Hachette Australia, together with the Richell family, established The Richell Prize for Emerging Writers in partnership with The Guardian Australia and The Emerging Writers’ Festival (EWF). The Prize was launched in 2015 in memory of Hachette Australia’s CEO, Matt Richell, who died suddenly in July 2014.

‘I’m so proud of the Richell Prize, the legacy it’s created in my late husband’s name, and all that it’s achieved in the nine years since its launch. Taking the first steps as an emerging writer can be a confusing and daunting process. The Richell Prize has been designed to help guide new talent towards publication, with financial and mentoring support. Unlike some prizes, we don’t ask for a completed manuscript. We simply ask for the first three chapters, a clear vision and your commitment to finishing your project. The talent we’ve already unearthed has dazzled and excited us, and we can’t wait to make a new discovery this year. If you’re thinking of entering, please take the leap. We’re ready to help you take flight.’ – Hannah Richell, bestselling author of SECRETS OF THE TIDES and THE RIVER HOME.

The Prize is open to unpublished writers of adult fiction and adult narrative non-fiction. Writers do not need to have a full manuscript at the time of submission, though they must intend to complete one.

The winner receives $10,000 in prize money, donated by Hachette Australia, and a year’s mentoring with one of Hachette Australia’s publishers. The Emerging Writers’ Festival’s involvement in this Prize is sponsored by Simpsons Solicitors.

2026 Key Dates:

Prize opens: 23 April 2026

Prize closes: 13 July 2026

Longlist announced: 11 September 2026 

Shortlist announced: 16 October 2026

Winner announced: 6 November 2026

How is it judged, and by whom?

The Richell Prize is judged on the strength of the writing in the first three chapters of the work, a synopsis, a chapter breakdown of the rest of the book, and a statement about how winning the Prize will further your writing career. The prize is judged by a panel of industry experts including a Hachette Australia publisher, bestselling author Hannah Richell, and two booksellers.

The applications will be judged on three main criteria:

• The writing – make sure that you are telling an original story that you have a burning desire to share
• The synopsis – give us a brief summary of the plot, major characters, themes and settings in the book and a chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the rest of the book
• Why you want it – tell us how winning the Prize will help you further your writing career 

Published authors of The Richell Prize