Facts

What’s Re-Draft?
An annual creative writing competition for teenagers since the year 2000.

Who can enter?
Only teenagers.

Is there a cost?
There is no entry fee. If you want your work returned, send a stamped-addressed envelope (sae).

What sorts of writing?
We accept any creative writing genre, and you can send up to three entries. Show us your versatility.

Are there word limits?
No, but you must realise that winning entries are chosen for inclusion in an anthology. Have a look at the Re-Draft books for guidance.

Where can I find the Re-Draft books?
They are in many public, secondary school and university libraries, and you may also find them in school English Departments. They can be purchased from booksellers and from Clerestory Press.

Who are the judges?
Award-winning writers Tessa Duder of Auckland and James Norcliffe of Christchurch. The long-term involvement of these two prominent figures in New Zealand literature provides consistency and fairness in the judging standards.

What are the prizes?
Publication is the prize. This is the prize most cherished by all writers. The Re-Draft books typically contain the work of many authors, and all who win places are equal winners. You will also receive a free copy of the book that you are published in.

When is the deadline?
Always 1st September in any year. We recommend that you start work on your entries much earlier in the year. Last-minute rushes often don’t reach the required standard.

How do I enter?
The current year’s entry form and competition guidelines may be photocopied from near the back of the current edition. This is the only entry form accepted, and one copy of it must be sent with your entries.

What if I can’t find the entry form?
You must ask your teacher or librarian (school, university or public library) for help. The Re-Draft books are well known, and are available in the first term or semester. So you have plenty of time to get organised! But if you still can’t find a copy of the most recent edition, please contact us. If your school, university or public library does not support Re-Draft, contact us for advice.

What else is in the Re-Draft books?
Knowledge and encouragement. Only the Re-Draft competition provides so many examples of good writing that you can work out for yourself what is meant by the word “publishable”. You’ll also realise how flexible the standards are.