The CAL Scribe Fiction Prize

The judges of the CAL Scribe Fiction Prize, Kerryn Goldsworthy, Mark Rubbo and Aviva Tuffield, are thrilled to announce the shortlist for the inaugural prize:

Maris Morton, ‘A Darker Music’
Meg Mundell, ‘Black Glass’
Jane Sullivan, ‘Little People’

The CAL Scribe Fiction Prize for writers over 35 attracted 534 entrants, with the eldest born in 1919 (90 years old), while 22 entrants were born in the 1920s and 64 in the 1930s.

The standard was very high and it was a tough task to narrow the longlist down to just three manuscripts.

Aviva Tuffield, Fiction Acquisitions Editor at Scribe, said: ‘The judging process was quite lengthy and the judges admired all of the longlisted manuscripts. However, after much deliberation, we feel confident of the calibre of the three shortlisted works. Narrowing it down to one winner will be extremely tricky.’

The winner will be announced on Thursday 18 February at the newly opened Wheeler Centre in Melbourne. The winner will receive $12,000 and a book contract from Scribe.

Tuffield added: ‘I do hope that ultimately Scribe will be able to publish more than just the winning book.’

Here is the full longlist:

George Dunford - 'A Butterfly Goodbye'
Angus Gaunt - 'Under the Ha-Ha'
Leah Kaminsky - 'The Waiting Room'
Jonathan Marshall - 'A Life of Fire'
Maris Morton - 'A Darker Music'
Meg Mundell - 'Black Glass'
Andrew Nette - 'Last Chances'
Jane Sullivan - 'Little People'
Niki Tulk - 'Shadows and Wings'
Jen Webb - 'The Idea of Gravity'

Thanks to all who sent in an entry: we had an overwhelming response and look forward to running the prize again in 2010.

About the prize

In August 2009, Scribe launched the CAL Scribe Fiction Prize for an unpublished manuscript by an Australian writer over 35, regardless of publication history. The winner will receive $12,000 and a book contract from Scribe.

Many writers only find the time and have acquired the life experience to write fiction later in life. This prize recognises that there are many examples of late bloomers when it comes to writers, certainly in terms of getting published. Youth is already celebrated in so many ways, and Scribe wants to support writers who are emerging or still going strong in their prime.

It is Scribe’s intention that this prize will raise the profile of Australian fiction, demonstrate our commitment to local authors, and find a wonderful new voice and/or novel.

Scribe gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the CAL Cultural Fund.

Click here to download the media release announcing the launch of the prize.