Literary Awards and Author Recognitions for Australian Authors

In the vibrant and diverse literary landscape of Australia, author awards and recognitions play a role in celebrating and promoting the immense talent of the writers who live there.

Author awards in Australia, such as the prestigious Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, the Miles Franklin Literary Award, and the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, among others, are esteemed for their rigorous selection processes and the recognition they bestow upon outstanding literary works across various genres. These awards celebrate excellence in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, and children’s literature, reflecting the rich tapestry of Australian storytelling.

There are many potential benefits to gaining an author award or recognition such as increased visibility and credibility, financial support, broader readership and sales, and opportunities for publication and translation among others. For some authors, winning an award for their writing is a personal goal. They see it as a form of validation and acknowledgment of their hard work, creativity, and dedication to their craft.

However, gaining a literary award does not guarantee a long-standing and successful writing career. Some authors have seen very little impact from awards they’ve won. While it’s always affirming to win an award, it doesn’t always translate into more sales.

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Whatever your reasons for pursuing a book award or author recognition, we have compiled a list of literary awards for Australian authors below and we’re sure you’ll be able to find some that pertain to you.

We have previously covered author awards in America, author awards in Canada, and author awards in the UK if those may pertain to you as well.

Australian Literary Awards and Author Recognitions

1. ACT Book of the Year

This award celebrates the best book published in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) each year. It recognizes excellence in literature and aims to highlight the work of authors based on or connected to the ACT.

2. ACT Writing and Publishing Awards

These awards recognize achievements in writing and publishing within the ACT. They cover various categories, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.

3. Ada Cambridge Prize

Named after the Australian novelist Ada Cambridge, this prize is awarded for excellence in fiction by an Australian author.

4. ALS Gold Medal

The Australian Literature Society Gold Medal is one of Australia’s oldest literary awards, given for the best work of literature by an Australian author.

5. Anne Elder Award

This award is given to a first book of poetry published by an Australian author. It supports emerging Australian poets and encourages the development of new poetic voices.

6. Asher Award

The Asher Award honors excellence in Australian writing, particularly focusing on fiction and non-fiction.

7. Aurealis Award

The Aurealis Awards are dedicated to celebrating Australian science fiction, fantasy, and horror fiction. It includes multiple categories, such as best novel, best short story, and best young-adult fiction.

• Best Fantasy Short Story: This category within the Aurealis Awards specifically recognizes the best fantasy short story published by an Australian author.
• Aurealis Awards Best Horror Short Story: This category within the Aurealis Awards recognizes the best horror short story written by an Australian author.
• Aurealis Awards Best Science Fiction Short Story: This category within the Aurealis Awards is awarded to the best science fiction short story by an Australian author.
• Aurealis Awards Best Young-Adult Short Story: This award within the Aurealis Awards honors the best young-adult short story written by an Australian author.

8. Australia-Asia Literary Award

This award aims to promote understanding and appreciation between Australia and Asia through literature. It is given to books that bridge cultural and geographical divides. Australian authors with works that have a connection to Asia, or Asian authors writing in English are qualified to apply for this award. This award is meant ot encourage Australian authors to engage with Asian cultures and themes, fostering cross-cultural literary dialogue.

9. Australian Book Industry Awards

These awards celebrate excellence in the Australian book industry across various categories, including bookselling, publishing, and writing.

10. Australian Book Review

While not an award, Australian Book Review is a prominent literary magazine that reviews books and highlights significant works in Australian literature. Books reviewed include works by both Australian and international authors. This provides critical exposure and recognition for Australian authors through reviews and literary commentary.

11. Australian Children’s Choice Awards

These awards are given based on children’s votes, recognizing books that resonate with young readers in Australia. It highlights books that are popular among Australian children, promoting local authors and their works.

12. Australian Children’s Literary Awards

These awards recognize excellence in Australian children’s literature across different categories, including picture books, early readers, and young-adult fiction.

13. Australian Fiction Awards

These awards recognize exceptional achievements in Australian fiction writing, including novels and short stories.

14. Australian History Awards

These awards celebrate outstanding contributions to Australian historical writing, including both academic and popular history. Recognizing significant achievements in documenting and interpreting Australian history.

15. Australian Journalism Awards

These awards honor excellence in Australian journalism, including literary journalism and reporting. It highlights contributions to Australian journalism and its intersection with literature.

