THE PEARL PRIZE 2026
FOR ALL THE STORIES OUT THERE.
About The Pearl Prize: Writers Award
The Pearl Prize is presented by Osborne and Fawkner Publishing as part of Midsumma Festival 2026. A writing award where Queer writers have a platform of self-expression through the writing landscape and into publication.
In 2026 The Pearl Prize is going International, opening entries to writers from Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan.This is a unique opportunity to enter a prize, celebrate and present in Melbourne’s iconic literary and architectural design centres.
ENTRIES OPEN: NOW
ENTRIES CLOSE: Friday 11.59pm 29th August 2025 Australian Eastern standard time.
For full Terms and Conditions head here:
https://www.osborneandfawknerpublishinghq.com/enter-the-pearl-prize
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 Midsumma Festival 2026. The publication will be released during Midsumma Festival 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 and Highly Commended receive awards.
The Winner of The Pearl Prize will receive a gift which includes a cash payment, to
set their typewriter tapping, and a copy of The Pearl Prize 2026
$500
Highly Commended is awarded to a Writer of merit, which includes a
cash payment and a copy of The Pearl Prize 2026
$300
Theme: ‘Turning the names inside out’
All finalists will recieve a copy of The Pearl Prize 2026.
For more information click here
