Writing Australia seeks publisher to operate black&write!

Writing Australia is looking for a delivery partner in the publishing sector to operate the black&write! fellowship program.

The black&write! program has been managed by the State Library of Queensland (SLQ) but the Queensland government announced last week that SLQ will no longer operate the fellowship or the Queensland Literary Awards.

Writing Australia is seeking an organisation to support First Nations editorial development for the fellowship and transition the program to an “industry-led model embedded within the publishing sector”. The successful delivery partner will receive funding of up to $150,000 per year for two years.

“For many years, the program has supported the development of First Nations editors and publication of books by First Nations writers through its delivery by the State Library of Queensland,” said Writing Australia in a statement. “This next phase will see the program delivered within a publishing environment, strengthening pathways for First Nations editorial talent.”

Organisations with a record of publishing work by First Nations writers are invited to submit proposals to deliver the services.

Proposals will close on 12 May 2026. More information about the opportunity is on the Creative Australia website.

Category: Local news