Australian Book Review Fellowships are intended to reward outstanding Australian writers, to enhance ABR through the publication of long-form journalism, and to advance the magazine’s commitment to ideas and critical debate. Some Fellowships are themed - others are not.
ABR Fellowships are funded by the magazine's Patrons and in some cases by philanthropic foundations.
We look for stylish and enjoyable journalism that will appeal to our broad international readership.
All published Australian authors are eligible to apply for the Fellowships. When we advertise them, we seek proposals for a substantial article. The Fellowship program offers the successful applicant a chance to produce an extended collaborative non-fiction essay in consultation with ABR. Unlike the Calibre Essay Prize, the Fellowship program is not for finished essays or articles.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of Australian Book Review - its style, its content, its mission. The Fellowships are not aimed at those who are unfamiliar with ABR. If you do not currently read the magazine, you should purchase copies or subscribe before applying for a Fellowship.
Please read our list of Frequently Asked Questions before contacting us with a question about the ABR Fellowship program.
ABR thanks all of its Patrons who support the magazine through tax-deductible donations of $250 or more. Without this support, the Fellowship program would not exist in its present form.
'My year as an ABR Fellow has been the most rewarding of my writing life. This year I've not only been encouraged, but supported, to press my ear against our culture's chest and listen to its heartbeat. I'm indebted to the ABR team, and its warm and generous community of readers and donors, for giving me the chance to grow into my profession.'
‘The ABR Patrons’ Fellowship is a laudable initiative, and I am grateful and fortunate to have been the inaugural fellow.’
Patrick Allington, ABR Fellow (2010)
‘Making your way as a young Australian writer or literary critic is tough. Funding is limited and opportunities are few. The ABR Fellowship enabled me to do what so many Australian writers can’t: spend extended time on a single piece of work under the guidance of a distinguished editor.’
James McNamara, ABR Fellow (2014)