Winners Announcement: 2026 Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize
Hawkeye Publishing is delighted to announce the winners of the 2026 Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize.
This year, we were thrilled to receive an impressive 180 entries, each showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of emerging storytellers. Among the entries, judges looked for strong and detailed marketing plans, succinct synopses, and manuscripts that were well-written and engaging all the way through. The breadth of ideas and storytelling styles was inspiring, and we discovered a range of unique voices, sharp wit, and daring narrative twists.
We are proud to present the winners of this year’s competition, whose manuscripts especially stood out to judges as being polished, entertaining, and full of heart. Please join us in congratulating them:
WINNER
The Kraken by Harrison Smith
2ND PLACE
The Pact by Claudine Tinellis
3RD PLACE
Lost Boys by Shaun Stephen
The Prize
The 2026 Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize is valued at $3,500 and includes a structural edit by Lauren Daniels, Director of Brisbane Writers Workshop, and a line edit provided by Hawkeye Publishing.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
We sincerely appreciate our sponsors, without whom the fantastic competition prize would not be possible.
Thank you to our sponsor, Lauren Daniels, a highly experienced editor and the Director of Brisbane Writers Workshop, who provides the winner with a structural edit.
As Carolyn Martinez, Director of Hawkeye Publishing, shared:
‘We’ve had tremendous feedback each year from the writer who’s been afforded the opportunity to work with Lauren.’
Since 2019, every winner of the Hawkeye Prize has been contracted for publication. Additionally, all longlisted manuscripts are considered by Hawkeye’s submissions review panel for a potential trade publishing contract.
Acknowledging Our Judges
Hawkeye Publishing extends thanks to our judges, Camille Booker, Greg Bourke, Lorena Otes, Lynsey McDonnell, Melissa Sharman, and Tia Shang. These distinguished writers and editors generously dedicated their time to reviewing every submission. Their expertise has been invaluable, and we are truly grateful for their commitment to providing thoughtful and constructive feedback, which helps guide our entrants toward future success.
Looking Ahead
Thank you for your support of the 2026 Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize. The judges have thoroughly enjoyed reading these wonderful stories, and we look forward to next year’s competition, where we will introduce an additional Own Voices category.
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