Entries to the 2026 Stella Prize are closed. Entries to the 2027 Stella Prize will open in July 2026.

The winner of the Stella Prize will be awarded $60,000. Shortlisted authors will each receive $5,000 and longlisted authors will each receive $2,000.

Entry periods for 2027 Stella Prize

All entries

Entries are accepted from 9am (AEST) Monday 27 July until 5pm (AEST) Sunday 4 October 2026.

A discounted early-bird entry fee of $73 (GST inclusive) applies from Monday 27 July 2024 to 5pm (AEST) Sunday 23 August 2026.

General entries open from 10am (AEST) Monday 25 August 2025 until 5pm (AEST) Sunday 5 October 2026. A general entry fee of $94 (GST inclusive) applies.

Stella accepts books published between 01 January 2026 until 31 December 2026, however entries must be submitted before the close of general entries on Sunday 4 October 2026.

Please upload a media release about the book with your entry if the final digital file is not available yet. Final electronic files must be received before 5pm (AEST) 13 November 2026.

Stella Prize

Eligibility and Entry Conditions

Entries to the 2025 Stella Prize are now closed.

The Stella Prize is administered by The Stella Prize Inc. It is funded by the Stella Forever Fund which has been endowed by Stella’s many generous supporters.

The winner of the Prize will be awarded $60,000. Shortlisted authors will each receive $5,000 and longlisted authors will each receive $2,000.

Late entries

Stella accepts books published between 1 January and 31 December 2026, however entries must be submitted before the close of general entries on 5 October 2026. Please upload a media release about the book with your entry if the final digital file is not yet available. Final electronic files must be received before 5pm 13 November 2026.

2026 Prize Announcements

The key Prize announcement dates are:

Longlist               11 March 2026
Shortlist              8 April 2026
Winner                13 May 2026

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