The closing date for the Retreat West Novel Prize for unpublished novelists is 18 August. The winner will receive a publication contract with Retreat West Books and a £500 advance. The second prize is a full manuscript critique by Amanda Saint. Entry is £15. Website: www.retreatwest.co.uk
The Housman Society, dedicated to an appreciation of the life and works of poet AE Housman, author of The Shropshire Lad, publishes an annual journal and a biannual newsletter. Membership costs £15 per year. Details: email: info@housmansociety.co.uk; website:www.housmansociety.co.uk
Australia’s top award for science fi ction, the Ditmar Awards, have been announced as: Best Novel, City of Lies, Sam Hawke; Best Novella or Novelette, Cabaret of Monsters, Tansy Rayner Roberts; Best Short Story, The Heart of Owl Abbas, Kathleen Jennings, Tor.com; Best Collected Work, Mother of Invention, ed Rivqa Rafael & Tansy Rayner Roberts.