Enter The Pearl Prize | Osborne and Fawkner

THE PEARL PRIZE INTERNATIONAL 2027

About The Pearl Prize 2027 INTERNATIONAL: Writers Award

The Pearl Prize is presented by Osborne and Fawkner Publishing as part of The Pearl Prize Season 2027. A writing award where Queer writers have a platform of self-expression through the writing landscape and into publication.

The Pearl Prize is open to writers from Australia and Internationally.

SO DON’T BE TO LATE TO THE PARTAY.

ENTRIES OPEN: NOW
ENTRIES CLOSE: 11.59pm Sunday May 30TH 2027

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 The Pearl Prize Season 2027, in late 2027. The publication will be released during THE PEARL PRIZE SEASON 2027 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 of The Pearl Prize will receive a cash payment, to set their typewriter full of vigour…

A copy of The Pearl Prize 2027

$2000 AUD

And the opportunity to pitch a Novella* to Osborne and Fawkner Publishing .

THE PEARL PRIZE INTERNATIONAL. COULD BE YOURS.

(Novella submission: Subject to contract and terms and conditions. Novella must be a fully completed work, to pitch to O and F Publishing)

The Pearl Prize 2027

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Writers of new original unpublished works are invited to submit writing in any form.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 2027. The publication is released during THE PEARL PRIZE INTERNATIONAL SEASON 2027. The panel will decide the finalists through a selection criteria process and then vote on the winner of The Pearl Prize 2027. The finalists will be announced online in mid 2027. During The Season there will be an Award Presentation Event and other events To Be Announced. Events will take place in: Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne And INTERNATIONALLY in spring 2027.

Australian City event dates will be announced online in April 2027.

Writers can submit up to 2 entries. 2 entries from the same writer entering: could be selected and published in The Pearl Prize 2027.

Through your stories:

Join us in crafting a mix of stories that strike that beat that indulges our senses through the bodies rhythm, that keeps us moving through time together. We are living in this charisma of queer, let’s let the future know we are: hot, sexy, and above all all QUEENS ON THE DANCE FLOOR, AND ALL KINGS IN FULL REGALIA.… And OUR OWN HERO'S. IN OUR OWN LIVES.

YOUR WRITE TO YOUR OWN STORY.

Audience appeal 

Write with your audience in mind. Gather your ideas from what is around you, from your life experience, to what is in your world. Use imagination; our brains are full of an incredible breadth of thought, and intellect. As Queers we are everywhere, we are artistic, intelligent, we are kind, warm, and engaging people, we are everywhere from all walks of life. We are in The Village, We are at StoneWall, Oxford, Greville, Chapel Street, High Street, Hello Montreal, Hello London, Hello New York City, Hello LA, Hello Helsinki, Hello Mumbai, Hello Botswana, Hello Mexico… We are together grinding and dancing on the floor. We are Academics, Builders, Plumbers, Doctors, Lawyers, Dentists,Clerks, Designers, Dancers, we are Sports professionals, we can be anything, we can be anyone. Take from where you come from, bring out your story so you can lead us hand-in-hand.

Authenticity 

The panel are looking for stories that feel real. That are written about a real world time experience by the way you use and craft your piece. Or take us somewhere that is so magical that we are taken into a different reality.

The Pearl Prize 2027

THEME: THE MYSTERY OUT THERE

In the 2027 edition of The Pearl Prize we are asking you the writers to be daring detectives with the intelligence of Miss Marple and a whisker of Hercule Poirot. Take inspiration from historical novels or contemporaries that are written with intense intellect and ability to create a story, poem, any-style, that keeps you guessing. Look at the techniques that are used: dialogue, stream of consciousness writing, colloquialism. Take us back in time. A hint is READ before you WRITE.

Theme: The mystery out there.

Your writing must contain a ‘mystery’ that must be solved and be in the way of a ‘detective’. And we are adding a word mix, as a writers your entry must contain 3 out of these 6 words/objects:

PURSE, WALKING STICK, UMBRELLA, POIROT mustache, MONOCLE, GLOVE

Have a read of mystery books, and how they are structured. Or take from this and write a piece for example that is a poem with a whizz of a mysterious twist at the end? We are asking you to look into writing and ideas and intermix a queer identity into the pages. So what are you waiting for?

We will be looking for craft that is able to intelligently structure a written piece that convinces us that there is something we want to discover.

SO ARE YOU READY TO OPEN THE CLOSET AND LOOK INSIDE?

Conditions of Entry Introduction 

Respond to The Pearl Prize 2027 theme.

Open to entries from Writers living in Australia

.AND EVERYWHERE ON EARTH.

 Up to 2000 words written in any form of writing. 

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. (We may request to sight documentation to prove your Age).  

Written by the writer submitting the work.
You may submit 2 entries at the same time, In the SAME EMAIL.

