Entry criteria, 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 in 2027.

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).

1.4. Where a work 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 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 that Creative Tasmania will pay the artist an equal share of the prize award for this category (unless the author and the artist inform Creative 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 as at the date of entry into the awards.

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 digital books only are ineligible.

3.5 The book must have been published for the first time between 2 August 2024 and 2 August 2026.

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 book (words and illustrations) must not be generated by artificial intelligence (AI). To assist judges with their determination of originality and eligibility, entrants must acknowledge where AI has been used in the production of the work (for example formatting or editing assistance).

3.8 If the book incorporates or uses any Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), the creation of the book must have complied with clause 14.3 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 Creative 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 Creative Tasmania.

3.11 The entry must be submitted on or before 17 August 2026 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 Creative Tasmaniain one of two ways:

1. sending four hard copies of the book by post to Creative Tasmania, GPO Box 536, Hobart TAS 7001, postmarked on or before 17 August 2026.
2. delivering four hard copies of the book by hand to Creative Tasmania at 4 Salamanca Place, Hobart, between 9am and 5pm weekdays, no later than 17 August 2026.

3.12 Creative Tasmania will send the entrant confirmation of entry.

3.13 Any and all materials provided to Creative 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. Creative Tasmania will pay the authors in equal shares, unless the authors inform Creative 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 enter the book in these awards. The entering author is responsible for ensuring that Creative 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 Roger Scholes Prize for Writing for Stage or Screen, in addition to the criteria in clause 1.3.

The writer(s)

4.1 The entered work must have no more than two writers. This means that Creative Tasmania will pay the writers an equal share of the prize award for this category (unless Creative Tasmania is informed in writing that both writers have agreed to a different share).

4.2 The writer, or one of the two writers, must be resident in Tasmania. This means that the writer must have lived in Tasmania for six of the past 12 months as at the date of entry into the awards.

4.3 The writer, or one of the two writers, 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 playscript;
2. a screenplay (comprising one individual script, which may be a feature, an episode of a series, or a short-form series of episodes less than 15 minutes totalling no more than one hour);
3. video game script or narrative design document.

4.5 The entered work:

1. must have been first produced on stage or publicly released for screens between 2 August 2024 and 2 August 2026.
2. if it incorporates or uses any Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), must have complied with clause 14.3 below in its creation; and
3. must be the writer or writers’ own original work. This means that (amongst other things):
   1. the work has not been ghost written by another writer; and

4.6 the work must not be generated by artificial intelligence (AI). To assist judges with their determination of originality and eligibility, entrants must acknowledge where AI has been used in the production of the work (for example formatting or editing assistance).

4.7 A writer may only enter one work into the Roger Scholes Prize for Writing for Stage or Screen. An entrant to the Roger Scholes Prize for Writing for Stage or Screen may enter works in other prize categories.

Entering the work

4.8 An entry must be submitted through the digital entry form on the Tasmanian Literary Awards website on or before 17 August 2026. Late entries will not be accepted.

4.9 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, proofread, typed and double-spaced; and
2. be in PDF or Microsoft Word format.

4.10 Creative Tasmania will send the entrant confirmation of entry.

4.11 An entry for the Roger Scholes Prize for Writing for Stage or Screen may be submitted by an agent, producer or production company on behalf of writer or writers. The agent, producer or production company does so as agent for the writer, 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 writer, including to give the permissions and warranties on the writer’s behalf.

4.12 Where the work has more than one writer:

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

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)

5.1 The entered work must have no more than two authors. Where a work is 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 that Creative Tasmania will pay the artist an equal share of the prize award for this category (unless the author and the artist inform Creative 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.

5.2 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 as at the date of entry into the awards.

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

The literary work

5.4 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 individual script, which may be a feature, an episode of a series, or a short-form series of episodes less than 15 minutes totalling no more than one hour);
5. a work for children or young people;
6. a work of literary non-fiction; or
7. a collection of short stories, literary essays or poems.

5.5 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. for a playscript or screenplay, ‘unpublished’ means the work must not have been produced for stage or screen.
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 (ICIP), must have complied with clause 14.3 below in its creation; and
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; and
   2. the work must not be generated by artificial intelligence (AI). To assist judges with their determination of originality and eligibility, entrants must acknowledge where AI has been used in the production of the work (for example formatting or editing assistance).

5.6 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.

5.7 Works previously submitted to this prize are not eligible for entry, regardless of whether they were shortlisted or awarded.

Entering the work

5.8 An entry must be submitted through the digital entry form on the Tasmanian Literary Awards website on or before 17 August 2026. Late entries will not be accepted.

5.9 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, proofread, typed and double-spaced;
2. be in PDF or Microsoft Word format; and
3. not contain the author’s or authors’ name in the entered work or in the name of the digital file submitted.

5.10 Creative Tasmania will send the entrant confirmation of entry.

5.11 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.

