:

1. be open to Australian residents
2. take place on the Tasmanian Literary Awards website
3. close on 19 March 2025.

10.3  Individuals voting may only vote once.

10.4  Individuals voting (other than employees of the Creative Industries, Sport and Visitor Economy Division of the Department of State Growth and their immediate families) will have a chance to win a copy of all shortlisted published books.

11.1  If a book is longlisted for a published book prize, the author (or person entering on behalf of the author) may be requested to provide up to four additional copies of the book to Arts Tasmania. If this request is made, the author (or person entering on behalf of the author) must provide the additional copies within two weeks. Any and all materials provided to Arts Tasmania, including hard copies of the book and writing samples, will not be returned to entrants.

11.2  If a book is longlisted for a published book prize or if a writer is shortlisted for the University of Tasmania Prize or a fellowship, when requested, the writer/entering author must provide Arts Tasmania with:

1. an excerpt from the book or work
2. a brief synopsis of the book or work
3. an author(s)/writer biography
4. an author(s)/writer photograph
5. in the case of a book, a cover photo,
   (together, the Additional Material).

11.3  The writer/entering author grants Arts Tasmania a licence to use the Additional Material for the purpose of promotion of the Tasmanian Literary Awards and for Arts Tasmania’s archival records.  Arts Tasmania will not use the Additional Material for any other purpose without the permission of the author/writer or copyright holder.

11.4  The writer/entering author warrants that they are able to grant Arts Tasmania the licence to use of the Additional Material under clause 11.3, and that such use will not infringe copyright or any other intellectual property rights.

12.1  If a book is shortlisted for a published book prize, or if a work is shortlisted for the University of Tasmania prize, or if a writer is shortlisted for a fellowship, the author/writer will make reasonable efforts to make themselves available, at the reasonable request of Arts Tasmania:

1. to attend a shortlist announcement event in person, to be held in February 2025 in Tasmania
2. for press interviews and other promotional purposes before and after the announcement of the Tasmanian Literary Awards
3. to attend the Tasmanian Literary Awards winners’ announcement in person, to be held in March 2025 in Hobart, Tasmania.

12.2  If a winning author/writer is requested by Arts Tasmania to attend an event or promotional activity, and to do so travels more than 100 kilometres, Arts Tasmania agrees to cover the author’s reasonable travel costs.

12.3  Arts Tasmania acknowledges that writers/authors may be reasonably unavailable due reasons including health, family or cultural obligations.

13.1  Authors and writers will retain copyright and moral rights to any books, works or material entered.

13.2  Entrants warrant that the entered book, work or material is original and does not infringe copyright, moral rights or other rights of any third party and is not defamatory.

13.3  Indigenous and Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) refers to all aspects of Indigenous people’s traditional knowledge and cultural expression. It includes (but is not limited to) language, stories, designs, secret and sacred information and traditional knowledge. ICIP rights include the right to protect ICIP, to be attributed for the use of ICIP and to control how ICIP is used and disclosed. If the entrant is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, they warrant that the entered works comply with the entrants’ cultural rules for seeking consent to use ICIP. Otherwise, the entrant warrants that entered works includes or uses any ICIP, entrants warrant that the entered work was created in compliance with the Creative Australia Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts.