Are you an emerging writer with a passion for Australian military history?
The Australian War Memorial has announced the opening of entries for the biennial Les Carlyon Literary Prize, a prestigious award dedicated to the memory of Les Carlyon AC. This prize aims to support and encourage new authors who contribute to the rich tapestry of Australia’s wartime narratives through both fiction and non-fiction.
About Les Carlyon
Les Carlyon was one of Australia’s most distinguished journalists and historians. He is best known for his monumental works, Gallipoli and The Great War. Gallipoli, published in 2001, received critical acclaim and commercial success, becoming a number one best-seller in Australia, New Zealand, and Great Britain. It was hailed as a definitive account of the Gallipoli campaign and solidified Carlyon’s reputation as a preeminent historian of World War I. Its sequel, The Great War, published in 2006, continued this legacy with widespread critical praise.
In his lifetime, Carlyon received numerous accolades for his contributions to literature and history. In 2014, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for his service to literature, journalism, and the promotion of national identity. Carlyon’s dedication to his craft and his ability to convey the human aspects of war through eloquent prose has left an indelible mark on Australian literature.
The Les Carlyon Literary Prize
The Les Carlyon Literary Prize honours Carlyon’s legacy by recognising outstanding literary works related to Australian military history, social military history, or war history. The prize is awarded for an author’s first major publication, providing a significant boost to emerging writers in the field.
Prize Details
• Prize Amount: $10,000
• Eligibility: Open to both fiction and non-fiction works related to Australian military history published between 2022 and 2024.
• Submission Requirements: Entrants must submit five copies of their work for judging. Unfortunately, these copies will not be returned.
• Ineligibility: Current employees of the Australian War Memorial are not eligible to enter.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be assessed based on the following criteria:
• Literary Merit: Evaluating the written style and skill of the author.
• Contribution to Understanding: How the work enhances the understanding of Australia’s wartime experiences, military history, and social aspects.
• Authenticity and Credibility: The accuracy and believability of the storytelling.
How to Apply
To submit your entry, send five copies of your work to:
Les Carlyon Literary Prize
c/o Dr Karl James
Head, Military History
Australian War Memorial
GPO Box 345
Canberra ACT 2601
Email: LesCarlyonPrize@awm.gov.au
Previous Winners
• 2020: Stephen Gapps for The Sydney Wars: Conflict in the early colony 1788-1817
• 2022: Christine Helliwell for Semut: The untold story of a secret Australian operation in WWII Borneo
Application Deadline
Entries for the Les Carlyon Literary Prize for works published between 2022 and 2024 are now open. The deadline for submissions is 31 August 2024. This biennial prize represents a significant opportunity for new authors to gain recognition and support for their work.
Conclusion
The Les Carlyon Literary Prize is not just an award; it’s a tribute to the enduring legacy of a man who dedicated his life to capturing and sharing the stories of Australia’s wartime history. This prize encourages new voices to contribute to this rich literary tradition. If you have a passion for telling these important stories, don’t miss this chance to have your work recognized and celebrated.
For more information and to stay updated on the latest news, visit the Australian War Memorial website.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to honour Les Carlyon’s legacy and contribute to Australia’s literary heritage!
Further reading and handy links:
All opportunities from the AWM
Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program
This program aims to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel in wars, conflicts and peace operations, and their families.
This program is open on an ongoing basis until 5pm on 5 February 2025.