GenreCon Short Story Comp
Conjure up 1,000 words of your best short genre fiction – on the theme of Inkling – for your chance to win our grand prize of $500, plus online publication.
Entries now open, closing: 31 January 2026
Guidelines
Entries should be previously unpublished.
Entries open to all Australian or New Zealand citizens or residents.
Multiple entries are permitted.
Maximum 1,000 words. Entries exceeding the word limit are ineligible.
Identifying information, including your name, should not appear anywhere in your submission (including the file name).
All entrants will be notified of the outcome of their submission; no feedback can be provided and no correspondence may be entered into.
Entrants grant first right of refusal on the publication of the entry to QWC, if selected as Winner or Runner-Up. Authors retain all other rights.
One Winner will be offered $500, online publication and an invitation to attend the GenreCon 2026 Launch Night event.
One Runner-Up may also be offered online publication.
Entry is free for all GenreCon ticketholders and Queensland Writers Centre members. $15 entry fee for non-members.
The Shreader
Will you brave GenreCon’s fan-favourite Shreader event? Held as part of Sunday lunch, a small group of authors will have their opening pages publicly, professionally – and anonymously – read to a panel of GenreCon authors and speakers. They’ll decide how far to read on – will they like it enough to offer their critique, or will it get sent to the shredder?
Applications open now, closing: 31 January 2026
Guidelines
Entries are open exclusively to GenreCon ticketholders – from beginners through to professional writers.
Submit: the first five pages from your genre fiction manuscript.
The work must not be published, contracted for publication or otherwise embargoed.
All rights remain with the author.
No correspondence or feedback will be given; only selected writers will be notified.
Up to six pieces will be selected in a blind read by a panel from the GenreCon team.
Keep in mind that even anonymously, having your work publicly read, critiqued – and potentially shredded – in front of an audience can be harrowing. By making your application, you agree to be part of this experience if your work is selected.
Consults with Laurel Cohn
Ask burning questions and receive personalised advice from experienced editor Laurel Cohn at GenreCon 2026.
Laurel Cohn is a developmental editor passionate about communication and the power of words to engage, inspire and challenge. Since the late 1980s Laurel has been helping writers of all types navigate the challenging terrain of preparing work for publication. As a mentor and assessor, her approach is informed by the importance of honest, clear and practical guidance, and an awareness of the journey of the writer, as well as the writing itself. She has a PhD in literary and cultural studies.
Bookings open: until allocations exhausted
45 minute sessions. $145.
Exclusively available to ticketholders.
Please note Consults do not include pre-reading of your writing or assessment of your work.
Looking for consignment applications?
We’ve got a new and evolved system for GenreCon consignment sales in the works. Applications reopen soon – watch this space.
(Existing consignment applicants have been contacted separately.)
Pitch at GenreCon
GenreCon is proud to provide writers with the opportunity to pitch work one-on-one to leading Australian and international publishers and agents.
Guidelines
Exclusively available to GenreCon 2026 ticketholders. A $15 administration fee applies.
Sessions are limited; priority will be given to the first applications received and those that best match the current needs of publishers and agents involved.
Apply to pitch with up to 2 separate manuscripts however please note only one may be selected.
Pitch sessions will take place in-person over the GenreCon weekend, Sat 21 – Sun 22 February.
Some online sessions may also be offered.
If selected, your personal pitch schedule will be provided one week prior to the conference.
Applications open now until: 6 Feb 2026 or until allocations exhausted
2026 pitch partners
Speakeasy
Get on stage – join a supportive host and group of eager readers as you share your work aloud. Recite from a published book or road-test a work-in-progress. The choice – and the floor – is yours.
When & Where:
Keep it on the down low! Listen out at the end of sessions across the GenreCon weekend, as we announce the next secret Speakeasy location.
Applications (opening soon) until allocations exhausted
