Cirrus@Austlit

The Argus guide for this completion read:

'£500 FOR A NOVEL

'The Argus and The Australasian are making one of the most attractive literary offers ever made to Australian writers. There Is a chance for either a new or an established writer to win £500 for a great Australian novel.

'In these days few people have much time for writing, and for this reason novels will not be judged until after June 30. 1945, which has been fixed as the closing date for entries.

'During the next four months authors will have a chance to write their novels for the competition, or, if necessary, rewrite their already completed works. There is no specification as to what form of fiction a writer may choose. Although this is primarily a search for great Australian novels and a reward for Australian talent, there is no objection to the themes being non Australian.

'It is sometimes difficult to deal with a theme in 50,000 words-the desir-able limit that we have chosen for this competition. Should an author submit a winning manuscript of over 50,000 words, The Argus and Australasian Limited reserves the right to condense his or her work to the required length for publication.

'This competition is to encourage new writers, but, in the case of well known authors who have already published novels, and who have a standing agreement with their publishers, The Argus and Australasian Limited will endeavour to honour any such contracts. Advice on this question can be obtained from the Literary Editor.

'Not only will the prize-winning novel receive an award of £500-in cash, but we shall also endeavour to arrange for volume and serial publication in London and New York through our literary agents. This is a grand chance, and we hope to have as great a response to this com- petition as we have had to our Star Short Story Contest.

'There is also a chance for those entries which do not Win the first prize. Novels that achieve publication standard will, on acceptance, be paid at the rate of £2/2/ per 1,000 words. The £500 prize will, how- ever, include the purchase of all Australian publication rights. We shall also reserve the right to prepare successful entries for Australian serial publication.

'Entries should be forwarded by registered post to the Literary Editor, The Argus and Australasian Limited, 365 Elizabeth st, Melbourne, C1. These must be accompanied by a statutory declaration that the entry is the original and unpublished work of the competitor. The final judging will be done by a committee of experts, and their decision must be regarded as final. Entries may be submitted on any date before June 30, 1945.

Here is your chance! We want to find* the Steinbeck of Australia!'

(The Argus, 10 February 1945 (10)