The much-anticipated 2026 Australian Book Industry Awards were presented on Thursday 21 May at a star-studded event in Sydney. 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 2026 winning titles are: 

Book of the Year 

Once I was a Giant, Zeno Sworder (Thames & Hudson Australia)

Zeno Sworder and Thames & Hudson Australia have skillfully produced a picture book that transcends age, extending the idea of what picture books are and who they are for.

Audiobook awards 

Audiobook of the Year  

Mad Mabel, Sally Hepworth; narrated by Hannah Fredericksen and Jenny Seedsman (Macmillan Australia Audio, Pan Macmillan Australia)

Pan Macmillan’s strategic casting was highly commended by the judges, with the exceptional dual-narration of Fredericksen and Seedsman perfectly complementing the book’s structure.

Australian production preserved authenticity in accent, setting and cultural nuance, while high-quality sound recording elevated the listening experience.

Book awards 

Biography Book of the Year   

Memorial Days, Geraldine Brooks (Hachette Australia)

Memorial Days was seamlessly published across multiple markets, with accessibility at the forefront.
Judges praised Hachette Australia for their exceptional commitment to care, trust and the author’s emotional safety, achieved through close collaboration with Brooks and resulting in this brilliant memoir.

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

Wandering Wild, Lynette Noni (Penguin, Penguin Random House)

Penguin Random House Australia successfully guided Lynette Noni into a new genre through an expertly crafted publication and promotional strategy. The publisher effectively leveraged the author’s loyal fanbase, maximising opportunities across social and digital channels to deepen engagement and expand reach. Judges praised the strong sales result within a competitive commercial YA landscape.

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

Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles, Corey Tutt, illustrated by Ben Williams (Allen & Unwin)

A groundbreaking work on many levels, Allen & Unwin embraced the complexities of publishing this title with exceptional care and ambition. Judges commended the attention to detail in the design and production values, while highlighting the work as an important contribution to First Nations knowledge. Supported by a multi-dimensional marketing campaign, the title reached its sales targets through meaningful engagement with booksellers, readers and the education sector.

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

Once I was a Giant, Zeno Sworder (Thames & Hudson Australia)

Thames & Hudson Australia took extraordinary consideration in shaping the production of Once I was a Giant. Excelling across every metric, the title delivered strong sales, widespread multi-channel support and fantastic foreign rights success – reflecting the publisher’s deep commitment to both the book and its author from the outset.

 General Fiction Book of the Year  

Mad Mabel, Sally Hepworth (Macmillan, Pan Macmillan Australia)

Mad Mabel was a standout title. Judges were impressed with how Pan Macmillan Australia elevated Hepworth’s distinctive brand with innovative marketing and bold retail partnerships. These factors translated into outstanding sales results, with the title outperforming the broader fiction market.

General Non-fiction Book of the Year  

The Mushroom Tapes, Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper and Sarah Krasnostein (Text Publishing)

The judges were thoroughly impressed by the achievement at hand. Facilitating collaboration between three busy, award winning Australian authors, whilst also ensuring editorial accuracy AND publicity buzz in just six weeks. Text Publishing executed their tightest ever timeline, successfully bringing the book to market and exceeding sales expectations in all formats.

Illustrated Book of the Year  

The Art of Kaylene Whiskey: Do you believe in love?, Natalie King and Iwantja Arts (Thames & Hudson)

An accessible, joyful title, connecting Australia with the rest of the world through the artist’s commentary on pop idols.

Thames & Hudson utilised strategic partnerships with artist advocacy-led businesses to bring the book directly to consumers. From rapturous critical acclaim to excellent sales performance, this title continues its streak of successes as the ABIA Illustrated Book of the Year.

International Book of the Year  

Heart the Lover, Lily King (Canongate)

Judges praised this impressive breakthrough, recognising Allen & Unwin’s success in bringing Heart the Lover to new audiences.

Through a targeted marketing campaign and strong bookseller advocacy, this title emerged as one of the defining books of the summer, striking the rare balance between literary and mass market appeal.

