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Aspiring and established writers across the Hawkesbury are being encouraged to put pen to paper and aim for international recognition, with submissions now open for the 2026 CRAFT Award for Excellence.
Hosted by respected US-based literary journal CRAFT, the annual award celebrates outstanding unpublished prose and offers a significant platform for emerging and established voices alike.
The competition is open from 9 February to 12 April 2026 and invites submissions across four categories: fiction, creative nonfiction, flash fiction and flash creative nonfiction. Winners in each category will receive USD $1,000, publication in CRAFT, a commemorative plaque and a reMarkable Paper Pro tablet. Two additional editor’s choice selections will each receive USD $500 and publication.
For Hawkesbury’s growing writing community from students and teachers to retirees and rural storytellers the award presents a chance to share local voices on a global stage.
With its rich history, dramatic landscapes and tight-knit community spirit, the Hawkesbury has long been fertile ground for storytelling. From life along the Hawkesbury River to multigenerational farming families and rapidly changing town centres, local writers have no shortage of inspiration.
Submissions must be previously unpublished and written primarily in English. Long-form fiction and creative nonfiction entries can be up to 5,000 words, while flash categories are capped at 1,000 words per piece. Entries close on April 12, with winners announced in August and publication scheduled for September 2026.
Local writers interested in entering can find full guidelines at craftliterary.com.
For Hawkesbury storytellers ready to take the leap, this could be the year their words travel far beyond the valley.
For more information visit https://www.craftliterary.com/craft-award-for-excellence-2026/
