This year’s Richell Prize received over 660 entries. Every entry was read by two readers to determine the longlist, which was announced in September. This year the judging panel, comprised of bestselling author Hannah Richell, Adelaide bookseller Gavin Williams, Emerging Writers’ Festival Executive Director Will Dawson and Hachette publisher Vanessa Radnidge, was presented with a longlist of nineteen writers. After numerous readings and a judges’ meeting to discuss the merits of each work, the judges have selected five writers for the 2018 Richell Prize shortlist.
The Richell Prize 2018 Shortlist
Mandy Beaumont, She is Bright Light and All Brilliance
Zoe Ghani, Pomegranate & Fig
Ruth McIver, I Shot the Devil
Fiona Murphy, The Shape of Sound
Fiona Robertson, Tempest and Other Stories
In announcing the shortlist the judges had this to say:
‘It is an honour to read so many wonderful submissions and it is always difficult to narrow the entries down, knowing the time, effort and creativity that has gone into each work. However, the shortlisted writers all sparked our attention and would not be denied: a collection of powerful and uncompromising stories exploring the ideas of femininity; a moving novel about war, displacement and family; a dark and unforgettable literary noir novel; a powerful memoir about a silent secret, shedding fear and gaining disability pride; and a masterful and moving collection of short stories focused on acceptance, forgiveness and hope. It is a remarkable shortlist and the compelling voices, the powerful ideas and the excellence of the writing thrilled us all. Every work illuminates an exciting talent and demonstrates the quality and depth of contemporary Australian writing. To have five very different works by five extremely talented writers on this shortlist is the perfect way to honour the memory of Matt Richell, a man with an eclectic reading taste with one common thread – the quality of the writer.’
Hachette Australia and Emerging Writers’ Festival present Inside the Publishing House
Hachette Australia is teaming up with the Emerging Writers’ Festival for a special one-day online experience on 12 March 2021 to demystify the inner workings of one of Australia’s biggest trade publishing houses.
The Richell Prize 2020 is now open
Hachette Australia, along with the Richell family, is honoured to launch the Richell Prize for Emerging Writers for 2020, in partnership with The Guardian Australia and The Emerging Writers’ Festival.
The 2019 Richell Prize for Emerging Writers
Hachette Australia, along with the Richell family, is honoured to launch the Richell Prize for Emerging Writers for 2019, in partnership with The Guardian Australia and The Emerging Writers’ Festival.
Hachette Australia and the Emerging Writers’ Festival announce The Richell Prize 2018 winner
Hachette Australia, the Emerging Writers’ Festival (EWF) and our media partner Guardian Australia are thrilled to announce the winner of the 2018 Richell Prize for emerging writers.
The Richell Prize 2018 Shortlist
After receiving over 660 entries to the 2018 Richell Prize, we are delighted to announce the 19 writers on this year’s longlist.