The Department of Tourism and Culture has today announced the opening of the 2018 Northern Territory Literary Awards.

Now in its 35th year, the Northern Territory Literary Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of Northern Territory writers, with the entries open to all writers in seven different categories and genres.

Department of Tourism and Culture’s Director Northern Territory Library, Patrick Gregory, said the Library was excited to hold the Literary Awards again for 2018, and encouraged all budding Territory writers to apply.

“I encourage all writers across the NT, from our Red Centre to the Top End, whether experienced wordsmiths or just starting out, to submit their work to the 2018 NT Literary Awards. Winners receive fantastic cash prizes, as well as free memberships and masterclasses with the Northern Territory Writers’ Centre.

“The categories include creative non-fiction, short story, poetry, essay, youth, theatre and flash fiction, with all finalists’ work being published in a book to help celebrate the 2018 entries.

“We had a terrific field of over 300 submissions in 2017, and I very much look forward to seeing the creativity and skill of Territory writers on display again in 2018,” said Mr Gregory.

The official categories for the 2018 Northern Territory Literary Awards are:

• ZipPrint Short Story Award
  An original work of short fiction - up to 3000 words

• NT Writers’ Centre Poetry Award
  A single poem - up to 300 lines, limited to three entries per person

• Charles Darwin University Creative Non-Fiction Award
  A factually-accurate work written with attention to literary style and technique - up to 3000 words

• Charles Darwin University Essay Award
  A referenced academic essay - up to 3000 words

• Kath Manzie Youth Award
  An original work of short fiction or a single poem by a person aged 12 to 18 years as of 1 January 2018 - up to three poetry entries per person with a 300 line limit or a short story up to 3000 words

• Browns Mart Theatre Award
  An original, unperformed play script

• Flash Fiction Award
  A blog post, fan fiction, short story, fictional diary entry or fictional letter - up to 500 words and three entries per person.

The 2018 awards ceremony will be held for the first time in Alice Springs at the Araluen Arts Centre on Tuesday 24 July, recognising the strength of Territory-wide writing talent.

Entries will open on Monday 19 March and close at midnight on Monday 30 April. Go to the online form at www.ntl.submittable.com for Terms and Conditions and to submit your entries.

ENDS

Media interview
Department of Tourism and Culture, Director of Northern Territory Library Patrick Gregory.

Media contact
Department of Tourism and Culture | Media Manager 0476 844 832