Writing NSW is pleased to announce that our 2023 Speculative Fiction Festival will return on Saturday 24 June, directed by multi award-winning author Alan Baxter. Alan is calling for submissions from both established and new voices keen to share insights and discuss all aspects of the genre.

“I’m delighted to be directing the 2023 festival and really looking forward to putting together an inspiring program exploring every shade of dark and light that speculative fiction has to offer,” Baxter said.

Speculative fiction is a broad term encompassing science fiction, fantasy, horror, slipstream, steampunk, alternate history, new weird, supernatural, dystopian and a host of other subgenres besides—the literature of imagination without borders.

Submissions may come from authors, editors, publishers, agents, academics and any others with a passion for the genre. Involvement may take the form of panel speakers, chair responsibilities, or interactive sessions.

Want to be involved in the festival? Submit here.

Submissions should include details of your publication experience, any upcoming releases around the time of the festival and suggested panel topics or specific areas of expertise. Uploading material with submissions is optional and should be one A4 page maximum.

Submissions are now open and close Monday 13 February 2023. 

The festival program will be released in May 2023.

You can view the program for the 2019 Speculative Fiction Festival here.

Media Enquiries: Keira Baker, kbaker[at]writingnsw.org.au
View the full media release.