Literary Fiction Book of the Year 

Wild Dark Shore, Charlotte McConaghy (Penguin, Penguin Random House Australia)

Judges were impressed with the collaborative editorial process underpinning Wild Dark Shore and the ambition of Penguin Random House Australia. The publisher took care to broaden McConaghy’s existing readership, with early advocacy laying the groundwork for a strong sales, marketing and publicity campaign emphasising McConaghy’s rightful position in the Australian literary canon.

Small Publishers’ Adult Book of the Year  

The Rot, Evelyn Araluen (University of Queensland Press)

In the eyes of the judges, The Rot is “not just a poetry book” but an outstanding showcase of new ways of writing. Selling nearly 5000 copies since its November release, and driven by strong bookseller support, national events and critical acclaim, The Rot is a commercial and cultural success story.

Small Publishers’ Children’s Book of the Year  

Sundays Under the Lemon Tree, Julia Busuttil Nishimura, illustrated by Myo Yim (Scribble, Scribe)

Judges highlighted the great consideration given to Busuttil Nishimura’s audience, her heritage, and the overall content, resulting in this beautifully designed and produced picture book. Scribble achieved great sales results, with support both from key retail channels and partnerships outside of traditional print and digital media. 

Social Impact Book of the Year  

A Piece of Red Cloth, Leonie Norrington, Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, Djawa Burarrwanga and Djawundil Maymuru (Allen & Unwin)

 A Piece of Red Cloth is a powerful example of collaboration and cultural integrity in publishing and demonstrates the impact of truth-telling through literature. 

Representing a groundbreaking approach to publishing First Nations stories, judges acknowledged the cultural significance of this book, recognising its cultural significance and national reach.

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

Melaleuca, Angie Faye Martin (HQ, HarperCollins Publishers)

The HarperCollins team demonstrated exceptional dedication throughout an extended editorial process, ensuring that an emerging First Nations writer was appropriately supported to succeed in a crowded market. A 12-month pre-publication campaign helped position Faye Martin as one of the bestselling debuts in the 2025 calendar year.  

Business Awards 

Bookshop of the Year 

Gleebooks Dulwich Hill

Judges applauded Gleebooks Dulwich Hill for their continued community engagement, underpinned by a focus on staff training and mentorship. Strong sales growth and proactive reporting on Australian titles reflect a deep commitment to supporting and championing local authors in an increasingly global entertainment market.

Book Retailer of the Year 

Readings

Judges recognised the successful expansion of Readings’ physical store presence, and an additional digital website transformation focusing on stronger brand identity and a seamless customer journey. The retailer achieved impressive sales growth in a challenging market, supported by their commitment to serving as a third space for community gathering.

Multicategory Retailer of the Year  

BIG W

Judges praised Big W’s resilience in a shifting economic landscape and their continued support of Australian publishing above the market average. Their innovative marketing mix of e-commerce and physical stores has supported the discovery of books to the Big W customer, demonstrating the retailer’s commitment to the Australian book industry.

Commissioning Editor/Publisher of the Year 

Vanessa Radnidge (Hachette Australia)

Judges recognised Radnidge’s sustained ability to balance creative vision, editorial excellence and commercial performance. The mix of impressive sales, awards recognition and author development was unmatched.

Marketing/Publicity Campaign of the Year 

Cherry Lam Colouring Book Series (Penguin Random House Australia)

Judges praised the trendsetting campaign behind Lam’s colouring book series. With an innovative, creator-led approach, Penguin Random House effectively reinforced the cosy colouring book brand, clearly distinguishing it from competitor titles.

Publisher of the Year 

Penguin Random House Australia

Judges recognised that Penguin Random House Australia had a terrifically strong year in 2025, boasting strong employee loyalty and inclusion, thoughtful editorial curation and focus on author care. Their engagement with reading advocacy and children’s literacy is also commended at a time where it is most needed.

