Writers' Trust of Canada

Encouraging the future of Canadian literature

RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers

Highlights

Prize

  • Winners $10,000
  • Finalists $2,500

2025 Important Dates

  • Winners announced June 2, 2025

Eligibility

  • Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Published in a literary magazine or anthology
  • Unpublished in book form

Questions?

Please contact:
Devon Jackson, Senior Program Manager
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 Three $10,000 prizes will be given for outstanding works of unpublished poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction.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 and digital formats. All applicants are given access to webinars on the business and craft of writing. The award is sponsored by RBC. 

2025 Finalists - Short Fiction

2025 Finalists - Creative Nonfiction

Jury

Poetry (2025)
A jury composed of Dallas Hunt, Matt Rader, and Sanna Wani read 143 submissions to select finalists in the poetry category.

Jury

Short Fiction (2025)
A jury composed of Jean Marc Ah-Sen, Baharan Baniahmadi, and Shashi Bhat read 172 submissions to select finalists in the short fiction category.

Jury

Creative Nonfiction (2025)
A jury composed of Omar Mouallem, Alessandra Naccarato, and Lindsay Wong read 108 submissions to select the finalists in the creative nonfiction category. 

2024 Event Photos

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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.