Early Harvest 2026 Student Story Submissions
Submissions are now open for Early Harvest 2026: Otherwise.
Written submissions close Wednesday 24 June 2026.
About Early Harvest
Early Harvest is Australia’s only creative project supporting primary students to write, edit and illustrate a professionally published book.
Through Early Harvest, teachers guide students through a writing process and submit their work for consideration. An editorial board of Year 5 and 6 students then works alongside 100 Story Building to review submissions, select stories and help shape the final anthology.
The result is a professionally published collection of young people's writing that celebrates creativity, student voice and storytelling.
Learn more about our Early Harvest program here.
Submissions are now open for Early Harvest 2026: Otherwise.
Written submissions close Wednesday 24 June 2026.
Early Harvest is 100 Story Building's annual publication celebrating the creativity and voices of young writers. The program To learn more about our Early Harvest program, you can find
This Year's Theme: Otherwise
Imagine a world that is different from our own. Your story might explore alternate futures, parallel worlds, fantasy realms, unexpected choices, or a reality changed by one small detail.
For the full theme brief and inspiration guide, download:
Early Harvest 2026 Submission Brief – Otherwise
Who Can Submit?
Submissions are open to students who:
Are currently enrolled in Year 5 or Year 6
Attend a school that participated in a 100 Story Building workshop between February and June 2026
Are submitted by a teacher on their behalf
Submission Guidelines
Each school may submit up to three pieces of student writing.
A submission fee of $30 per submission applies.
Work may be:
Fiction
Non-fiction
Poetry
Graphic narrative or comic
Another creative writing form
The recommended length is 800–1200 words, however this is a guide rather than a strict requirement.
Students should provide an author bio of up to 50 words introducing themselves and their work.
One submission form must be completed for each piece of work.
Bonus Back Issue
Schools that submit three student stories will receive a complimentary copy of a previous edition of Early Harvest.
We will contact you to confirm a postal address.
Illustrations and Visual Elements
Submissions that include illustrations, comics or visual storytelling elements are welcome.
If you are unsure whether a piece of work is suitable for submission, or if a student wishes to submit work in a format not listed above, please contact us. We are happy to discuss individual submissions.
Important Information
Please note that:
Submission does not guarantee publication.
All submissions will be reviewed by the Early Harvest editorial committee.
Selected students, families and schools will be contacted regarding publication permissions and next steps.
Submissions are not considered complete until payment has been received.
Submit a Story
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact: