Encouraging the future of Canadian literature
RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers
Highlights
Prize
- Winners $10,000
- Finalists $2,500
Prize
- Winners $10,000
- Finalists $2,500
2026 Important Dates
- Finalists announced & applicants notified of results mid-April 2026
- Winners announced June 2026
2026 Important Dates
- Finalists announced & applicants notified of results mid-April 2026
- Winners announced June 2026
Eligibility
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- At least one literary publication credit
- Unpublished in book form and without a contract
Eligibility
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- At least one literary publication credit
- Unpublished in book form and without a contract
Questions?
Please contact:
Devon Jackson, Associate Program Director
djackson@writerstrust.com
About the Award
Established in memory of writer Bronwen Wallace, this award has a proven track record of helping talented developing authors secure their first book deal. Three $10,000 prizes will be given for outstanding works of unpublished poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction. Finalists are invited to attend networking events in Toronto and have their nominated writing published in print, digital, and audiobook formats. Winners also receive a mentorship tailored to their career goals. All applicants are given access to webinars on the business and craft of writing. The award is sponsored by RBC.
2025 Winner
Short Fiction
2025 Winner
Creative Nonfiction
Phillip Dwight Morgan
White Trucks and Mergansers
Jury Citation
2025 Winner
Poetry
Dora Prieto
Loose Threads
Jury Citation
2025 Finalists - Poetry
Rather Her Clean
Cicely Grace
Prairie Bog
Nicole Mae
2025 Finalists - Short Fiction
Three New France Suicides
Alexis Lachaîne
Training the Replacement
Hana Mason
2025 Finalists - Creative Nonfiction
Breach
Graham Slaughter
Where Do Mothers Go
Huyền Trân
2025 Event Photos
Publishing can be a confusing and tough industry to navigate, and I am truly grateful that the Bronwen Wallace Award has been like a foot on the gas pedal for my career.
— Teya Hollier
About Bronwen Wallace
Bronwen Wallace (1945–1989) was a poet, short story writer, essayist, and mentor to many aspiring authors as a creative writing instructor at Queen’s University and St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario. This prize was established in her honour in 1994 by a group of friends and colleagues. Wallace felt that writers should have more opportunities for recognition early in their careers. This annual award will be presented to three writers — one each in the categories of poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction — who have been published in literary journals or anthologies but have yet to publish in book form. Past winners include Michael Crummey, Alissa York, Sonnet L’Abbé, Alison Pick, Noor Naga, Maria Reva, and John Elizabeth Stintzi.
Sponsor
RBC aims to support the careers and development of emerging Canadian creatives through skills development, mentorship programs, education, and access and exposure to new audiences.