Applications are now closed.
Calling all emerging literary critics! For the seventh year of our annual KYD New Critic Award, we’re excited to launch an expanded publication and mentorship program assisting the vocational development of early-career critics.
In 2023, we will be selecting two book critics, who will each publish five essay length reviews (1200 words) on recent-release fiction and non-fiction between March and December 2023.
Each critic will also receive feedback and mentorship throughout the year with writer, editor and critic Cher Tan, as well as appear at two panel/discussion type events in 2023 to discuss the function, form and future of Australian literary criticism.
Each critic will be paid $1,237 per review, and $233 per panel appearance (total $6,651 each).
Applications will be open from 28 November—11:59pm AEDT 19 December, and will consist of the following:
- Section 1: A cover letter describing your interest, knowledge and/or involvement with literary criticism, and suitability for the Program.
- Section 2: 1 x short review (approx. 400 words) of a book published in 2022. (This can be of any book, and can be original or previously published). Check out KYD‘s Books Roundup column for examples and inspiration!
- Section 3: 1 x pitch/short outline (max. 200 words) for a review of a 2023 title that you would write as a New Critic. (Tips on crafting a strong pitch can be found here.)
- Section 4: A one-page maximum overview of your relevant previous writing experience and/or previously published work.
Visit our prize page for terms and conditions and details on how to enter.
The KYD New Critics Program 2023 is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
Need some inspiration? Check out Cher Tan’s online writing course Writing Criticism:
