The much-anticipated 2025 Australian Book Industry Awards were presented on Wednesday 7 May at a star-studded event in Melbourne. Featuring some of the biggest names in the Australian book industry, this year’s shortlists and winners were a showcase of established luminaries and emerging talents.

The 25 winners were selected by an experienced cohort of highly-respected publishers, booksellers, agents and media and industry representatives, with winning titles presenting a significant contribution to their respective genre or category.

The ABIA 2025 winning titles are: 

Book of the Year 

The Voice Inside, John Farnham with Poppy Stockell (Hachette)  

The prestigious and highly coveted 2025 ABIA Book of the Year Award was awarded to The Voice Inside by John Farnham with Poppy Stockell.

Audiobook awards 

Audiobook of the Year  

The Voice Inside, John Farnham with Poppy Stockell; narrated by John Farnham, Jill Farnham, Gaynor Wheatley (Squaresound); produced by Squaresound 

The judges commended the strong collaboration and passionate approach to achieving the right storytelling and narration for this title, and the organisation and care required to allow John Farnham to narrate the book himself. They also acknowledged the strong release strategy, the creative marketing, and the sales results. 

Book awards 

Biography Book of the Year   

The Voice Inside, John Farnham with Poppy Stockell (Hachette)  

Facing a very challenging sales environment, Hachette showed innovation and flair in developing this book and its campaign. The judges commended especially the care, dedication and commitment shown by the publisher to John Farnham to support him to tell his own story.  

 The John Marsden Book of the Year for Older Children (ages 13+)  

My Family and Other Suspects, Kate Emery (A&U Children’s)  

The judges highlighted the strong collaborative editorial approach and the strategic, meticulous process behind this book. Designed with the target readership in mind – and with affordability and sustainability considered – the marketing strategy and cover design of My Family and Other Suspects effectively drew on trends while maintaining a clear point of difference. 

Book of the Year for Younger Children (ages 7–12)  

Wurrtoo, Tylissa Elisara, illus by Dylan Finney (Lothian) 

Presented as a lovely hardback keepsake, Wurrtoo was perfectly marketed and beautifully executed. The judges commended the beautifully woven First Nations themes, the way the author was held with respect and treated with sensitivity, and the clear and keen focus on collaboration and flexibility when editing. 

Children’s Picture Book of the Year (ages 0–6)   

The Truck Cat, Deborah Frenkel, illus by Danny Snell (Bright Light) 

The judging panel commended this thoughtfully created picture book for its unique and compelling story, strong author-publisher collaboration, and deep thematic resonance. The Truck Cat benefits from the work of a highly skilled and collaborative design team, with a thoughtful and restrained design, effective colour management, and tactile production choices that contribute to a high-quality final product. 

 General Fiction Book of the Year  

What Happened to Nina?, Dervla McTiernan (HarperCollins)   

The judges applauded the considerable work involved in managing the editorial process of this title across multiple territories. The marketing plan included many channels, from long–form print to Goodreads, and was a collaborative effort with booksellers, influencers and retailers. The publishing team has demonstrated the importance of a strong publishing process with the title’s commercial success and broad appeal. 

General Non-fiction Book of the Year  

The Chairman’s Lounge, Joe Aston (Scribner)   

The combined efforts of the editorial, marketing, production and sales teams made The Chairman’s Lounge a standout success for the judging panel. With a unique newsroom-style editorial process and a special release date, this book achieved 1,000 media mentions in 2024 and displayed an overall great campaign. 

Illustrated Book of the Year  

RecipeTin Eats: Tonight, Nagi Maehashi (Pan Macmillan) 

With a record-breaking pre-order campaign, Tonight became the top-selling nonfiction title on release since BookScan Australia records began. The judges commended the exceptional achievement in navigating the enormous complexity in editorial and production to create three editions for three markets at this scale without going out of stock. 

International Book of the Year  

The Ministry of Time, Kaliane Bradley (Sceptre) 

The campaign behind The Ministry of Time displayed Hachette Australia’s real in–house commitment and genuine passion. The judges loved the enthusiasm behind the three bespoke editions – including a Dymocks exclusive – and recognised the effort as a labour of love. The judges noted it was particularly impressive that Australia outsold the US and the UK per capita. 

Literary Fiction Book of the Year 

Dusk, Robbie Arnott (Picador) 

The judges commended Picador for recognising and supporting Arnott’s talent, and for their strategic efforts to attract him to Pan Macmillan. Their collaborative approach helped build on his success – doubling the performance of his previous book and improving accessibility through an extensive sales and marketing campaign. 

Small Publishers’ Adult Book of the Year  

All I Ever Wanted Was to Be Hot, Lucinda Price (Pantera) 

The judges commended Pantera’s entire publishing process, including a trauma-informed editorial approach, thoughtful cover design, audio production, and the comprehensive marketing and publicity campaign. With sales surpassing 25k across three formats, including notable audio sales (Audible Memoir of the Year), this debut memoir stood out in a competitive space. 

Small Publishers’ Children’s Book of the Year  

Leo and Ralph, Peter Carnavas (UQP)  

The judging panel praised the thorough editorial process, considered design approach, creative engagement, hand-drawn Illustrations, effective promotional effort, and international success of this title. A well-executed publication with an especially notable promotional campaign. 

Social Impact Book of the Year  

Brainstorm, Richard Scolyer with Garry Maddox (A&U) 

The judges recognised the impressive campaign behind Brainstorm, which saw the book gain a broad and diverse audience. The book had an ambitious goal: to lead social change and raise awareness by connecting the wider medical community with readers and research institutions. 

The Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year 
(for an author’s first book, regardless of genre) 

We Are the Stars, Gina Chick (Summit) 

The judging panel acknowledged We Are the Stars as an extraordinary debut memoir, supported by an exceptional campaign with tireless efforts from author Gina Chick and publisher Simon & Schuster. The panel was unanimous in their excitement to read more from Chick and agreed this made the book a standout winner in this category. 

Business Awards 

Bookshop of the Year 

Potts Point Bookshop 

The judging panel commended this bookseller’s ongoing efforts to build community and create a true destination bookshop, along with their strong commitment to handselling, which has helped them achieve growth well ahead of the industry. 

Book Retailer of the Year 

QBD Books 

The judging panel commended the strong efforts of QBD in keeping a large store network focused on their aims. They acknowledged the response to on-trend promotional efforts, such as the Romance Book Club, as well as outreach into schools and not-for-profits, supporting both the brand and the community. 

Multicategory Retailer of the Year  

BIG W 

The judges acknowledged and commended Big W’s strong focus on sustainability and its demonstrated commitment to selling Australian books while driving sales growth. They also praised the company’s ongoing support of Australian communities, including its commitment to hosting events. 

Commissioning Editor/Publisher of the Year 

Jeanmarie Morosin (Hachette Australia) 

The judges praised Jeanmarie’s stellar career to date, noting the meaningful breadth of her work across new, emerging and established authors, as well as her thoughtful approach to support and mentorship. Her list includes multiple shortlisted and award-winning titles, with a strong focus on collaboration with First Nations writers and a clear commitment to children’s literature and the future of reading. 

Marketing/Publicity Campaign of the Year 

Personal Penguin Campaign (Penguin Random House Australia) 

The judges commended the marketing and sales team at Penguin Random House for this creative, community-based campaign. They noted, in particular, the integral collaboration built within and through the campaign, the emphasis on independent bookstores, and the centring of partnerships as a key driving factor, making this campaign a standout in this category.

Publisher of the Year 

Penguin Random House Australia 

The judges congratulate Penguin Random House Australia for its highest sales in history, an incredible feat in a tough climate and retail environment. They acknowledge their investment in audio, distribution, and partnerships, as well as a strong focus on Australian talent, including a commitment to showcasing and fostering new and diverse voices and stories in Australia and across the world. 

Small Publisher of the Year 

University of Queensland Press  

The judges described UQP’s submission as a stand-out, noting high–quality results across all areas of the business. They particularly commended the creativity shown in developing new sales channels and the team’s grassroots involvement in awards, fellowships and internship programs. The judges also recognised UQP’s commitment to author care, inclusion and staff development. 

Children’s Publisher of the Year 

Allen & Unwin Australia. 

The judges commend Allen & Unwin for their commitment to Australian children’s literature, demonstrated through a broad range of titles – from board books to young adult fiction. They highlighted the standout success of Landovel and Into the Ice, along with a robust backlist. The panel also acknowledged the publisher’s commitment to creator care and development, as well as its investment in staff development. 

Hall of fame awards 

Lloyd O’Neill 

Ross Gibb, former Managing Director, Macmillan Publishers ANZ is named the recipient of 2025 Lloyd O’Neil award. (See more.)

Pixie O’Harris 

Rachel Bin Salleh OAM, Publisher at Magabala Books is named the recipient of 2025 Pixie O’Harris Award. (See more.)

Thank you to all of our ABIA partners

Our grateful thanks to all our ABIA 2025 partners and sponsors. Their contributions and dedicated support of the industry are a valued part of this event.

The Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) celebrate the professionals in the book business – the dedicated individuals and teams who bring stories to life, and books to the right readers.

Congratulations to the new Hall of Fame recipients, recognising outstanding contributions to the industry.

Hall of Fame: Lloyd O’Neil Award – Ross Gibb

Ross Gibb, former Managing Director, Macmillan Publishers ANZ is named the recipient of 2025 Lloyd O’Neil Award.

Ross began his career in publishing in 1981 at William Collins in Western Australia and moved to their head office in Sydney in 1986. In 1988 he was appointed managing director of Pan Books Australia, which became Pan Macmillan Australia. He moved to MD of Macmillan Publishers ANZ in 1997, which at the time encompassed the trade, education and tertiary businesses. He remained at the helm of the company until his retirement at the end of 2022.

A driving force behind the Australian Publishers Association’s establishment of the industry-owned price and availability service TitlePage, Ross sat on the APA’s Trade Publishers Committee for 30 years and served on the APA board, including multiple terms as vice president. He was a member of the Book Industry Study Group and played a role in lobbying both sides of parliament for the retention of PIRs on each of the three occasions an open market was sought.

Under Ross’s leadership, Pan Macmillan made a significant contribution in the development and growth of Australian publishing, constantly achieving sales of Australian authors and books at record levels that were once the sole domain of imported books. Ross has also been a great developer of publishing talent.

On receiving the award, Gibb says: ‘I am honoured and humbled to accept this award. While it is presented to me individually I genuinely feel it reflects the work, passion and dedication of the incredible teams I have had the privilege to lead. Our company was built on the foundation of collaboration, innovation and mutual respect. It is that spirit that has made this achievement possible. I also want to acknowledge the publishing and bookselling community, our partners and importantly, our authors. Without their creativity, hard work and loyalty, none of this would be possible.’

The Lloyd O’Neil Award recognises outstanding service to the Australian Book Industry by an individual from within its ranks, including publishers, booksellers, authors and other industry representatives with exceptional long service to the industry.

Lloyd O’Neil (1928 – 1992) was a pioneer of Australian publishing, beginning his career as a bookseller and becoming an insightful and talented publisher, printing popular mass market titles that captured the mood of the nation and developing hugely successful educational and travel lists.

View the honour roll and previous winners here.

Hall of Fame: Pixie O’Harris Award – Rachel Bin Salleh

Rachel Bin Salleh OAM, Publisher at Magabala Books is named the recipient of 2025 Pixie O’Harris Award.

Rachel is descended from the Nimunburr and Yawuru peoples of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. She has worked in publishing for over 20 years and is passionate about Indigenous people telling their stories.

Starting her career in publishing at Magabala Books in the 1990s, Rachel became publisher in 2014. In 2025 she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for outstanding contributions to First Nations literature.

Rachel has quietly changed the Australian publishing landscape. From Broome in WA, she has encouraged the Australian publishing industry to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, while also being incredibly generous in sharing her knowledge of publishing First Nations stories.

Rachel is uncompromising in her commitment to Magabala’s ideals of ‘spreading the seeds of our culture’. Over her career, she has introduced generations of children to the riches of First Nations history, culture, beliefs, hopes and truths.

On receiving the award, Rachel says: ‘I am honoured and deeply humbled to receive such an accolade from the judges and my peers in the industry. Thank you for your belief and support in this space, not only for me but for Magabala Books and all those I work with. Publishing stories, experiences and ways of being for First Nations children (and all our children) is one the most important jobs we have. To create safe spaces, develop imaginations, challenge the status quo and to let children laugh like no one is listening, sustains my journey on this planet. It has been a joy and a privilege to serve my community.’

The Pixie O’Harris Award recognises publishers, editors, creators, booksellers, publicists and other industry representatives who have worked consistently in the field of children’s literature, demonstrated commitment beyond the call of duty, and who have developed a reputation for their contribution.

The award is named in honour of children’s book author and illustrator, Pixie O’Harris (1903 – 1991), who had a longstanding career in publishing and painted many murals in hospital wards, health centres and schools.

View the honour roll and previous winners here.

 

Book and Business Awards shortlists and ABIA 2025 Ceremony

The the shortlists for the ABIA Book Awards and Business Awards were announced last month.

Join your industry colleagues to celebrate the Hall of Fame winners and all those shortlisted for awards – and of course, to be there on the night as the winners are announced!

The Awards Ceremony takes place on Wednesday 7 May at Zinc Fed Square in Melbourne.