Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize (current subscriber)

If you are a current Overland subscriber, use this form to enter the Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize.

The prize

Supported by the Malcolm Robertson Foundation, and named after the late Neilma Gantner, this prize seeks excellent short fiction of up to 3000 words themed around the notion of ‘travel’; imaginative, creative and literary interpretations are strongly encouraged. This competition is open to all writers, nationally and internationally, at any stage of their writing career. The winning story will receive a $5000 first prize and publication in Overland. Two runners-up will each receive $750.  

Please ensure you are satisfied with your story before submitting. Stories that are withdrawn and subsequently resubmitted will incur a second fee.

Details

The prize deadline has been extended!! Entries now close 11.59 pm, Friday 6 December 2024.  Please read the entry guidelines below before submitting.

Entry conditions

1. This is a prize for original pieces of short fiction written in English, up to 3000 words in length.
2. Stories must be unpublished (including online) and not under consideration by other publishers, including Overland.
3. Stories that have won or are under consideration in other competitions are not eligible.
4. The prize is open to all writers from Australia or New Zealand (located in Australia or elsewhere).
5. Submissions will be processed electronically. Stories should be formatted at 1.5 line spacing and a minimum of 12 point font size (unless formally experimental).
6. The competition will be judged anonymously. The author’s name must not appear on the manuscript or else the story will be disqualified.
7. Each entry must be accompanied by a fee of $12 for Overland subscribers.
8. Multiple entries are acceptable, although each must be entered into the submission system separately and accompanied by the relevant fee.
9. The winning entries will be published in Overland. Other entries may be considered for publication.
10. The judges’ decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into.
11. Overland staff and board members, and their families, are prohibited from entering. All previous, current and ongoing contributors are eligible to enter.
12. Winners will be announced in February 2025. Subscribe to the Overland newsletter to receive announcements as to the results.