Tim Winton Award for Young Writers

The Tim Winton Award is open to Western Australian school students in years one to twelve. Stories submitted must be an original piece of prose writing, no more than 2000 words in length. Entries must be the sole work of the entrant.
 

Entries are judged individually in the following school year categories:

Lower primary – school years one and two 
Middle primary – school years three and four 
Upper primary – school years five and six 
Lower secondary – school years seven, eight and nine
Upper secondary – school years ten, eleven and twelve
 
Entries are judged on the originality of the themes, the development of the story and the quality (not quantity) of the writing. Please note: due to the high number of entries received for this award each year, individual feedback cannot be provided. 

The online entry form will be available from 9.30am on Monday 18 July. All entries must be registered online and stories submitted either online, or to Subiaco Library before 5.30pm on Friday 12 August.
 
Teachers entering multiple students’ work may do so using the online teacher’s registration form.

To submit your story electronically, upload your entry at the time of registration. To submit a physical copy of your story, print and attach your registration confirmation, and submit with your story to Subiaco Library or via post to:

Tim Winton Award
City of Subiaco
PO Box 270
SUBIACO WA 6904

Late entries cannot be accepted. 

Please note: due to the high number of entries received for this award each year, stories cannot be returned. Please ensure you keep a copy of your entry.

Prizes are donated from the City of Subiaco and award sponsors and are presented to the top three entries in each category. The Tim Winton Award for Outstanding Achievement will be awarded to the best overall story across all categories. Winning stories will be on display for one month at Subiaco Library from Tuesday 27 September and published online.

 

Public use of entries
By entering this award you acknowledge that your entry may be used in City of Subiaco publications and for future promotion of the award. Entries may also be displayed at Subiaco Library and other venues around the city and published on the city’s website. The title of the entry and author’s name will always be acknowledged with the entry when it is used. 

Is there a theme for the award?
The Tim Winton Award for Young Writers encourages innovation and creativity. The judges are looking for stories which show originality. The award does not ask students to adhere to a particular theme in order to encourage innovation and individual ideas.
 
Can I edit my student’s story before entering it?
All entries must be the sole work of the entrant. Stories should not be edited by parents or teachers. The judges will assess students on the quality of their writing
 
How should I submit my story?
You can choose to submit either a physical or digital copy of your story.
If your story is handwritten you can submit the physical copy, together with your printed confirmation of entry to Subiaco Library in person or via post. If you have a digital copy of your story you can submit it online during the online entry process.
 
My class has completed a story-writing task. Can I enter all of their stories in the award?
As long as the entry is the sole work of the student, and meets the entry requirements the story can be entered. However the judges discourage teachers from entering a class set of stories on the same topic or with similar prompts. The Tim Winton Award encourages innovation and creativity and the judges are looking for entries which show these qualities.
 
I am eighteen years old and in my first year of university. Can I enter the award?
The award is open to Western Australian school students in years one to twelve. University students or high school graduates are not eligible to enter the award. 
 
My child is in pre-primary. Can my child enter the award?
The award is open to Western Australian school students in years one to twelve. Pre-primary students are not eligible to enter the award.
 
My child is home-schooled. Can my child enter the award?
Yes, providing your child is in Western Australia and studying in years one to twelve they can enter the award.
 
Am I metropolitan or regional?
Metropolitan postcodes include 6000 to 6199. Regional postcodes include 6200 to 6999.

How can I get updates and reminders about the award?
You can join the award e-newsletter to get up-to-date information about the award, entry reminders and updates on winners and finalists. Register your email at https://www.subiaco.wa.gov.au/see-do/things-to-see-do/community-awards/tim-winton-award
 
What details do I need to register my entry online?
To register your entry online you will need the following information:

• author’s name, age, gender and school year
• contact information (email, phone and postal address)
• title of the story and word count

Will I get my story back after I have submitted it?
Due to the large number of entries received in the award each year entries cannot be returned. Entrants are encouraged to make a copy of their story before entering the award.
 
Who is Tim Winton?
Tim Winton is a Western Australian author. For more information on Tim Winton and his publications, visit https://www.subiaco.wa.gov.au/see-do/things-to-see-do/community-awards/tim-winton-award  
 
I need more information, who should I contact?
For information about the Tim Winton Award contact Subiaco Library on 9237 9300 or email award@subiaco.wa.gov.au