The
Varnish
Prize
for Fiction
The Varnish Prize for Fiction returns for 2026!
We are seeking submissions of the most compelling, formally-inventive, and vital unpublished short fiction. Submissions are open to everyone, but judges will select in accordance with Varnish Online’s mission to highlight emerging writers.
Selections will be made by the Varnish editorial team and special guest judge, winner of The Varnish Prize For Fiction 2025, Oscar Revelins.
Important information:
Submissions are now open and will close on 30 October.
Word Limit: 5000 words.
We’re only able to consider the first 500 submissions, so don’t delay!
Please do not submit non-fiction or poetry.
Please only submit previously unpublished works.
Submissions are limited to one story per writer.
Please send all submissions to: varnishsubmissions@gmail.com.
When submitting, please add “The Varnish Prize for Fiction” to the start of your email subject-line.
Please send us your submission as a Word file or a link to a Google Drive.
Please note that genre fiction is less likely to be accepted, as we are primarily interested in literary fiction. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with our content before submitting.
Prizes:
First Place: A$350 & publication in Issue 2.
Second Place: A$100.
Third Place: A$50.
All finalists and shortlisted writers will be published in Varnish Online.
All general submissions will be closed until 31 October. We are not able to consider any poetry and non-fiction we receive during this time.
2025 Winners:
‘The Light Declines’ by Oscar Revelins – First Place.
‘What's Polish For: “The Price We Pay”?’ by Gayelene Carbis – Second Place.
‘Perfect’ by Ruby Klammer – Third Place.
2025 Shortlist:
‘Tales and Cuentos’ by Suzanne Hermanoczki.
‘Paper Nails’ by Emily Rodriguez.
‘Bitter Fruit’ by Iza Baranowski.
‘Swallow (燕子)’ by Chen Wang.
‘A Letter Without Destiny’ by Simona Stefania Chiusolo.
‘Sunday’ by Philani A Nyoni.