The 2024 winners of The Hope Prize have been announced! Readings is proud to be involved in the selection of the prize winners, and supporting these great works of short form writing.

The Hope Prize is a literary award for short pieces of fiction and nonfiction, that speak to the themes of hope, courage and resilience. The prize focuses on creative, brave and compelling writing from around the world, that celebrates the human spirit. Simon & Schuster Australia will publish an anthology of winning and highly commended submissions, with all royalties donated to Beyond Blue, an Australian mental health charity. Learn more about the Hope Prize here.

First place was awarded to John Merkel for Shadows Cast by the Moon. Merkel will receive $10,000 prize money from Simon & Schuster Australia.

Second place was awarded to Jacqueline Warner for Creating Ripples. Warner will receive $2,000 prize money from Readings and The Hope Prize.

Third place was awarded jointly to Carol Byrne for The Black Hole, and Will Cordner for Tramlines. Both writers will receive $1,000 prize money from Readings and The Hope Prize.