What are the top four tips for entering the Grieve Project?

1. Do not include your name in the submitted document – either in the title or within the body of work.
2. Read the FAQs and the Terms and Conditions thoroughly.
3. Purchase a past Grieve Anthologies to understand the diversity of works selected in previous years. 

How many times can I submit?

As many times as you wish. One work = one entry = entry fee. Up to 10 entries can be submitted in one submission form.

How do I know my submission has been entered successfully?

You will receive a confirmation email with the details of your entry. If not received within 24 hours, please check your junk mail folder. We have found confirmation emails like to hide there sometimes. If you still have not received a confirmation email, please email contact@hunterwriterscentre.org

Is there a theme I need to write on?

The Grieve Project is an opportunity to explore the often-overlooked topics of grief and loss. The topic is as vast and profound as the human experience, and we welcome submissions on any topic that reflects grief and loss e.g. the loss a person, a marriage, a child, innocence, the environment. 

I am writing about suicide. Is there anything I need to consider?

Entries about suicide will be judged with audience impact in mind. Hunter Writers’ Centre adopts Mindframe’s guidelines for Stage and Screen. 

Mindframe supports safe media reporting, portrayal and communication about suicide, mental ill-health, alcohol and other drugs. Their guidelines for portrayal of suicide in TV, film and theatre can apply to written stories and poems. We highlight the following from their guidelines (emphasis ours):

Audience Impact: The portrayal of suicide in television, film and theatre… has increased over time, with depictions of the act of suicide becoming lengthier, more graphic and more sensationalised.

Evidence suggests that the dramatic portrayal of suicide can have an impact on vulnerable audiences … increasing the possibility of “copycat” suicides. Preferred portrayals of suicide do not glorify or romanticise it and do not provide … details of or … references to the exact method or location. Rather, more appropriate portrayals depict the consequences for others and provides sources of help for vulnerable viewers.

Can I enter a work of fiction?

Yes. We don’t discriminate between fiction and non-fiction. If your piece reflects on, explores, or expresses any experience of grief and loss, then your work is valid for entry.

Can I use a pseudonym instead of my real name?

Yes. You will be asked on the entry form to also supply your real name – this will never be revealed to third parties.

Is there an exact style and format you require?

Prose: The word limit for prose submission is 500 words. This includes titles and sub-headings. Submitted as .doc, .docx files. 

Poetry: The line limit for poetry is 38 lines. This includes titles and sub-headings. Submitted as .doc, .docx files. 

Images/Artwork: Submitted as a single file .pdf, .png, .jpeg, .jpg, .tiff, .tif files. An entry comprised of a series of images or artwork will be judged as a single coherent entry.

Video: Up to 5 minutes of example video. Submitted as .mp4 or .mov file

Audio: Up to 5 mins of audio example. Submitted as a .mp3 file

Can I submit a piece I have submitted in the past?

Entries entered in previous Grieve competitions and not selected in the short-list, anthology, or for prizes may be re-entered.

For written submissions: Are titles, sub-titles, dedications and other ‘extras’ included in the word count?

All words included in the submitted piece are included in the word count. Personal dedications within entries will be ruled ineligible. Entries must not include personal dedications.

If my name appears on my work or in the name of the file, is it ineligible?

Yes. The most common mistake is the inclusion of a name within the entry.

What other aspect may cause my work to be ineligible?

Going over the word limit.
Not submitting the correct file format.
Not submitting before the deadline.
Personal dedications within submission
Author’s name within submission, or in filename.

What if the piece is written for a child to read?

The history of the project is that we publish works written for adult readers.

How old do I have to be to enter the competition?

Anyone over the age of 18 years old, who is an Australian resident or citizen can submit stories into the competition.