5.12 Where the work has more than one author:

1. Creative Tasmania will pay the authors in equal shares, unless the authors inform Creative 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 enter the work in these awards. The entering author is responsible for ensuring that Creative 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

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

1. be 30 years old or younger on 7 September 2026;
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 as at the date of entry into the awards;
4. not have previously won the Margaret Scott Tasmanian Young 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 7 September 2026. 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 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; and
   2. the work must not be generated by artificial intelligence (AI). To assist judges with their determination of originality and eligibility, entrants must acknowledge where AI has been used in the production of the work (for example formatting or editing assistance).
7. if it incorporates or uses any Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), must have complied with clause 14.3 below in its creation; and
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.

6.4 Creative 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 Entrants for the Margaret Scott Tasmanian Young Writer’s Fellowship may also enter other categories of the Tasmanian Literary Awards.

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

The writer

7.1 Entrants for the Aboriginal Writer’s Fellowship must:

1. confirm that they meet the Department of Premier and Cabinet’s eligibility for Tasmanian Government Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and services;
2. be living at the date of application and 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 as at the date of entry into the awards;
4. not have previously won the Aboriginal Writer’s Fellowship.

Entry for the fellowship and the writing sample

7.2 An entry must be submitted through the digital entry form on the Tasmanian Literary Awards website on or before 7 September 2026. Late entries will not be accepted.

7.3 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, screenplays, short stories, or literary essays; and
6. if it incorporates or uses any Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), must have complied with clause 14.3 below in its creation; and
7. 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; and
   2. the work must not be generated by artificial intelligence (AI). To assist judges with their determination of originality and eligibility, entrants must acknowledge where AI has been used in the production of the work (for example formatting or editing assistance).

7.4 Creative Tasmania will send the entrant confirmation of entry.

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

7.6 Entries for the 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.

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

8.1 The recipients of the Margaret Scott Tasmanian Young Writer’s Fellowship and the Aboriginal Writer’s Fellowship will each receive up to 10 hours of mentoring or editorial support from Island Magazine Inc. and the opportunity to pursue 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 the team at Island Magazine to develop and finalise the chosen piece of writing.
3. The publishing timelines are to be agreed between the recipient and Island Magazine.
4. Copyright of the work will remain with the writer.
5. If a work is published by Island Magazine, the writer will receive a licensing fee from Island Magazine at Island Magazine’s contributor rate for 2027.

9.1 Any breach of the terms and conditions by an entrant may render an entry invalid. Eligibility following a breach of the terms and conditions will be determined by Creative Tasmania in accordance with clauses 9.2 to 9.5. However, Creative 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). Creative Tasmania will make all decisions in relation to eligibility consistently, fairly and without favour as between entrants.

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

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

9.4 Creative 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. Creative Tasmania must provide a reasonable time to provide the supporting documentation or information.

9.5 The decision of Creative Tasmania on eligibility is final.

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

10.2 Creative Tasmania will appoint a judging panel for each prize or fellowship.

10.3 The judges 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.

10.4 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.

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

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

10.7 The relevant judging panel will determine shortlists for each fellowship, the Roger Scholes Prize for Writing for Stage or Screen and the University of Tasmania Prize.

10.8 The relevant judging panel will determine a single winner for each published book prize (other than the People’s Choice Award), the Roger Scholes Prize for Writing for Stage or Screen, the University of Tasmania Prize and each fellowship. If the judging panel’s determination is not unanimous, the decision will be made by majority.

10.9 The judging process is confidential.

11.1 Shortlisted entries 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.

11.2 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 in March 2027.

11.3 Individuals voting may only vote once.

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

12.1 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 Creative 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 Creative Tasmania, including hard copies of the book and writing samples, will not be returned to entrants.

12.2 If a book is longlisted for a published book prize or if a writer is shortlisted for the Roger Scholes Prize for Writing for Stage or Screen, the University of Tasmania Prize or a fellowship, when requested, the writer/entering author must provide Creative 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; and
5. in the case of a book, a cover photo,
   (together, the Additional Material).

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

12.4 The writer/entering author warrants that they are able to grant Creative Tasmania the licence to use the Additional Material under clause 12.3, and that such use will not infringe copyright or any other intellectual property rights.

13.1 If a book is shortlisted for a published book prize, or if a work is shortlisted for the Roger Scholes Prize for Writing for Stage or Screen, 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 Creative Tasmania:

1. to attend a shortlist announcement event in person, to be held in Hobart, Tasmania, in March 2027;
2. for press interviews and other promotional purposes before and after the announcement of the Tasmanian Literary Awards; and
3. to attend the Tasmanian Literary Awards winners’ announcement in person, to be held in Hobart, Tasmania, in mid-2027.

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

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

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

14.2 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.

14.3 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, if entered works includes or uses any ICIP, the entrant warrants that the entered work was created in compliance with the Creative Australia Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts.