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Prize that welcomes submissions from writers of fiction and narrative non-fiction who have a completed, previously unpublished manuscript, and who have a connection to Western Sydney.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

The WestWords Prize is now closed for submissions. Shortlisting announcements will be made late November, 2024.

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 It is the manuscript that must be completed and previously unpublished.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