The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards captures the passion, depth, and impact of the literary works celebrated within the Festival, while also paying homage to the captivating Heart Reef—a natural wonder found in the Whitsundays region.
The Whitsundays Literary Heart Awards symbolise the essence of the Festival, embracing creativity, inspiration, and connection.
In 2024, Awards will be presented for:
The Gloria Burley Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript
This award honours the Festival’s original founder and Whitsundays author Gloria Burley.
First Prize receives $2,500 and Runner-Up $1,000.
Submissions closed Tuesday 30 April 2024.
Best Published Book Cover Design Award
Celebrating excellence in book cover design for paperbacks, digital, and audio books.
First Prize receives $1,500 and Runner-Up $500.
Submissions close Wednesday 10 July 2024.
Best Short Story Award
For original short stories of creative fiction.
There are two divisions for this award, adult and under 18. First Prize for both divisions receive $1,000 and Runners-Up $500.
Submissions close Friday 31 May 2024.
Poetry Prize
The winning poem will be selected based on its originality, creativity and expressiveness.
First Prize receives $1,000 and Runner-Up $500
Submissions close Friday 31 May 2024.