16. Australian Literature Society Gold Medal

This award is given for the best work of literature by an Australian author, celebrating excellence in writing.

17. Australian Multicultural Children’s Literature Awards

These awards celebrate children’s books that reflect multicultural experiences and themes in Australia. Promotes diversity and inclusion in Australian children’s literature.

18. Australian Non-Fiction Book Awards

These awards honor excellence in Australian non-fiction writing, including biographies, memoirs, and scholarly works.

19. Australian Poetry Awards

These awards recognize exceptional achievements in Australian poetry, celebrating both established and emerging poets.

20. Australian Science Fiction Awards

These awards recognize excellence in Australian science fiction writing, including novels, short stories, and other forms of speculative fiction.

21. Australian Shadows Award

This award honors outstanding achievements in Australian horror fiction, including novels, short stories, and other horror-related works. Recognizes exceptional horror writing by Australian authors.

22. AWGIE Awards

The AWGIE Awards recognize excellence in Australian playwriting and scriptwriting for stage, screen, and radio. Highlights achievements in Australian dramatic writing and supports the development of new works in theatre and screenwriting.

23. Banjo Awards (1974–1997)

The Banjo Awards were given for achievements in Australian literature, named in honor of the Australian poet Banjo Paterson. They recognized various literary contributions but were discontinued in 1997.

24. Barbara Jefferis Award

Named in honor of Australian writer Barbara Jefferis, this award is given to the best novel by an Australian woman.

25. Barbara Ramsden Award

This award honors excellence in Australian book design and production, named after Barbara Ramsden, a notable book designer.

26. Bruce Dawe National Poetry Prize

Named after the Australian poet Bruce Dawe, this prize is awarded for an outstanding poem or collection of poetry by an Australian poet.

27. C. J. Dennis Prize for Poetry

This award recognizes excellence in Australian poetry, named in honor of poet C. J. Dennis. It focuses on the work of Australian poets, promoting the appreciation of Australian poetry.

28. Calibre Prize

The Calibre Prize is awarded for an outstanding essay or article in Australian literary non-fiction.

29. Canberra’s Own Outstanding List (COOL Awards)

The COOL Awards are given by the Children’s Book Council of Australia ACT Branch, celebrating exceptional children’s books. Books by authors or illustrators based in the ACT qualify for entry.

30. Chief Minister’s Northern Territory Book History Awards (formerly Territory Read)

These awards recognize achievements in documenting and preserving Northern Territory’s book history and literature. Celebrates and supports literature from Northern Territory, promoting local authors and themes.

31. Children’s Book of the Year Awards

The CBCA Awards are among Australia’s most prestigious children’s literature awards, recognizing excellence in children’s books. These awards cover various categories of children’s literature, recognizing excellence across genres and age groups.

• Early Childhood: This CBCA Award category recognizes the best book for early childhood readers.
• Eve Pownall Award for Information Books: This CBCA Award recognizes the best information book for children, celebrating educational and informative works.
• Older Readers: This CBCA Award category is for the best book for older children and young adults.
• Picture Book: This CBCA Award honors the best picture book published in Australia.
• Younger Readers: This CBCA Award recognizes the best book for younger readers, typically ages 7-12.

32. Children’s Peace Literature Award

This award is given for children’s literature that promotes peace and understanding. Books that address themes of peace, published in Australia or internationally are qualified to participate in this award.

33. Christopher Brennan Award

This award honors an outstanding contribution to Australian poetry, named after poet Christopher Brennan.

34. Colin Roderick Award

This award is given for an outstanding work of Australian fiction, named after the Australian author Colin Roderick.

35. Courier-Mail Book of the Year

This award recognizes the best book published in Australia during the year, selected by the Courier-Mail newspaper.

36. Crichton Award for Children’s Book Illustration (1988–2018)

Named after illustrator Margaret Crichton, this award was given for excellence in children’s book illustration. It focused on the visual aspect of children’s literature, celebrating Australian illustrators’ contributions to the field. This award was discontinued in 2018.

37. Dame Annabelle Rankin Award

This award recognizes outstanding contributions by Australian women in literature, named after Dame Annabelle Rankin. It acknowledges the contributions of Australian women writers and promotes gender diversity in literature.

