Chloe Anne's manuscript The House Where Mercy Died won the 2026 Richell Prize for Emerging Writers, which is "dedicated to removing barriers for unpublished writers, has no age limit and requires only three finished chapters at the time of submission so as to encourage and empower writers to be brave and bold and back their talent." It is awarded in memory of Hachette Australia's former CEO Matt Richell, who died in a surfing accident in 2014.
Commenting on the winning manuscript, the judges said "the literary ability to build tension and atmosphere was apparent from the opening paragraphs."
The award is sponsored by the publisher and Hannah Richell, in partnership with the Emerging Writers' Festival and Simpsons Solicitors. The winner receives A$10,000 (about US$6,870), to be donated by Hachette Australia, along with a 12-month mentorship with one of the company's publishers.