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- Tasks: Judge creative writing submissions from talented students across Australia.
- Company: Dymocks is a trusted Australian brand promoting youth creativity through literature.
- Benefits: Receive Dymocks gift vouchers and enhance your resume with this prestigious role.
- Why this job: Engage with inspiring stories while developing your literary skills in a national competition.
- Qualifications: Passion for creative writing; experience in writing, tutoring, or literary organisations preferred.
- Other info: This is a remote, unpaid volunteer position running from June to August 2025.
We are seeking volunteer readers to assist with the judging process for our Beyond Words Creative Writing Competition! Beyond Words is a national creative writing competition for primary and secondary students across Australia, run by Dymocks. Students have been challenged to write a short story between 500-1500 words on any theme and in any genre. We are seeking Australia's most passionate and creative young storytellers!
The competition has the biggest prize pool of any youth writing competition in Australia. While this is a volunteer position and does not include payment, as a thank you, you will receive a $5 Dymocks Gift Voucher for each set of 10 stories you judge!
ABOUT YOU
We are seeking volunteer readers who are experienced in and passionate about creative writing! You might be an emerging writer yourself, be undertaking a degree in creative writing or literature, be part of a creative writing organisation, or work for a student publication or literary magazine. You might work with students in an arts/humanities or tutoring organisation, or be active in any organisation or group to do with reading, writing or the arts.
COMMITMENT AND TIME FRAME
Reading will commence on June 5th 2025 and finish by August 15th 2025. We ask each volunteer to commit to judging a minimum of 3 sets (30 stories in total). Stories will range in length from 500-1500 words. You do not need to write detailed notes on every story you read. In order to finish the total judging within this time frame, we ask volunteers to take no more than 5 days to judge each set of stories.
GENERAL INFORMATION
You must be located in Australia. This is an unpaid volunteer position; however, we hope that being associated with such a big national competition run by a trusted Australian brand will be great to put on your resume. By agreeing to volunteer you accept the Volunteer Judge Terms of Engagement.
Throughout the judging process, you will be exposed to incredible stories from a diverse range of students across Australia and will hone your skills in considering the range of qualities that make up a 'good story', including technical command of form, the use of language to shape meaning, and the passion, heart and creativity behind an idea!
The application process is:
- Apply Now
- Attach a brief resume that outlines your creative writing experiences. We do not need full detail of your past employment, we are interested in a description of:
- any publication history such as anthologies, literary magazines etc.
- experience working in tutoring or teaching creative writing workshops
- involvement in student publication or reading/editing for literary magazines
- completion or enrolment in creative writing courses
- any other relevant experience in creative writing
VOLUNTEER JUDGES TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT
For the full terms and conditions of judging, please visit the Dymocks Beyond Words website: Dymocks Beyond Words.
Contact Detail:
Dymocks Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2025 Volunteer Judge Creative Writing Competition - Dymocks (Remote)
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for creative writing! When you engage with the application process, make sure to express your enthusiasm for storytelling and literature. This can be through your interactions or any discussions you have about the competition.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other writers and educators. Join online forums or local writing groups where you can connect with like-minded individuals. This can help you gain insights into the judging process and may even lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the competition's previous winners and their stories. Understanding what has been successful in the past can give you a better perspective on what makes a compelling entry, which is crucial for your judging role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to manage your time effectively. Since you'll need to judge multiple sets of stories within a specific timeframe, consider creating a schedule that allows you to read and reflect on each set without feeling rushed.
We think you need these skills to ace 2025 Volunteer Judge Creative Writing Competition - Dymocks (Remote)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Resume: Craft a brief resume that highlights your creative writing experiences. Focus on relevant details such as any publication history, tutoring experience, and involvement in literary organisations.
Showcase Your Passion: In your application, express your passion for creative writing and literature. Mention any personal projects or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to the craft.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to attach your resume as specified in the application process. Double-check that you have included all necessary information and that your resume is concise and relevant.
Review and Submit: Before submitting your application, review it for any errors or omissions. Ensure that your resume accurately reflects your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dymocks Group
✨Show Your Passion for Creative Writing
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for creative writing during the interview. Share your own experiences, whether it's writing stories, participating in workshops, or being involved in literary communities. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant experience you have in judging, reading, or teaching creative writing. Mention any publications you've been a part of or any tutoring roles that relate to the position. This will help the interviewers see how your background aligns with their needs.
✨Understand the Judging Criteria
Familiarise yourself with what makes a good story, including technical aspects and emotional depth. Being able to articulate your understanding of these qualities will show that you are well-prepared and capable of providing valuable feedback on the submissions.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the competition and the judging process. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to clarify any uncertainties you may have about the role and its responsibilities.