38. David Unaipon Award

Established to honor the work of Indigenous Australian writers, this award supports manuscripts by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors.

39. David Williamson Prize

Named after the acclaimed Australian playwright David Williamson, this prize recognizes excellence in Australian playwriting.

40. Davitt Award

These awards recognize the best books by Australian women, covering various categories such as fiction and non-fiction.

41. Deborah Cass Prize for Writing

Established in 2015 to support writers from a migrant background, this prize encourages diverse voices in Australian literature. It promotes multiculturalism and diversity in Australian literature.

42. Ditmar Award

Given annually for excellence in Australian science fiction, fantasy, and horror, this award honors works in speculative fiction.

43. Dorothy Hewett Award

This award honors outstanding literary achievements in Australian writing, named after poet and playwright Dorothy Hewett.

44. Dromkeen Medal

Awarded for contributions to Australian children’s literature, recognizing outstanding achievements in the field.

45. Educational Publishing Awards Australia

These awards recognize excellence in educational publishing, highlighting the best educational resources produced in Australia.

46. Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize

Named after the renowned Australian author Elizabeth Jolley, this prize is awarded for an outstanding short story. Recognizes exceptional short fiction, celebrating both local and international talent.

47. Environment Award for Children’s Literature

Awarded by the Wilderness Society, this prize recognizes children’s books that promote environmental awareness and conservation. It encourages Australian authors to engage with environmental themes in children’s literature.

48. Ernest Scott Prize

This award is given for the best book in the field of history, with a focus on Australian history or Australian contributions to historical scholarship. It promotes significant contributions to the study of Australian history.

49. FAW Patricia Weickhardt Award to an Aboriginal Writer

This award supports an Aboriginal Australian writer, named in honor of Patricia Weickhardt. It covers various genres and is meant to support and promote Aboriginal Australian literary voices.

50. Fogarty Literary Award

This award is given for excellence in Australian literature, often focusing on unpublished manuscripts or emerging writers.

51. Grace Leven Prize for Poetry

Awarded for an outstanding poetry collection by an Australian poet, named after Grace Leven.

52. Griffith University Josephine Ulrick Poetry Prize

This prize is awarded for an outstanding collection of poetry, supported by Griffith University and named after Josephine Ulrick.

53. Gwen Harwood Poetry Prize

Named after the renowned Australian poet Gwen Harwood, this prize is awarded for excellence in poetry.

54. Hazel Rowley Literary Fellowship

This fellowship supports the research and writing of a book or biography by Australian authors, named in honor of Hazel Rowley. Provides financial support to Australian authors undertaking significant literary projects.

55. Indie Book Awards (Australia)

These awards celebrate the best independently published books in Australia, covering various categories.

56. Inky Awards

Presented by the State Library of Victoria, the Inky Awards recognize outstanding young adult books, with categories for both Australian and international works.

57. Ipswich Poetry Feast

This award celebrates poetry and poets, with an emphasis on regional contributions and new voices. Poets from Australia, particularly those with regional connections are eligible to apply.

58. Jack Pollard Trophy

This award is named in honor of Australian sports writer Jack Pollard and recognizes outstanding contributions to sports writing. Books on sports, including biographies and historical accounts are eligible for this award.

59. John Hinde Award for Excellence in Science-Fiction Writing

This award recognizes outstanding achievements in science fiction writing, named after science fiction author John Hinde.

60. Judith A. Markowitz Award

This award acknowledges exceptional achievements by authors or literary figures, particularly in the context of their contributions to literature.

61. Judith Wright Calanthe Award

Named after poet Judith Wright, this award celebrates excellence in poetry.

62. Judith Wright Prize

This prize, also named in honor of Judith Wright, is awarded for outstanding works in poetry or literary achievements.

63. Kathleen Mitchell Award

This award supports Australian authors and recognizes emerging talent in the field of writing.

64. Kenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry

Named after the influential Australian poet Kenneth Slessor, this prize recognizes excellence in poetry.

65. Kit Denton Fellowship

This fellowship supports Australian writers, named in honor of author Kit Denton, to undertake significant literary projects. It provides financial support for major literary endeavors in Australia.

66. Leila St John Award

Recognizes outstanding contributions to Australian literature or publishing, named after Leila St John.

