THE PEARL PRIZE 2026

About The Pearl Prize 2026: Writers Award

The Pearl Prize is presented by Osborne and Fawkner Publishing as part of
Midsumma Festival 2026. A writing award where Queer writers have a platform of
self-expression through the writing landscape and into publication.
 

In 2026 The Pearl Prize is going International, opening entries to writers from
Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan.
 

ENTRIES OPEN: NOW
ENTRIES CLOSE: Friday 11.59pm 29th August 2025 Australian Eastern standard time.
 

https://www.osborneandfawknerpublishinghq.com/enter-the-pearl-prize
 

Writers can submit writing in any form to a literary panel and begin their journey in the writing scene. Finalists will be selected and published and the winner of The Pearl Prize announced during Midsumma Festival 2026. The publication will be released during Midsumma Festival and available to purchase. The Pearl Prize and what the meaning of Pearl is; quite simply the
pearl in the oyster and romantic connotations in queer life and love since inception.
 

The Pearl Prize is symbolic of all LGBTQIA people from all backgrounds, walks of life in love and support. We stand for the rights of all LGBTQIA individuals and acknowledge all peoples throughout history and in the present who support and
stand for the freedoms of everybody.

The Winner and Highly Commended receive awards.

The Winner of The Pearl Prize will receive a gift which includes a cash payment, to
set their typewriter tapping, and a copy of The Pearl Prize 2026

$500

Highly Commended is awarded to a Writer of merit, which includes a
cash payment and a copy of The Pearl Prize 2026

$300

The Opportunity

Writers of new original unpublished works are invited to submit writing in any form.
Finalists will be selected and have their works published in a book, The Pearl Prize
2026, available to purchase during Midsumma Festival 2026. A panel will decide the
finalists through a selection criteria process and then vote on the winner of The Pearl
Prize 2026. The finalists will be announced online late 2025.
 

During Midsumma 2026 there will be an Award Presentation Party and a bookshop
launch of the book, and Author meet and greet and book signing event in Victoria,
Australia. Each finalist receives a copy of the book, and the achievement that comes
with being a published writer.
 

Through your stories:

Join us in crafting a festival that not only showcases the richness of individual
narratives and art forms but also celebrates our potential to overcome division by
standing together—perhaps, intriguingly, by acknowledging our differences. Through
the celebration of writing, let's redefine what it means to be united in an era where
the rules of engagement are ever-changing.

THEME 2026 ‘Turning the names inside out’

Queer name tags once thought of as prejudice are transformed historically by us into
strength and might to empower. Look into the world of linguistics and beyond to
create a story that takes the former derogatory terms for LGBTQIA people and use it
with your own words. SO LETS TAKE THEM ON: lemons, cherries, bananas, dough
nuts, and fudge out of the cookie jar and fridge and take us on a journey…may the
words be with you.

This year for The Pearl Prize 2026 we are open to entries from Australia, New
Zealand and Taiwan.

YOUR WRITE TO YOUR OWN STORY.
 

Audience appeal

When writing take inspiration from a wide berth of the world around you. Think about
your work appealing to wide audience of readers. Your story too can be incredibly
important and give insight into writing that needs to be told. Use language in a clever 

narrative remember there is always power with humour!
 

Authenticity

This is essential that the work is original and guided by the writer into a realm of
literary integrity. We are eager to uncover original, unique and authentic stories. The
panel will be looking for works that clearly communicate engaging stories or
captivating commentary upon current or historical events. The writing must respond
to required theme.
 

 

