Competition
Open
7w left
Open globally
The Hope Prize 2026/2027
The Hope Prize, in partnership with Simon & Schuster Australia and Readings Books.
Starting an application unlocks tasks, requirements, notes, and deadline reminders.
Funding amount
1st Prize: AUD 10,000
2nd Prize: AUD 2,000
3rd Prize: AUD 1,000
Publication in a Simon & Schuster anthology
Deadline
October 31, 2026
Level
Early Career
Mid Career
Other
What's covered
Prize
Publication
Networking
Global Recognition
About this opportunity
The Hope Prize is an international short story competition that celebrates stories exploring the theme of hope in its broadest sense. The competition seeks original, unpublished fiction that reflects resilience, courage, kindness, or optimism. Winning stories receive substantial cash prizes, publication in an anthology published by Simon & Schuster Australia, and international recognition.
Requirements
- Open to writers worldwide.
- Applicants must be 18 years or older as of 31 October 2026.
- Stories must be written in English.
- Entries must be original and unpublished.
- Stories must not exceed 5,000 words.
- Simultaneous submissions are permitted, but entrants must notify the organizers if the work is accepted elsewhere.
- Multiple entries are allowed; each requires a separate entry fee.
- All submissions must be made through the official online portal before the deadline