Entries for the 2026 Storylines Manuscript Awards are open – and close 31 October.
These prestigious awards support emerging and established Aotearoa NZ writers in creating high-quality books for young readers. Prizes include publication opportunities, cash prizes and mentorship.
📢 What’s New?
Storylines has revised its entry process – all entries are now digital only, with no printed copies required. Submit your entry easily via email or online!
🌟 Awards Now Open:
📖 Storylines Te Kahurangi Kāterina Te Heikōkō Mataira Award (for work in te reo Māori)
- Genre: Picture book, junior fiction, young adult, or non-fiction
- Prize: $1500 + publication with Huia
- Open to: All NZ writers (published/unpublished) writing originally in te reo Māori
- Entry fee: $20
🔗 More info & how to enter »
🧒 Storylines Janice Marriott Mentoring Award (for junior fiction writers)
- Genre: Junior fiction (8–12 years)
- Prize: 6-month mentorship with Janice Marriott
- Open to: NZ unpublished writers
- Entry: 1-page synopsis + two sample chapters
- Entry fee: $20 (members) / $40 (non-members)
🔗 More info & how to enter »
📚 Storylines Tessa Duder Award (for young adult fiction)
- Genre: YA fiction (13–18 years), including graphic novels
- Prize: $1500 + publication with Allen & Unwin
- Bonus: $500 shortlist prize if unpublished
- Word count: Max 75,000 words
- Entry fee: $20 (members) / $40 (non-members)
🔗 More info & how to enter »
📘 Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award (for junior fiction)
- Genre: Junior fiction (8–12 years)
- Prize: $1500 + publication with Scholastic NZ
- Bonus: $500 shortlist prize if unpublished
- Word count: 25,000–45,000 words
- Entry fee: $20 (members) / $40 (non-members)
🔗 More info & how to enter »
📗 Storylines Joy Cowley Award (for picture books)
- Genre: Picture books (2–7 years)
- Prize: $1500 + publication with Scholastic NZ
- Bonus: $500 shortlist prize if unpublished
- Word count: Max 1000 words
- Entry fee: $20 (members) / $40 (non-members)
🔗 More info & how to enter »
🗓️ Don’t Miss Out – Entries Close 31 October 2025
Whether you’re an emerging writer or a seasoned storyteller with a new idea, we’d love to read your work.
