The Stringybark Open Themed Short Story Award 2026

Closing date 1 February 2026

Stringybark Stories is proud to announce its 45th short story competition since 2010. Stringybark Publishing, and authors Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist are proud to sponsor the Stringybark Open Themed Short Story Award 2026.

This is the flagship Stringybark short story award. The theme is completely open however your short story must have a link to Australia (no matter how small and inconsequential – a passing koala is fine with us). The story must be: 

• 1500 words or fewer in length
• have a link to Australia
• written for an audience aged 16 and above.

There is an award pool of over $1420 in cash and books to encourage you in this endeavour, provided by sponsors Stringybark Publishing, and Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist.

Length: up to 1500 words 
Award value: Over $1420 in cash and books.
Entry fees: $15 for one story, $28 for two stories, $39 for three stories (max). 

Details at: https://www.stringybarkstories.net