Empowering emerging writers to develop their novels through mentorship, craft, and community.
Writing NSW is proud to announce that applications are now open for three scholarships for the 2026 Year of the Novel program: one for a First Nations writer, one for a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) writer, and one for a Young Writer under 30. The Young Writer Scholarship is presented with the generous support of Dr Bruce McCabe.
The Year of the Novel 2026 scholarships aim to improve representation in the writing community by amplifying voices that are often marginalised. Each scholarship provides a fully funded place in the 2026 intake of this highly regarded program.
Year of the Novel is designed to offer emerging writers structured, long-term support. More than just a course, it fosters a strong sense of creative community and gives participants a rare chance to focus deeply on developing a manuscript—guided by expert tuition and peer support—over the course of a year.
The program has sold out annually for nearly a decade and has helped launch the careers of authors including Zaheda Ghani, Nardi Simpson, Amy Lovat, Natasha Rai, Kavita Bedford, Christine Sykes and Clare Fletcher. With a proven track record of guiding writers from draft to publication-ready, Year of the Novel is a trusted pathway for emerging talent.
These scholarships offer a powerful opportunity for three emerging writers to take the next step in their creative careers with the support of this acclaimed program.
The CaLD scholarship will be judged by Shankari Chandran, and the First Nations scholarship will be judged by John Morrissey.
To apply, you will need to tell us why this opportunity matters to you, share a little about your writing experience and achievements to date, and outline the novel idea you’d like to develop during Year of the Novel 2026.
Applications close midnight on Sunday 12 October 2025.
More about Year of the Novel IN-PERSON with Ashley Kalagian Blunt:
Make 2026 the year you finally write that book in this course from acclaimed author Ashley Kalagian Blunt. Over three phases of eight weeks each, you’ll receive the tools, support and encouragement you need to plan, write and edit your novel. The in-person stream takes place at Writing NSW in Callan Park, Sydney.
More about Year of the Novel ONLINE with Amy Lovat:
Make 2026 the year you finally write that book with acclaimed author Amy Lovat. Delivered over three phases of eight weeks each, the online stream offers the same structured support to help you plan, write, and edit your novel. Classes are held via Zoom, with the activities and resources available on Writing NSW’s online learning platform, Wet Ink.
Please note: The two streams are separate, and it is not possible to switch between in-person and online once enrolled.
More from Writing NSW
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