67. MARION Book Awards (ACT)

Recognizes literary works and achievements in the Australian Capital Territory, including various genres. It highlights literary talent from the ACT region.

68. Mary Gilmore Award

Named after the Australian poet Mary Gilmore, this award recognizes exceptional poetry or works in Australian literature.

69. Melbourne Prize for Literature

This prize recognizes outstanding achievements in literature by Australian authors, including a significant cash prize and fellowships.

70. Miles Franklin Award

One of Australia’s most prestigious literary awards, given for the best novel or play depicting Australian life in any of its phases. Celebrates and promotes works that reflect Australian experiences and narratives.

71. Nan Chauncy Award

Recognizes outstanding contributions to Australian children’s literature, named after Australian author Nan Chauncy.

72. National Biography Award

Awards excellence in biography writing, focusing on Australian life and history.

73. Ned Kelly Awards

Recognizes excellence in Australian crime writing, named after the infamous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly.

74. New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards

Awards recognizing excellence in various genres of literature, presented by the New South Wales government. It includes various genres including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s literature.

75. Newcastle Poetry Prize

An annual prize for outstanding poetry, recognizing poets across Australia. Both individual poems or collections are eligible for this prize.

76. Nib Literary Award

Recognizes excellence in both fiction and non-fiction, offering substantial prize money.

77. Nita Kibble Literary Awards

Awards honoring outstanding books by Australian women writers, covering various genres.

78. NSW Philip Parsons Fellowship for Emerging Playwrights

Supports emerging playwrights in New South Wales with a fellowship to develop their work. Provides support for the development of new theatrical works by Australian playwrights.

79. Odyssey Award

Recognizes excellence in fantasy and speculative fiction, often awarded for outstanding contributions in the genre.

80. Pascall Prize

Awarded for exceptional contributions to Australian literature, with a focus on creative and original works. It recognizes significant achievements in Australian literary creativity.

81. Patrick White Award

This award recognizes outstanding contributions to Australian literature, named after the renowned Australian author Patrick White.

82. Patrick White Playwrights’ Award

Given to an Australian playwright for excellence in playwriting, this award is also named after Patrick White.

83. Peter Blazey Fellowship

Provides financial support to Australian writers, particularly those working on biographies or autobiographies to support significant literary projects in Australian non-fiction.

84. Peter Porter Poetry Prize

This award celebrates excellence in poetry and is named after the influential Australian poet Peter Porter.

85. Philip Hodgins Memorial Medal

Awarded for excellence in poetry, named in honor of Australian poet Philip Hodgins.

86. PMC Indigenous Literature Awards

Recognizes outstanding works by Indigenous Australian writers, celebrating their contributions to literature.

87. Prime Minister’s Literary Awards

These prestigious awards recognize outstanding Australian books in various categories, including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s literature.

88. Prime Minister’s Prize for Australian History

Part of the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, this prize specifically recognizes excellence in Australian historical writing.

89. Queensland Literary Awards

Established to celebrate literary excellence in Queensland, recognizing outstanding contributions across various genres. Australian authors, with a focus on works by Queensland writers or related to Queensland themes are eligible.

90. Queensland Premier’s Drama Award

Recognizes excellence in playwriting, awarded by the Queensland government. This award supports and celebrates Australian theatrical talent.

91. Readings Prize (2014–)

Awarded by Readings bookstore for outstanding Australian books, promoting literary excellence.

92. Russell Prize

Named after poet David Russell, this prize recognizes excellence in poetry.

93. S. H. Prior Memorial Prize

This prize is awarded for excellence in Australian literature, named after S. H. Prior.

94. Scarlet Stiletto Award

Focuses on crime writing by women, celebrating excellence in the genre. This award promotes women’s contributions to Australian crime writing.

95. South Australian Literary Awards

Recognizes literary achievements in South Australia, covering various genres. Australian authors, particularly those connected to South Australia are eligible.

96. South Australian Premier’s Awards

Awards that celebrate outstanding Australian books and literary achievements, presented by the South Australian government. These awards cover various genres including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s literature.

97. Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards

Recognizes books that support and enhance communication and literacy, awarded by Speech Pathology Australia. Children’s books, educational books, and books that assist with communication and help promote communication and literacy skills are eligible.

