A new writing prize for under 35s provides a publishing contract with Fremantle Press and a $20,000 cash prize from the Fogarty Foundation
Submissions for the inaugural Fogarty Literary Award are now open. One of Australia’s richest literary awards for young writers, the Fogarty Literary Award is a biennial prize awarded to an unpublished manuscript by a Western Australian author aged between 18 and 35 for a work of fiction, narrative non-fiction or young adult fiction. The winner receives a cash prize of $20,000 and a publishing contract with Fremantle Press.
Fremantle Press publisher Georgia Richter, who will judge the award alongside children’s publisher Cate Sutherland, said she was looking for a manuscript that told a great story, one that stayed with the reader long after they finished it. She said previously published authors who fit the age criteria would be welcome to enter.
‘A generous cash prize like this can be invaluable for a young writer, especially if it can give them time to continue to write. Winning a major literary award is also very affirming, and we look forward to someone feeling that encouragement and inspiration that would come from winning this award,’ said Richter.
On behalf of the Fogarty Foundation, Executive Chairperson Annie Fogarty, AM, said the award was the first and only literary prize dedicated exclusively to young Western Australian writers. ‘The Fogarty Foundation is committed to identifying the storytellers of tomorrow and is proud to play its part in supporting a vibrant literary arts community in Western Australia.’
The winning manuscript will be scheduled for publication in 2020 with an education tour planned to coincide with the book’s release.
Fremantle Press CEO Jane Fraser said the Fogarty Foundation was known for investing in literacy and storytelling as the cornerstones of lifelong learning. ‘This award empowers the winning writer to become a literary leader through their participation in educational events aimed at encouraging more young people to read and write.’
The Fogarty Foundation was established by Brett and Annie Fogarty in 2000 to support and provide educational and leadership opportunities for young people across the spectrum of the Western Australian community. As well as partnering with a range of organisations, the foundation has initiated its own programs that include the UWA Fogarty Scholarship Program, CoderDojo WA and Fogarty EDvance.
Entry forms and full terms and conditions are available from fremantlepress.com.au/fogarty-award/.