The State Library of Queensland (SLQ) is in the 12th year of its annual literary awards program, the black&write! Fellowships. Aptly named, this national program has the dual aims of developing and assisting First Nations writers and editors, through Writing Fellowships and Editing Internships.
Each year, black&write! offers two Fellowships for unpublished manuscripts submitted by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander writers. There are no barriers to the application process, which is free and uncomplicated; both published and unpublished authors can apply. It is also open to a wide range of adult fiction, young adult fiction, short story collection, poetry collection and children’s book manuscripts. A $10,000 cash prize helps take the financial pressure off, to assist writing time.