98. Sport Australia Media Awards

Awards that recognize excellence in sports journalism and writing. Sports-related literature, including biographies and historical accounts, are eligible.

99. Stella Prize

An award celebrating Australian women’s writing across various genres.

100. T. A. G. Hungerford Award

An award for an outstanding unpublished manuscript by an Australian writer, focusing on emerging talent.

101. Tasmanian Literary Awards

These awards celebrate excellence in literature in Tasmania. The prizes are awarded by the Premier of Tasmania and encompass several categories, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s literature.

102. The Age Book of the Year

Awarded by The Age newspaper for the best book published in Australia within the year.

103. The Age Short Story Award

Recognizes excellence in short story writing, awarded by The Age newspaper.

104. The Australian/Vogel Literary Award

Recognizes the best-unpublished manuscript by an Australian writer under 35. This award supports emerging Australian authors by offering a platform for unpublished work.

105. The Blake Poetry Prize

Awarded for outstanding achievements in poetry, named after poet and artist William Blake.

106. The Bragg UNSW Press Prize for Science Writing

Recognizes excellence in science writing, promoting clear and engaging scientific communication. Celebrates outstanding Australian contributions to science writing.

107. The Iremonger Award (2004–2008)

Awarded for excellence in Australian literature, named after poet and editor Dorothy Iremonger, but was discontinued in 2008.

108. The Ledger Awards

Focuses on Australian comics and graphic novels, celebrating excellence in the medium.

109. The Roland Robinson Literary Award

Named after poet Roland Robinson, this award recognizes achievements in poetry.

110. The Sydney Morning Herald Best Young Australian Novelists

Recognizes emerging Australian novelists who have made a significant impact with their work. It celebrates and supports young Australian novelists.

111. The Vincent Buckley Poetry Prize

Awarded for excellence in poetry, named after poet Vincent Buckley.

112. Thomas Shapcott Poetry Prize

Recognizes an outstanding poetry manuscript, awarded by the University of Queensland Press.

113. Val Vallis Award

Awarded for an outstanding collection of poetry by an Australian poet.

114. Vance Palmer Prize for Fiction

Named after Australian author Vance Palmer, this prize recognizes excellence in fiction.

115. Victorian Community History Awards

Recognizes excellence in community history and local historical research in Victoria. Highlights contributions to the field of local and community history in Victoria.

116. Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards

The Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards are one of Australia’s most prestigious literary awards, established in 1985 by the Victorian government to celebrate and support Australian writing. The awards recognize excellence across various literary forms and genres and aim to promote the importance of literature in the cultural life of Victoria and Australia.

• Fiction: Recognizes outstanding works of fiction by Australian authors.
• Non-Fiction: Celebrates exceptional works of non-fiction, including history, biography, and essays.
• Poetry: Awards excellence in poetry, recognizing both individual collections and anthologies.
• Drama: Honors outstanding plays or dramatic works by Australian playwrights.
• Writing for Young Adults: Recognizes exceptional works of fiction, non-fiction, or poetry aimed at young adult readers.
• Indigenous Writing: Celebrates works by Indigenous Australian authors across any genre.

117. Voss Literary Prize

Awarded for an outstanding Australian work of fiction, named after Patrick White’s novel Voss.

118. Walkley Book Award

Part of the Walkley Awards, specifically recognizing excellence in book writing related to journalism. Australian authors of non-fiction books related to journalism are eligible.

119. Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards

Celebrates literary excellence in Western Australia across various genres including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s literature.

120. Whitley Awards

Awarded for excellence in natural history writing, named after zoologist Gilbert Whitley. Australian authors of natural history works are eligible.

121. Woollahra Digital Literary Award

Recognizes excellence in digital literature and e-books. This award encourages innovation in digital literary forms in Australia.

122. Young Australian Journalist of the Year

Recognizes exceptional achievements by young journalists in Australia. Acknowledges promising young journalists in Australia.

Literary Awards Are Only One Factor in Author’s Success

Literary awards contribute to the broader cultural and literary landscape in Australia. They highlight diverse voices and stories, fostering a rich and inclusive literary culture. By celebrating excellence in writing, these awards encourage readers to explore new works and support Australian authors, ensuring the continued vibrancy and growth of the country’s literary tradition.

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Did we miss any Australian literary awards? Let us know in the comments below!

Happy writing,