Presented by Writing NSW and Text Publishing
Applications to the 2024 Boundless Indigenous Writer’s Mentorship will open in September 2023.
Writing NSW and Text Publishing present the 2023 Boundless Indigenous Writer’s Mentorship, with support from the First Nations Australia Writers Network (FNAWN) and Booktopia. The mentorship is awarded annually to an unpublished Indigenous writer who has made substantial progress on a work of fiction or non-fiction. The intention of the program is to support the writer to develop their manuscript and to facilitate a pathway to publication.
The program will pair an emerging Indigenous writer from anywhere in Australia with a senior Indigenous writer for a structured year-long mentorship. The writer will receive 20 hours of mentorship over the following year, including feedback on their work in progress and general advice on writing and developing a publishing career. If possible, an opportunity to meet with the mentor face to face will be provided. The writer will also receive editorial feedback and manuscript development from Text Publishing and access to Writing NSW professional development services.
At the conclusion of the mentorship, Text Publishing will have the exclusive first right to consider the winning manuscript for publication, under terms to be negotiated with the writer. Since the establishment of the mentorship in 2019 two of the mentored writers, John Morrissey and Lenora Thaker, have been offered publishing deals by Text Publishing.
Writers do not need to have a full manuscript at the time of submission, though they must have made substantial progress on a manuscript, which they intend to complete (refer to submission requirements). Applicants must not previously have had a full-length work of fiction or non-fiction professionally published.
Submissions must be either a work of fiction (including short-story collections) or narrative non-fiction for adult, kids (middle grade) or young adults. Please note that poetry, plays, picture books and practical non-fiction are ineligible.
Submissions will be judged by Jane Harrison, an award-winning playwright and author who is descended from the Muruwari people of NSW, in consultation with representatives from Text Publishing and Writing NSW.
‘I am excited to be a part of the Boundless process, to uncover new, exciting fresh talent and to be a part of a program that supports emerging First Nations talent, of which there is a boundless pool.’ Jane Harrison
John Morrissey, recipient of the 2020 Boundless Indigenous Writer’s Mentorship, whose collection of short stories will be published by Text in 2023, says:
‘The Boundless Mentorship gave me the direction and motivation to produce my first collection of stories, Autoc. It was an enormous benefit and inspiration to feel that my stories might have a home somewhere. Working with Kim Scott has been an immense privilege as a writer. I would encourage any early-career Indigenous writer to apply for the mentorship.’
Lenora Thaker, recipient of the 2021 Boundless Indigenous Writer’s Mentorship, whose novel The Pearl of Shantytown will be published by Text in 2024, says:
‘Being awarded the 2021 Boundless Indigenous Writer’s Mentorship gave me a confidence boost and enabled me to take my writing to the next level. As an emerging Indigenous writer, having a First Nations mentor the calibre of Julie Janson really helped me develop my writing and understand the business of writing in a way that’s been culturally safe and supportive. Along with the support of Writing NSW and Text Publishing, I feel that I am finally on the road to success.’
Judi Morison, recipient of the 2022 Boundless Indigenous Writer’s Mentorship, says:
‘Winning the Boundless Indigenous Writer’s Mentorship has refocused my commitment to exploring the ongoing social issues with which my work deals. The prospect of working with, and learning from, the remarkable Larissa Behrendt, with added support from Text Publishing and Writing NSW, has made the writing journey less solitary and inspired me to ask more of myself as a writer.’
Tara June Winch, inaugural Boundless judge and mentor, says:
‘The opportunity to work with a master is not only significant for the emerging writer, but also for the mentoring author. The process they undergo is as old and sacred as our culture, the handing down of the skills and tools needed to one day be passed down again and again. Being able to teach and to learn in such a close and guided fellowship is a once-in-a-career moment.’
The mentorship is open to emerging Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander writers who are permanent residents of Australia. Applicants must be over the age of 18. Confirmation of Indigenous status may be requested.
We thank the First Nations Australia Writers Network (FNAWN) and Booktopia for their support of the Boundless Mentorship.
Read the submission requirements, terms and conditions here.
See information about past mentees:
Edoardo Crismani (2023)
Judi Morison (2022)
Lenora Thaker (2021)
John Morrissey (2020)
Allanah Hunt (2019)
Read about the Boundless Festival of Indigenous and culturally diverse writers, presented by Writing NSW every two years.
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