Who do we want to work with?

We want Australian authors who are fun, fearless and feminist; who challenge stereotypes, push boundaries and are committed to engaging young readers through humour.

What Are We Looking For In A Manuscript?

We are seeking prose picture books, middle grade and YA manuscripts that are fun, fearless and feminist.

About the Larrikin House Prize

We support Australian authors and will continue to do this through Pitch Parties, On Demand Workshops and opportunities for creatives to showcase their work.

We want to publish manuscripts about women, mothers and girls in non stereotypical roles, because we believe young readers deserve more. We also want to publish stories about men, fathers and boys who are proud feminists. 

We are well aware of the terrifying statistics of violence against women in Australia and would like to promote the importance of feminism through storytelling.

• Girls in traditionally male dominated careers/ sports/ activities
• Girls in STEM and science 
• Feminist boys and men
• Authentic, diverse voices 
• Loveable characters
• A great hook
• Quirky or humorous stories with a subtle message that will appeal to educators
• Engaging and unique storytelling 

About the Prize?

• 12 month Mentorship Program with the Publisher 
• A Zoom chat about the industry with James Layton and Dani Vee. 
• Possibility of publication if the manuscript is suitable. The prize does not include a guarantee of publication.

• All manuscripts are to be submitted via the Larrikin House website portal. Entries submitted via email will not be accepted. 
• Please submit a well written manuscript including picture books (written in prose and under 500 words), middle grade or YA (send the first 1000 words)
• Please send a word document or PDF with your name and contact details, and the story. We don’t need anything else at this stage. No illustrations should be included. 
• Text should be double-spaced, in 12 pt font.
• The author must live in Australia or be an Australian resident.
• The work must not be generated by AI.
• Entry fee $20 per manuscript.

Only entries that follow the submission guidelines will be accepted. 

Timeline

• Prize Opens: 1 August 2025
• Submissions Close: 1 September 2025
• Shortlist announced: 30 September 2025
• Winner Announced: 15 October 2025