Deadline: 17-Aug-2026
The Copyright Agency’s Author Fellowship Program offers a single $80,000 grant to an established Australian author to develop a major new literary or creative work. It supports high-quality projects across genres such as novels, plays, poetry, and children’s literature. Applicants must be experienced authors with at least five published works and a confirmed or prospective publishing agreement.
Overview
The Copyright Agency offers the Author Fellowship Program to support one established author in Australia to create a major new creative work.
This prestigious fellowship is designed to enable focused, high-quality literary production through significant financial support.
Funding Details
- Fellowship amount: $80,000
- Number of awards: 1 per year
- Project type: Major creative work or series
- Duration: Flexible (based on project scope)
Programme Objectives
The fellowship aims to:
- Support the creation of significant literary works
- Enable authors to focus on long-term creative projects
- Promote excellence in Australian literature
- Encourage diverse storytelling across genres
Supported Creative Fields
The programme supports a wide range of formats:
Literary Works
- Novels
- Poetry collections
- Journalism and non-fiction
Performance & Visual Works
- Plays and theatre scripts
- Illustration-based works
Children’s & Young Adult Content
- Children’s books
- Young adult (YA) literature
- Picture books (including series)
Key Concepts Explained
Major Creative Work
A substantial, original project such as a full-length book, play, or multi-book series.
Fellowship
A competitive grant awarded to support an individual’s professional and creative development.
Publishing Contract / Letter of Intent
Proof that a publisher or theatre company is interested in producing the work.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Be established authors with at least 5 full-length works
- Maximum 2 can be self-published
- Have:
- A publishing contract or
- A letter of intent/interest from an Australian publisher or theatre company
- Have no outstanding Cultural Fund grant obligations
Not Eligible
- Joint or collaborative applications
- Early-career authors without required publications
What the Fellowship Supports
- Writing and development time
- Research and creative work
- Production of manuscripts or scripts
- Multi-book projects (especially for children’s/YA categories)
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Process
- Define Your Project
- Develop a clear and substantial creative proposal
- Secure Publisher Interest
- Obtain a contract or letter of intent
- Prepare Application
- Include writing samples and project details
- Submit Application
- Through the official Copyright Agency process
- Await Selection
- Based on merit and project strength
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed on:
- Literary merit and originality
- Strength and clarity of the proposed project
- Applicant’s track record and experience
- Feasibility and impact of the work
Why This Fellowship Matters
- Provides significant financial freedom to create
- Supports high-quality Australian literature
- Encourages ambitious, long-term projects
- Elevates the profile of established authors
- Contributes to cultural and creative industries
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting an underdeveloped project proposal
- Lacking publisher support documentation
- Not meeting publication requirements
- अस्पष्ट project scope or unclear outcomes
- Missing eligibility criteria
Tips for a Strong Application
- Present a clear and compelling project vision
- Highlight your past achievements and publications
- Demonstrate the significance of your work
- Ensure strong alignment with fellowship goals
- Provide high-quality writing samples
FAQs
1. How much funding is provided?
$80,000 for one selected author.
2. How many fellowships are awarded?
Only one per year.
3. Who can apply?
Established Australian authors with at least five published works.
4. Are collaborative applications allowed?
No, only individual applications are accepted.
5. Is publisher support required?
Yes, a contract or letter of intent is mandatory.
6. What types of works are supported?
Novels, plays, poetry, children’s books, and more.
7. Can self-published works count?
Yes, up to two of the five required works.
Conclusion
The Copyright Agency Author Fellowship Program is a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity that enables established Australian authors to undertake ambitious creative projects. With substantial funding and a focus on literary excellence, the fellowship plays a key role in advancing Australia’s cultural and creative landscape.
For more information, visit Copyright Agency.