Hachette Australia, along with the Richell family, and in partnership with the Emerging Writers’ Festival (EWF) and Simpsons Solicitors, is delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2026 Richell Prize for Emerging Writers, now in its twelfth year.
Joel Naoum, Publishing Director of Hachette Australia, says ‘The power of the Richell Prize is the power of promise – both for the writers and for Hachette. We are so proud of the Richell Prize because it honours the memory of Matt Richell while also honouring the talent that upholds the publishing industry: writers. This Prize creates a space to nurture and develop a work. The Richell Prize is unique in that we’re judging three chapters and an idea rather than a finished book, so we are reading for promise. That’s the most exciting kind of reading there is – you’re catching a writer at the beginning of their career. Every one of these shortlisted entries made me want to read the rest of the work immediately and on behalf of the judges I want to congratulate the six shortlisted writers.’
Jes Layton, EWF Executive Director & Co-CEO, says ‘This is my final year with EWF and one of the things that has brought me joy in this role has been watching so many writers back themselves and enter their work in the Richell Prize. EWF’s involvement in a prize that focuses on nurturing emerging writers has meant a perfect synergy with Hachette. Every year I have been so impressed by the quality of the writers who submit. That quality is evident in the announcement of the 2026 shortlist, and I want to congratulate all the writers. I also want to thank Anita Solak for her impressive work as the coordinator of the Richell Prize and all the judges for their time and expertise. A special thanks to all the readers who work so hard to sort through the entries. And an especially big thank you to the Richell family and Hannah Richell. Congratulations again to the 2026 shortlisted writers. Bravo!’
This year there were 1022 entries and every entry was read by two readers before the judging panel – Cindy Manfong, from the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF); Simon McDonald, from Dymocks; Jane Turner, from Gertrude & Alice; Vanessa Radnidge, Head of Non-Fiction & Literary at Hachette Australia; and Hannah Richell, bestselling author – all read and discussed the entries to decide on the brilliant shortlisted writers.
The Richell Prize shortlisted writers for 2026 are:
Chloe Anne | THE HOUSE WHERE MERCY DIED
A confident work that demonstrated the writer possessed a mastery for building tension and atmosphere, and a strong ability to make the skin prickle on the back of your neck. All the judges were hooked.
Mike Boynes | MOOLA BULLA
This challenging work gives clarity to horrific events in our history. The judges were impressed by the care the writer had taken to respectfully interrogate Aboriginal experience, and the impact of government and police intervention in the Kimberley.
Farrin Foster | THE SAME HOUSE
A memoir that the judges found compelling in its examination of the way familial relationships change shape around the weight of intergenerational trauma. The writer’s ability to link the past and the present was striking.
Euri Glenn | HARVEST
The world building in this dystopian fantasy captured the judges’ attention. Built on a truly unique concept, its powerful feminist message could not be ignored.
KT Major | PERIL
All the judges were captivated by this eco-political thriller that felt timely and insightful in its exploration of global politics and family trauma. There are a number of themes that brought a fresh take to the thriller genre.
Gillian Worrall | EXHIBIT A FOR ALTHEA
The judges were intrigued by this dark, cutting, funny work that combines true crime with a fractured family dynamic and they all wanted to read more.
In announcing the shortlist the judges said:
‘We know it is an act of courage to enter any creative work in a competition. We want to thank every writer who was brave enough to enter this year’s Prize. It was an honour to read the twenty-four longlisted entries and discuss them in the judges’ meeting. We are all passionate readers and so there were some interesting discussions and different views presented, but the six shortlisted writers all captured our attention and demanded acknowledgement for their talent, creativity and promise. Congratulations to all.’
The Richell Prize winner will be announced on Friday 6 November 2026.
