Frequently asked questions –
Griffith Review Queensland Writing Fellowships

Griffith Review is now accepting submissions for the 2020–2021 Griffith Review Queensland Writing Fellowships, which will see up to six fellows awarded $3,000–$7,000 to enable the development of a well-considered work or a work already underway, or to facilitate the next stage of a work-in-progress.

Have you got a project that could use some support? Check out these frequently asked questions and apply before 16 September!

Submit online via Submittable portal.
Submissions due:
16 September 2019
Winners announced: November 2019


Who can apply for a Fellowship?
Queensland writers and writers with demonstrable ties to Queensland are eligible to apply. Griffith Review particularly encourages submissions from Indigenous writers, writers of diverse backgrounds and writers at all career stages.

How do I apply?
Using the Submittable portal, submit an integrated project outline and tell us how receiving a Fellowship will assist you in reaching your goals with this project. Make sure you upload your story structure, the research underway and examples of your work – ideally a chapter or an excerpt from the work you wish to receive Fellowship support for (no more than 5,000 words). No pitches will be considered, except in exceptional circumstances from writers with a demonstrable track record of publishing success. Before hitting ‘Submit’, make sure to pay the relevant entry fee via GriffithPay.

How much does it cost to apply?
There is a $50 entry fee, payable via GriffithPay at the time of submission. However, entry is $35 for Griffith Review subscribers, $25 for Concession Card holders and free for Griffith Review Contributors Circle members. If you belong to any of these groups, simply select the relevant option using the drop-down menu when completing your payment.

What does it mean to have ‘strong ties to Queensland’?
To demonstrate ‘strong ties to Queensland’ for the purpose of this Fellowship, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:
– You grew up in, have previously lived in or currently reside in Queensland.
– Your project has a specific connection to Queensland.
– Your project is of interest to Queensland readers specifically.
If you’re still not sure, just send us an email at griffithreview@griffith.edu.au!

Can I apply if I’ve never been published by Griffith Review?
Yes. Previous submission to or publication by Griffith Review is not necessary to apply for a Fellowship. We look forward to reading your submission!

Can I apply if I’ve been a Griffith Review Fellow before?
Yes. Writers who have previously won a Griffith Review Fellowship are eligible to apply again. There is no exclusion period.

Can I apply if I’m working on a book-length project?
Yes. These Fellowships are designed to support writers across all genres – they’re intended to develop a well-considered work or a work already underway, or facilitate the next stage of a work-in-progress. If your project is a book, we want to hear about it!

Can I apply with a project that is under consideration elsewhere?
Unless you have prior written consent from Griffith Review, previously published work or simultaneous submissions will be excluded from consideration. Griffith Review, acting in its sole discretion, may grant an exception to this requirement in exceptional circumstances. However, a book-length work-in-progress under contract to another publisher will be considered – but please specify the details of this clearly in your application. It is your responsibility to obtain the necessary consent of your publisher.

Can I resubmit an unsuccessful application from a previous year?
You may reapply for a Fellowship, regardless of past results; however, be sure to outline in your application exactly how your project has grown or changed, and what you have achieved in the intervening time.

If I win a Fellowship, will I be published in Griffith Review?
Yes. Successful work will be published in print and/or online in Griffith Review in 2020–2021 in an edition determined by the editor.

Will I receive feedback if my application is unsuccessful?
Unfortunately, due to the high volume of submissions Griffith Review receives, feedback will not be available for unsuccessful applicants. However, the editor reserves the right to initiate discussion with unsuccessful applicants regarding possible future publication opportunities on a case-by-case basis.

Can I hold a Fellowship and apply for the Griffith Review Reportage Project?
Yes. We welcome appropriate submissions for each opportunity and will assess applications for each separately. Learn more about the Griffith Review Reportage Project for writers of excellence here!


If you have any questions that have not been addressed here, please do feel free to get in touch via email: griffithreview@griffith.edu.au