Conditions of Entry Introduction

Respond to The Pearl Prize 2026 theme.
Open to entries from Writers living in Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan.
Up to 1500 words written in any form of prose and/or poetry.
Must be an unpublished new original work.
Not submitted to any publishing agent, outside publisher, or in consideration.
Entries are welcome from people who identify as GSD (Gender and sexually diverse)
as well as allies.
Entrant must be over the age of 18.
Written by the writer submitting the work.
Submit $15 entry fee; must be paid same day as submission of entry online at
Osborne and Fawkner Publishing website.
https://www.osborneandfawknerpublishinghq.com/enter-the-pearl-prize
Please note entries close: Friday 11.59pm 29th August 2025
Australian Eastern standard time.
Payment process through Osborne and Fawkner Publishing Online
Entering does not guarantee being a selected finalist as this is a competition.
Headshot of Writer for publicity purposes when accepted as Finalist.
On being selected as a finalist you must sign a contract stating this is original work
and written by the person submitting the work.
One entry per entrant.
Individual permits the Publisher, if selected as a finalist, to publish the submitted
work and put to print in subsequent print editions in the future.
The writer (entrant) owns the copyright of their work. No further royalties will be paid
to finalist.
Panel decision is final.
We ask you as an entrant to please respect staff and fellow entrants with digity and
respect in person and online. We have the right to reject entries if there is any form
of disrespect.
 

 

Entrant must adhere to Finer Conditions of Entry
 

HOW TO APPLY:

You must read through and agree with all conditions of entry.
Please submit entries via email to:
 

osborneandfawkner@gmail.com
 

When emailing entry:

Subject Title: Pearl Prize Entry 2026_ First Name _Last Name

*Please note there is an entry fee (paid to Osborne and Fawkner Publishing) to enter
this literary award. Entry does not guarantee selection.

-Cover page must be the first page of your entry. This needs only to include your full
name, phone number, pronouns and postcode and order number. This
information is needed to contact you if need be, and to communicate to you
respectfully. Pay entry fee FIRST and include order number from receipt of payment
in cover page with submission when you email your entry. Your receipt is emailed to
you once received.

-Prepare PDF Document with Cover Page
Label file: Title of manuscript _First Name_ Last Name
Your document must include a cover page.

*If submission contains language other than English you must include at the end of
your entry a page title Translation Page, and include a full translation of the non-
english words.

ENTRY CHECKLIST

--Pay entry Fee: $15
--Receive email receipt
--Prepare entry: Cover Page include all details & writing
submission as a PDF
--Email Entry.
 

 

 

Finer Conditions of Entry details in which all writers must adhere to:
 

