Entries now open for the 2019 Northern Territory Literary Awards
The annual Northern Territory Literary Awards are now open for 2019. Administered by the Northern Territory Library, the Awards were established in 1983 to promote the importance of literature and celebrate the achievements of writers across the Northern Territory.
Awards are presented across seven different categories: creative non-fiction, short story, poetry, essay, youth, theatre and flash fiction. The Northern Territory Library encourages all writers to submit their unpublished work for a chance to win cash prizes plus annual memberships and masterclasses with NT Writers’ Centre.
Patrick Gregory, the Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture’s Senior Director Northern Territory Library and Archives, urges all writers across the Territory, young and old, emerging and established to give it a go.
“The Northern Territory Library is keen to support aspiring and established Territorian literary talents and with seven different categories and genres, I encourage all creative and academic writers to send in their submissions.
“In 2018 over 300 submissions were entered and we were thrilled with the diverse range of writing on display.
It’s a reflection of who we are, a community of storytellers and the Library is looking forward to the wide range of entries that will be on offer this year” Mr Gregory said.
Now in its 36th year, the Northern Territory Library proudly manages the awards in collaboration with sponsors, industry partners and the writing community.
The official categories for the 2019 Northern Territory Literary Awards are:
ZipPrint Short Story Award
An original work of short fiction - up to 3000 words
$1,000, an NT Writers’ Centre membership and masterclass
NT Writers’ Centre Poetry Award
A single poem - up to 300 lines, limited to three entries per person
$1,000, an NT Writers’ Centre membership and masterclass
Charles Darwin University Creative Non-Fiction Award
A factually-accurate work written with attention to literary style and technique - up to 3000 words
$500, an NT Writers’ Centre membership and masterclass
Charles Darwin University Essay Award
A referenced academic essay - up to 3000 words
$1000 prize and a NT Writers’ Centre membership and masterclass.
Kath Manzie Youth Award
An original work of short fiction or a single poem by a person aged 12 to 18 years as of 1 January 2019 - up to three poetry entries per person with a 300 line limit or a short story up to 3000 words
$600, an NT Writers’ Centre membership and masterclass
Brown's Mart Theatre Award
An original, unperformed play script
$1,000, an NT Writers’ Centre membership and masterclass
Flash Fiction Award
A blog post, fan fiction, short story, fictional diary entry or fictional letter - up to 500 words and three entries per person
$600, an NT Writers’ Centre membership and masterclass
The shortlist will be announced in June and the Awards ceremony held at the Northern Territory Library towards late July.
Entries are now open and close at midnight on Monday 29 April. Visit www.ntl.submittable.com for Terms and Conditions and to submit your entries.
Photo by Oliver Eclipse Photography. 2018 Northern Territory Literary Awards Ceremony. L to R: Professor Barry Judd from Charles Darwin University, Award winner Mary Anne Butler, Award finalist Parker Black, Mayor of Alice Springs, Damien Ryan