Hachette Australia, along with the Richell family, and in partnership with the Emerging Writers' Festival and Simpsons Solicitors, has released a shortlist for the 2026 Richell Prize for Emerging Writers. The award honors the memory of Hachette Australia's former CEO Matt Richell, who died in a surfing accident in 2014.
The winner, who will be named November 6, receives A$10,000 (about US$7,005), along with a 12-month mentorship with one of Hachette Australia's publishers. Hachette Australia will work with the winning writer to develop their manuscript with first option to consider the finished work and shortlisted entries for publication. This year's finalists are:
The House Where Mercy Died by Chloe Anne
Moola Bulla by Mike Boynes
The Same House by Farrin Foster
Harvest by Euri Glenn
Peril by K.T. Major
Exhibit A for Althea by Gillian Worrall