Shakespeare on the River Festival Presents:

The Sheila Malady Short Story Competition

 

The Sheila Malady Short Story Competition is open for entries! This year our short story theme is Much Ado About Nothing. Writers of fiction are warmly invited to submit stories of up to 2000 words for consideration by the judging panel. All genres of short stories are welcome. (We do NOT accept non-fiction, memoir, plays, poetry, songs etc)

Organisers are delighted to announce that shortlisted entries in the OPEN SECTION will be sent to our final judge, Carolyn Martinez, Director of Hawkeye Publishing.

Shortlisted authors will be contacted by email, and winners will be announced at the opening night of the festival, Thursday April 23, 2026, at The Stratford Courthouse Theatre. Winners names and stories will be published on the website after the festival’s conclusion.

With thanks to our major sponsors Sister Cities of Stratford, and Collins Booksellers Sale, we are able to offer prizes across three categories:

The winner of the Open Section will receive: 

  • $300 cash

  • A beautiful wooden quill crafted by local artist Gavin Roberts

  • 2 x tickets to the Community Play (valued at $50)

A local prize for a writer residing in Gippsland will also be offered:

  • Collins Bookstore Voucher

  • 2 x tickets to the Community Play (valued at $50)

A prize for a young writer up to the age of 18 years will awarded:

  • Collins Bookstore Voucher

Entry is $10 for adult writers, $5 for entries from writers 18 years and under.

Closing date for entries is Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11.59pm AEDT

You can read about the competition’s history and check out past winners here.

Submission Guidelines and competition terms and conditions are listed below.

 

Submission Guidelines and Conditions of Entry

  • Please note that entries which fail to meet these submission guidelines may be disqualified

  • An original work of fiction not exceeding 2,000 words within the theme “Much Ado About Nothing”. Entries should be unpublished and not awarded a prize in another competition.

  • The competition is open to all ages and nationalities. Entries must be in English.

  • Entries should be 12 pt font size, Times New Roman font, 1.5 line spacing, and accompanied by an entry form. Only the title and NOT the author's name should appear on the manuscript. Pages should be numbered.

  • Entries must be the author’s own work. Use of AI is not permitted.

  • Entries will be judged anonymously and on merit.

  • Only online entries will be accepted (Please note the change from previous years).

  • Please submit in .doc or .docx format. (DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY AS A PDF)

  • Entries must be submitted using this link

  • Multiple entries are acceptable. All entries attract a $10 ($5 youth) entry fee and should be accompanied by a separate entry form. 

  • The entry fee is to be paid via direct deposit to the Shakespeare on Avon Shakespeare Association (SOASA)

  • Please identify deposits using "surname" and “writing comp”. The direct debit details are as follows:

         Stratford on Avon Shakespeare Association
         BSB: 633000 ACC: 148093784

    • Closing date for entries is Monday February 16, 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT.

    • Copyright remains with the author. We reserve the right to publish the winning entries on our website, in local media, and promote them during the Festival.

    • The judges’ decision is final. Prizes are not transferable into cash. We reserve the right to not award a prize if the entries are not of a high standard or fail to address the theme or guidelines.

    • Previous winning entries can be found on our website, http://www.stratfordshakespeare.com.au/about-the-competition

    • First prize includes $300 cash, a beautiful wooden quill crafted by local artist Gavin Roberts, and 2 x tickets to the Community Play

    • A prize for a writer residing in Gippsland is also offered and includes a Collins Book voucher and 2 x tickets to the Community Play

    • The highest scored entry from an author aged under 18 will be awarded a book voucher generously donated by Collins Booksellers, Sale.

    • Good luck and we hope to read your story!