Resources for new & emerging writers

Are you looking for resources for young writers in Australia? We’ve pulled together some opportunities for learning, places to publish your work, writing prizes and opportunities for 2026, and other avenues to explore. 

Whether you’re interested in writing a novel, publishing your poetry or writing true stories about your life, there are so many writing opportunities for new and emerging writers. Explore them below. 

Library resources

The Library offers plenty of spaces to dream, brainstorm, write or study – let your imagination take flight in the magnificent Dome, fuel yourself with a coffee in the Russell Street Welcome Zone or claim your favourite desk in the Redmond Barry Reading Room.  

The Library holds many books about writing and creativity in the collection, with plenty of options for young writers looking to brush up on their knowledge or develop some new skills:

• Get practical tips on writing poetry, fiction and plays in For the Budding Writer by Roselyne M Jua and Bate Besong
• Get your creative juices flowing with Don’t Forget to Write: 50 Enthralling and Effective Writing Lessons, Ages 11 and Up
• Interested in fantastic worlds? Discover Wonderbook: An Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction by Jeff VanderMeer

You can access the Library’s e-resources and much more with a free Library membership – sign up here. 

From zine workshops to research skills, there’s a huge range of workshops on offer for students – discover our School programs (and don't forget to share the page with your teacher!). 

Did you know we also offer memberships just for students that comes with loads of extra benefits? It's a smart way to supercharge your writing or study!

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and keep an eye on our What’s On page to stay up to date with workshops, events and opportunities for young writers at the Library. 

Youth writing competitions in 2026

The Sheila Malady Short Story Competition invites young people aged 18 and under to submit a short story up to 2000 words with the theme "Much Ado About Nothing." All genres of short stories are welcome. Entries close 16 February 2026. 

The Young Adas Short Story Prize is open to young people between 14 and 18 years of age who live, work or study in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Each writer can submit a single story that is no more than 1000 words in length. Entries close 8 March 2026.

The Future Leaders Writing Prize is designed to recognise and reward talented young writers. It aims to encourage expressive and creative writing. Young people in Year 11 and 12 are invited to submit a piece of writing between 800 to 1000 words. Submissions can be fiction or non-fiction and on any topic. Entries close 1 May 2026. 

The RAS AB Paterson Bush Poetry Award is open to young people from Prep to Year 12. Entrants are invited to craft an original poem of 50 lines or fewer, exploring the beauty, mystique, enchantment, and unique characteristics of the Australian bush. Entries close 27 March 2026. 

The Calanthe Collective Prize for Unpublished Poetry invites young people in secondary school to submit up to five individual poems on any theme. Entries close 31 March 2026.    

The Boroondara Literary Awards are open to young people who live, work or study in Boroondara, and accepts entries of poetry or prose. There are three categories: Junior (open to young people in school Years 5 and 6), Middle (open to young people in school Years 7, 8 and 9) and Senior (open to young people in secondary school years 10, 11 and 12, and young people not in secondary school, aged 15 to 18 years old as of 1 January 2026). Entries open 16 February 2026.

The Moorabool Young Writers Awards are open to young people from Prep to Year 12 who live, study, work, or regularly participate in community activities within Moorabool Shire Council. Entrants are invited to submit a short story to the theme of Fairy Tales and Fables. Entries open 9 March 2026. 

Programs and workshops for young writers in Victoria

Express Media, based in Melbourne, offers a broad range of workshops, programs and publishing opportunities for writers under 30. Express Media also publishes Voiceworks, a national literary journal that features exciting new writing and art by young Australians under 25. 

Australian Poetry Slam Youth empowers young people to write and perform their own stories. Organised by Word Travels, APS Youth brings exhilarating performances, interactive workshops and poetry slams to schools, libraries and communities around Australia. Programs are available online or in-person.

Mount Waverley Library runs a Young Writers’ Group for writers aged 11 to 18. Sessions include fun writing activities, meeting other young writers, and feedback on your writing from author Melissa Gijsbers.

Healesville Library runs a Young Writers' Group for writers in Years 7 to 10. These sessions include the opportunity to meet fellow writers, learn new skills and have time to write. 

The Young Writers' Club at Bunjil Place Library in Narre Warren is an opportunity for kids to share their love for books, reading and writing. Suitable for children ages 10 and up. 

Story Studio offers online and in-person writing workshops in Melbourne for young writers aged 6 to 18, in a fun, immersive and interactive environment. 

Words of a Feather offers online and in-person workshops in Melbourne young writers aged 7 to 17, as well as mentorships, story camps and more.