“Best Australian Speculative Fiction: Short Stories 2026”
Official Fundraising Page
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Project Summary:
“Best Australian Speculative Fiction: Short Stories 2026” Chinese Edition is a pilot project bringing 17 Australian authors to the Chinese World. Published in digital and print formats, this unique collection promotes Australian sci-fi, fantasy and horror stories to Chinese readers globally, showcasing original, refreshing, innovative and diverse Australian literary talents.
Help us propel Australian literature and especially Australian speculative fiction to this significant non-English market. Seize this opportunity to introduce the breath and depth of Australian speculative fiction to Chinese readers worldwide, showcasing our authors amidst the global recognition and popularity of speculative fiction in recent decades.
Why This Project is Significant:
The 17 authors featured in “Best Australian Speculative Fiction: Short Stories 2026” are winners and finalists of the Aurealis Awards, Australia’s premier award for speculative fiction. As demonstrated by the quality of their stories, Australian authors working in this field are among the best globally. As such, speculative fiction can play a role in our national and industry-based efforts to promote Australian literature to the world.
A translated anthology of Australian speculative fiction can highlight Australian inspirations and idea(l)s to help tackle some of the challenges faced by the whole humanity, such as climate change, socio-economic inequality, and artificial intelligence and unchecked automation – just to name a few. Through translation, new readership can be fostered and lead to new literary imaginations and connections in and between the English and Chinese Worlds.
How the Raised Fund will be Used:
The raised fund will be used in the following ways:
- To pay royalties to the authors and the cover designer.
- To pay wages to the translator, editor and proofreader(s).
- To produce the anthology in digital and print formats.
- To promote the anthology both online and offline.
- To help plan the “Best Australian Speculative Fiction: Short Stories 2027” anthology.
Project Updates:
2026.06.26. Introducing “The Combat Pilot’s Dictionary” by Arden Baker
2026.06.26. Introducing “Customer Service” by Emily Wyeth
2026.07.03. Introducing “Hackles” by Jeff Clulow
2026.07.09. Introducing “Remembering the Hungry Ghosts” by Emmi Khor
2026.07.14. Introducing “Flesh of My Flesh” by Ben Matthews
2026.08.12. Draft Cover Reveal
2026.10.12. AusArt Day Campaign 1 of 5
2026.10.20. AusArt Day Campaign 2 of 5: Six SCI-FI Authors
2026.10.21: AusArt Day Campaign 3 of 5: Six FANTASY Authors
2026.10.22: AusArt Day Campaign 4 of 5: Five HORROR FICTION Authors
2026.10.23: AusArt Day Thank-You and Campaign 5 of 5: Perks/Rewards
More Details:
More information, including but not limited to the authors, cover designer and translator featured in the anthology, can be found HERE. Thank you.