1. An original, independent work.
2. Completely incorporates on a creative queer perspective the theme ‘turning the
names inside out’
3. Submitted no later than Friday 11.59pm 29th August 2025 Australian Eastern
standard time.
4. Entrant must be over the age of 18.
5. Writer if selected as a finalist permits publisher to publish their work in the
publication of The Pearl Prize 2026. And put to print in subsequent editions in the
future.
6. Writer owns the copyright of their work. No further royalties will be paid to finalist.
The Entrant understands that if selected there is accomplishment in the fact.
7. Up to 1500 words written in any form of writing. 1500 word count is final and if
word count is in excess entry is deemed invalid. Submitted digitally ONLY via email.
The Entry must be submitted in A4 Format as a PDF, Times New Roman Font, Font
Size 14. The submission must be written as a readable document with no altering
to formation, shape, size of text in a visual way.
8. All Entrants pay AUD $15 entry fee. Entry does not guarantee been a finalist as
this is a competition. The Entrant understands that the $15 AUD entrant fee is used
in the production costs associated with producing The Pearl Prize.
And paying the entry fee is mandatory to participate in the process of selection. Entry
does not guarantee selection. The entrant understands that this is an opportunity to
submit work for possible selection.
9. Does not include names of individuals known or public figures without consent
within manuscript.
10. Entries are welcome from people who identify as GSD (Gender and sexually
diverse) as well as allies living in Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan.
11.Written in English; but can have parts (100 words in total) in multiple languages
(yet include translation page, 1 extra page of translation of non-english segments
must be included) Translation page is not part of the writing manuscript. Non English
words must adhere to the guidelines outlined in this document or deemed
invalid entries.
12. free from any claims, including copyright or trademark claims, by other parties.
13. Unpublished. No Appearance online, such as on a blog or in an anthology, that
constitutes prior publication, in no way awaiting correspondence as a submission to
other publisher or award outside The Pearl Prize 2026.
14. Entry not submitted for publication or broadcast elsewhere or entered into any
other. No discussion of entry i.e podcast, television, radio, recording device to the
public prior to award entry and finalists announcements to The Pearl Prize 2026.
15. After this award submission period is complete and finalists announced the writer
if not a finalist is free to submit their entry elsewhere.
16. All entries must follow the online registration and submission process on time.
17. No more than one entry per entrant may be submitted. It is the responsibility of
the writer to make sure that no more than one entry is submitted in total.
18. Entrants warrant that their prize submission is original, entirely their own work,
does not infringe any existing copyright, moral rights or any other rights of any third
party and contains nothing obscene, slanderous, racist, prejudice, chauvinistic,
misogynistic, libellous, unlawful, defamatory or LGBTQIA+ phobic.
19. By submitting an entry, finalists and winner agree to make themselves available
for public relations activities at a reasonable request wherever possible. Book
signing, meet and greet public. Bookstore appearances are strongly encouraged and
show commitment. If travel or distance make it impossible to be present
at events that is okay and understandable.
20. finalists and winner agree to give an interview that may be recorded, and/or
assist in the production of a follow up article in each case that may be published and
made available to the public. During Midsumma Festival 2026.
21. The entrant’s name, biography and image may be used in marketing and
publicity materials and any announcements, publications and communication relating
to the award.
22. Any entries considered to be of an offensive nature may be rejected by the panel.
23. In all matters relating to judging of the Competition, the decision of the panel is
final and no correspondence will be entered into.
24. Entries must include all requested contact details to be eligible to win.
25. Entrants may only enter in their own name/preferred name. But must use legal
last name in signing contract.
26. incomprehensible, illegible, and incomplete entries will be deemed invalid.
27. Entrants responsible for their entry being submitted on time with all required
content or deemed invalid.
28. The award criteria is a democratic process assessed by a panel.
Assessing quality in craft, relation to theme, originality and interpretation of: ‘turning
the names inside out’ Decision of Panel and Publisher is final no correspondence
will be entered into.
29. On becoming a finalist writers agree to signing a contract which states their work
is original and free of any copyright infringements. And the writer will provide
promotional information which includes headshot, and short writer biography.
30. Finalists notified October 2025
31. Once Entrant has submitted an entry, the Entrant cannot withdraw the entry,
make changes to the entry, discuss their entry to any of the judging panel,
participating staff or publisher.
32. Entrant understands and will accept finalist's announced online November 2025.
33. The Writer if a finalist understands their work will be published in The Pearl Prize
2026 to be presented at a Book launch and award presentation during Midsumma
Festival 2026 and mentioned in printed material related to event.
34. The entrant warrants that, as of the date of this Agreement and at all times during
the Term they have the right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement on
signing contract if their piece is selected.
35. If you are an entrant and you engage in any form of harassment of staff or
entrants in relation to The Pearl Prize either, online or in person, the publisher has
the right to automatically reject your entry. If you are found after publishing to have
committed any Offences your entry will be rejected from future printing and editions.
No discussions will be entered into.
36.The publisher is not responsible for any arrangements for the writers/family/
friends i.e travel, transport, administration, schedule, or any logistics/ or costs for the
writer and company to attend any event. The artist bares this responsibility. All
information about the events are listed at the Midsumma Festival website from late
November 2025 and in the printed guide released in late November 2025.
37. The entrant is of complete understanding and accountable for their behaviour in
person, online, and signing legal contract if selected as a finalist.
38. I honestly declare as the writer on entering The Pearl Prize 2026. I have read this
statement and have full understanding. I will supply a real and matching Headshot of
myself as writer and a real and truthful writer biography. I will sign contract with
honesty and integrity. I am over the age of 18 on entering this competition. If
there is found to be any doubt, falsehood or fraud now or in the future committed by
me as the entrant in terms of legal identity in relation to matching my entry as the
writer the publisher can forfeit and reject the entry and remove entry and artist
credits at any stage from publication and future editions. The publisher holds no
responsibility for any falsehood acted on by me the entrant. If me or any of my
identity details and entry does not match, and if i.e bank account details cannot be
certified my place as a writer in the book and receiver of any prize money will be
forfeited. All legal outcomes of falsehood will be brought against me the entrant. All
legal cost will be for me to pay in legal fees which include both parties which
include Publisher legal fees in relation to a court of law in the state of Victoria, or any
State or Territory in Australia, New Zealand, or court of law internationally.