2017 Richell Prize

2017 Richell Prize

Hachette Australia, along with the Richell family, is honoured to launch the third year of The Richell Prize for Emerging Writers, in partnership with The Guardian Australia and The Emerging Writers' Festival (EWF). 

-Hachette Australia's core purpose is to contribute to the development and health of Australian culture through the power of storytelling, The Richell Prize is integral to that aim, and we are so proud to once again offer this prize to emerging writers' – Fiona Hazard, Publishing Director – Hachette Australia.

-The Richell Prize has opened, and continues to open, so many wonderful doors, from the support, interest and expert advice given by Hachette Australia and many others to renewed self-confidence in the writing process.  It is a unique, exciting and generous prize, a real game-changer that keeps on giving' – Sally Abbott, author of the forthcoming CLOSING DOWN (to be published by Hachette Australia in May 2017) and winner of the inaugural Richell Prize for Emerging Writers (2015).

The Prize is once again open to unpublished writers of adult fiction and adult narrative non-fiction.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 Prize will be judged on the first three chapters of the submitted work, along with a synopsis outlining the direction of the proposed work and detail about how the author's writing career would benefit from winning the Prize.

'The Richell Prize provides a unique opportunity for an emerging writer in that it not only comes with a cash prize - which directly translates into time to write and further develop craft - but also a 12-month mentorship with one of Hachette Australia's expert publishers. The prize can provide a foot in the door to the publishing industry not only for the winner, but also other entrants and shortlisted writers.' – Izzy Roberts – Orr, Creative Director of the Emerging Writers' Festival

The winner will receive $10,000 in prize money, to be donated by Hachette Australia and a year's mentoring with one of Hachette Australia's publishers. Hachette Australia will work with the winning writer to develop their manuscript with first option to consider the finished work, and the shortlisted entries, for publication.  So far the prize has seen the signing of two authors – the 2015 winner, Sally Abbott (CLOSING DOWN, publishing in May 2017) and 2015 shortlisted author Brodie Lancaster (No Way! Okay, Fine publishing in July 2017).

As well as promoting the Prize, The Guardian Australia will publish an extract of the first chapter of the winning work and a profile on the winning writer.

The Prize will also be supported by Simpsons Solicitors and Joy. All details of the award can be found at www.emergingwritersfestival.org.au and www.hachette.com.au.

The Prize, which is awarded annually, is in memory of Hachette Australia's former CEO, Matt Richell, who died suddenly in July 2014. 

ENTRIES OPEN: 27^th March, 2017

ENTRIES CLOSE: 3^rd July, 2017

WINNER ANNOUNCED: 1^st November, 2017