Kill Your Darlings offers a range of writing prizes and awards designed to support the development of early career writers, providing them with financial support, the opportunity to work with industry professionals and assistance in creating publishing pathways in the future.
Flash Fiction Prize
Submissions are now closed.
We welcome submissions of previously unpublished stories, between 750–1000 words. Submissions close midnight Sunday 23 March 2025. Judged by KYD editor Suzy Garcia and publishing director and CEO Rebecca Starford, the winner will receive $1000, and three runners-up will receive $500. All winning pieces will be published online at Kill Your Darlings.
Flash Fiction is a genre that challenges writers to be faster, punchier and more focused in their storytelling. ‘Arrive late, leave early’ is a useful way of shaping these narratives. Some of our favourite writers of this form include Lydia Davis, Naguib Mahfouz, Jamaica Kincaid, Franz Kafka and Augusto Monterosso.
Please note: To submit your work to the KYD Flash Fiction Prize, you must be a KYD member. Along with helping us fund writing prizes and other programs, your membership includes course discounts, exclusive creative resources, professional development opportunities and industry-expert guidance on your pathway to publication.
KYD School Writing Prize
Submissions to the 2025 KYD School Writing Prize will open on Monday 12 May 2025. The KYD School Writing Prize gives a voice to young Australians. Find more information about the Prize here.
Creative Non-Fiction Essay Prize
Stay tuned—our popular Creative Non-Fiction Essay Prize will return in the second half of 2025. Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with announcements.
Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize
KYD is a proud partner journal for the Desperate Literature Short Fiction Prize. With a stellar line-up of international judges, winners receive an incredible Italian residency, manuscript assessments, cash prizes and more. Read more.
State Library of Queensland Young Writers Award
KYD is a proud partner journal for the State Library of Queensland Young Writers Award. This award gives young writers all over Queensland an opportunity to tell their stories, make industry connections, and achieve publication. First prize is $2,000 and publication with Kill Your Darlings. Read more.
