The WestWords Prize is a new publishing Prize that welcomes submissions from writers of fiction and narrative non-fiction who have a completed, previously unpublished manuscript, and who have a connection to Western Sydney.

The winner of the Prize will receive a publication deal with WestWords’ Books, WestWords’ adult trade imprint.

Dates …

  • The WestWords Prize opens August 26th, 2024
  • The WestWords Prize closes October 8th, 2024
  • The Winner of the Prize will be announced late November, 2024

Connection to Western Sydney …

For the purposes of this Prize, we define a connection to Western Sydney as one of these three: 

  • have been born and raised in Greater Western Sydney
  • have lived in Greater Western Sydney for more than 2 years
  • have worked in the region for a substantial length of time and within the past 5 years

The manuscript …

  • must be completed, and not previously published (including self-published)
  • can be any genre of fiction or narrative non-fiction, intended for an adult readership
  • must be between 60k and 90k words
  • must not be entered into any other prizes, or under consideration at any other publisher
  • must be submitted in 12pt font, Times New Roman, double spaces, with default margins 

FAQ & Terms and Conditions

Click here to read the full terms and conditions of entry.

I am a published author, can I still enter?

Yes, the Prize welcomes submissions from authors who have previously published both traditionally and self-published. It is the manuscript that must be completed and previously unpublished. 

My manuscript is for a YA and adult audience, can I enter? 

We recommend manuscripts be intended for an adult readership. 

My manuscript is over 90k, can I still enter? 

Manuscripts must be between the 60k-90k range (with minor allowance either side). Manuscripts over 90.9k will not be read. 

I have a poetry collection, or a short story collection, may I enter?

No, this is a call for novel-length works of fiction and narrative non-fiction prose. 

Which LGAs are considered “Western Sydney”?

Western Sydney is defined as these LGAs:

  • Blacktown City
  • Blue Mountains City
  • Camden Council
  • Campbelltown City
  • Cumberland Council
  • Fairfield City
  • The City of Canterbury-Bankstown
  • Hawkesbury City
  • Liverpool City
  • The City of Parramatta
  • Penrith City
  • The Hills Shire
  • Wollondilly Shire

I am not sure about my connection to Western Sydney, should I still enter? 

If you are unsure if you meet the requirements of entry, or have any questions at all, please email admin@westwords.com.au 

 

Click here to learn more about WestWords Books publication imprint