On entering the Entrant is aware of: what one finalist will receive as The Winner:

The Pearl Prize 2027 Winner Receives:

$2000 AUD

A copy of The Pearl Prize 2027

The opportunity to pitch a Novella to Osborne and Fawkner Publishing, subject to terms and conditions and contract.

Entries close: 11.59pm Sunday May 30th 2027

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. 

Up to 2 entries per entrant.

2 entries by the same entrant, may both be published in The Pearl Prize 2027, and both entries by the same entrant possible judges nominated selection to win.

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 do not support or encourage any form of artificially generated writing (ai writing or supports). We will be scanning documents, if you submit writing that is ai assisted or generated: we view this as an illegitimate creative thought processes and we have zero respect for this practice. If you are selected FINALIST you will be asked to sign a contract prior to publishing and if AI (artificial intelligence) is found at any point, there are legal consequences that will be at your expense.  

Finalists will be able to purchase 1 copy of the book at the events with a (one time use) promo discount code.

We ask you as an entrant to please respect staff and fellow entrants with dignity and respect in person and online. We have the right to reject entries if there is any form of disrespect.

ALL HUMAN: YES.

Be are gracious Winner. If your a Finalist be a gracious Finalist.
And your time will come.

Entrant must adhere to Finer Conditions of Entry: see below.   

HOW TO APPLY: 

You must read through and agree with all conditions of entry before you enter. On entering you are in complete understanding and accepting of all conditions of entry.

Please submit entries via email to:

osborneandfawkner@gmail.com 

When emailing entry:  Subject Title: Pearl Prize Entry 2027_ First Name _Last Name

-Cover page must be the first page of your entry. This needs only to include your full name, mobile/cellphone number, pronouns and postcode/zip code 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 PDF 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. 

And: You may enter 2 Entries at the same time. They MUST BE SUBMITTED IN THE SAME EMAIL.

Only 2 entries MAXIMUM per Writer and you are responsible for ensuring you only enter 2.
 

ENTRY CHECKLIST 

--Pay entry Fee:

EARLY BIRD ENTRY: $25 BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30TH 2026
LATE RISER ENTRY: $30 BY DECEMBER 10TH 2026
A BIT LATER TO THE PARTY: FINAL ENTRIES : $35

— Receive email receipt 

— Prepare entry: Cover Page includes all details & writing. Submission as a PDF

(If there are 2 entries attach 2 separate PDF Files.) 

— Email Entry.

If you submit 2 entries:

You must email the 2 Entries at

the same time,

in the same email. You are responsible for paying the entry fee.

YES: 1 entry fee, covers 2 entries!  
 

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

ABOVE ALL. BE PROUD. BE QUEER.

1. An original, independent work. 

2. Completely incorporates on a creative queer perspective the theme ‘THE MYSTERY OUT THERE.

3. Submitted no later than 11.59pm Sunday May 30th 2027.

4. Entrant must be over the age of 18.  And be prepared for Publisher to request to sight: proof of age identification.

5. Writer if selected as a finalist permits publisher to publish their work in the publication of The Pearl Prize 2027. 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 2000 words written in any form of writing. 2000 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 entry fee. Entry does not guarantee being a finalist as this is a competition. The Entrant understands that the 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, AND ANYWHERE ON EARTH.

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 2027. 

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 2027. 

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 2 entries per entrant may be submitted. It is the responsibility of the writer to make sure that no more than 2 entries are submitted in total. 2 ENTRIES in 2 separate PDF Files must be submitted at the same time, in the same email.

 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. We celebrate you at events and you gain industry recognition. Have manners, if you have to cancel your attendance. 

20. Finalists and Winner agree to give a possible 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 The Pearl Prize Season 2027.

 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 must enter in their own name/preferred name. Entrant must use legal last name (Surname) in terms of communication and signing contract.  They may use a 'pen name' for use as Author of work, but must clearly state to Publisher the pen name and legal name in all communication.

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: THE MYSTERY OUT THERE. 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 MID 2027. Finalist announcement online following contract signing.

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. 

33. The Writer if a finalist understands their work will be published in The Pearl Prize 2027 to be presented at an award presentation during The Pearl Prize Season 2027 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 writer/family/friends i.e travel, transport, administration, schedule, or any logistics/ or costs for the writer and company to attend any event. The writer and cohort bares all costs. All information about the events are listed at the Osborne and Fawkner website and in the printed guide released (in the cities events taking place in Australia, and internationally) during The Pearl Prize Season 2027.

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. If you are a Finalist we may contact you to confirm your contact details. If contact details cannot be confirmed within the allocated and announced time frame, unfortunately entries from you are: rejected and become void.

39. No AI generated or assisted writing. I as a writer understand what is honesty and integrity in the written word. Or I face consequences; if I corrupt the integrity of the written word.

40. I honestly declare as the writer on entering The Pearl Prize 2027. 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 New South Wales, Australia, or any State or Territory in Australia, New Zealand, or court of law internationally.

41. Writer agrees to indemnify the Publisher against any claims arising from breaches of this warranty.