Call out to First Nations writers!
Whether you’re Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori, Sámi or belong to another first peoples community, we want to hear your voice.
What we are looking for
We want writing that speaks to the weight and wonder of living as First Nations people — where past, present and future aren’t separate but walk together.
Give us the stories that sit in your body. The ones passed down. The ones that keep you up at night. The ones you’re still trying to understand.
We’re interested in the fractures and the fight, the moments of stillness, the ridiculous. What does it mean to carry culture, to carry knowledge in a world that wants us to forget? What does survival feel like today — and what does joy look like in the cracks?
We’re not looking for permission, politeness or performance. We want truth. Weirdness. Rage. Love. The absurdity of life in the colony.
Connect us to Country. To memory. To each other. Make us laugh, make us ache, make us pause.
What can I submit?
We accept up to 2 x submissions per writer for everything except poetry.
For poetry, we accept up to 3 x stand-alone poem submissions per writer, or submission of 1 x poetry collection.
Full pieces (finished work):
Poems and poetry collections that crack things open with beauty and insight.
Publication payment of $250 per stand-alone poem or $450 per poetry collection.
Fiction
Up to 8,000 words long and any genre – just make it strong and moving.
Publication payment of $900.
Memoir
A personal story that teaches us something deeper.
Publication payment of $600.
Experimental work
Surprise us – break the mould.
Publication payment based on the nature of the work, but in line with the rates shown here.
Pitches (ideas only) – we’ll work with you to develop it:
Profiles
Writing about someone whose story matters – public or personal.
Publication payment of $900
Reportage
A personal report on something real that matters to you and why it should matter to us too.
Publication payment of $900.
Writing about writing
Reflections on your writing life – the ups, the weird bits, the process.
Publication payment of $500.
Criticism
Your take on a work (any medium), seen through your lens. We are particularly interested in literary criticism for this issue.
Publication payment of $700.
The worst thing I ever wrote
A smart, funny piece about your biggest writing flop.
Publication payment of $500.
When do I need to submit?
Submissions close at 11:59pm (Australian Central Standard Time) on August 3. The best place to track the progress of your submission is here on Submittable.
Good to Know
· Work must be original (your own work), no AI use.
· Work should not be previously published, including online.
· You keep copyright. We might ask for 3 months exclusivity.
· We accept simultaneous submissions – just let us know if it's accepted elsewhere.
· We can’t offer individual feedback on submissions.
I have questions…
Send any questions to:
Splinter's First Nations issue is being led by guest editor Jannali Jones.
Splinter is published by Writers SA with support from CreateSA, Flinders University, UniSA and the University of Adelaide.