EWF to pleased to present, in partnership with RMIT University, the inaugural shortlist for the Speculate Prize for Emerging Writers.

The Speculate Prize for Emerging Writers is a literary prize open to Australian emerging writers studying at TAFE or university who are keen to share short work that speaks to the otherness, complexity and expansiveness of ‘speculation’ through literature in either content, genre or form.

Congratulations to the five shortlisted writers!

Emma Rayward – An economy of tubes

Lily Davidson – Honey

Melissa King – The Bungalow

Sophie He – The maker of birds

Will Moss – Spider Egg

Congratulations to one highly commended writer:

Sarah Grant – For Having Teeth

The winner of the Speculate Prize for Emerging Writers will receive $1,500 prize money inclusive of $250 stipend towards a week-long writing residency at the RMIT McCraith House on the Mornington Peninsula, a free full pass to the 2025 National Writers’ Conference run by Emerging Writers’ Festival, as well as a free Festival Pass for all performance events at the 2025 Emerging Writers’ Festival. The winning piece will also receive digital publication with Emerging Writers’ Festival.

In addition to a winner, one highly commended entry will win $250 prize money, as well as a free full pass to the 2025 National Writers’ Conference, and one free Festival Pass for all performance events at the 2025 Emerging Writers’ Festival.

Massive congratulations to the shortlisted writers, and also to all those who have been listed, commended and who submitted to this prize for Australian TAFE and university students.

The winner of the Speculate Prize will be announced in the coming months. Follow EWF on our socials and join our newsletter community to be the first to hear the news.