Small Publisher of the Year 

Magabala Books

Judges commended Magabala Books for their exceptional values-led publishing, noting their impressive staff care programs, strong cultural stewardship and significant community contribution through initiatives like the First Stories Collective.

Children’s Publisher of the Year 

Magabala Books

Magabala’s children’s books are shaping conversations and industry best practice, both in publishing offices and classrooms across Australia.  Judges noted that Magabala is leading the way in decolonial publishing and effective First Nations governance and consultation – an impressive feat for a publisher so remote from the traditional centres of the industry.

Hall of fame awards 

Lloyd O’Neill 

Mem Fox AM, is named the recipient of 2026 Lloyd O’Neil award. (See more.)

Pixie O’Harris 

Paul Macdonald, is named the recipient of 2026 Pixie O’Harris Award. (See more.)

Thank you to all of our ABIA partners

Our grateful thanks to all our ABIA 2026 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 – Mem Fox

Mem Fox AM, is named the recipient of the 2026 Lloyd O’Neil Award. Mem Fox is Australia’s foremost writer of picture books for young children. A household name and a favourite author of anyone with little ones in their life, her books have entertained and comforted generations of Australians.

Born in Melbourne, Mem grew up in Zimbabwe and studied drama in England before returning to Australia in 1970. She now lives in Adelaide. Her books have sold millions of copies, won multiple awards and are still regularly featured in Top Ten Australian picture book bestseller lists.

Possum Magic (1983) and Where is the Green Sheep? (2004) have become beacons of children’s literature for millions of Australian families. She has written over 45 children’s books including Time for Bed (1993) which spent three years on the New York Times best-seller list, and Ten Little Fingers, Ten Little Toes (2008) and the beloved Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge (1984). Her books have been translated into twenty-three languages.

Mem is a retired Associate Professor of Literacy Studies from Flinders University, South Australia, where she taught teachers for 24 years. The recipient of an array of awards, Mem was awarded an AM for services to the cultural life of Australia in 1993.

On receiving the award, Fox says: ‘When I heard I’d won the Lloyd O’Neil award I didn’t scream with delight because I didn’t believe it. I thought it was a mistake. When it was verified, I glowed. ‘Awesome!’ I thought. And then I thought of the honour of it. Here I am a writer of picture books joining the ranks of previous winners including Ruth Park, Thomas Keneally, Peter Carey, David Malouf, Helen Garner and Tim Winton. It really is quite something. If you had told me in 1983 when my first picture book, POSSUM MAGIC, was published, that one day I would be the recipient of such an important industry award I would not have believed you. I am so proud to be part of our Australian publishing community. So thank you to everyone.’

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 – Paul Macdonald

Paul Macdonald, is named the recipient of the 2026 Pixie O’Harris Award.

Paul Macdonald owned the award-winning The Children’s Bookshop which was a Sydney literary institution since 1971, selling books to hundreds of schools and hosting events for over 50,000 kids over a twenty-year period. Paul won the inaugural Maurice Saxby Award in 2012 for his contributions to raising the profile of teen fiction. Paul Macdonald also was the winner of the 2016 Lady Cutler award for services to children’s literature and literacy in Australia. Additionally, Paul is a consultant working with numerous schools promoting reading for pleasure for young readers and focusing on building reading cultures. He is the co-author of the CBCA Notable picture book The Hole Idea and is the outgoing CBCA NSW President 2024-2026.

On receiving the award, Macdonald says: ‘I am absolutely thrilled, honoured and humbled to be awarded the 2026 Pixie O’Harris Award – and I am absolutely in awe of the list of prestigious past winners.’

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 2026 Ceremony

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

The Awards Ceremony takes place on Thursday 21 May at Linseed House in Sydney.

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 companies shortlisted for the Business Awards, all recognising outstanding contributions to the industry.

Bookshop of the Year 

• Books Kinokuniya, Sydney
• Collins Booksellers Warrnambool
• Constant Reader
• Fullers Bookshop
• Gleebooks Dulwich Hill
• Paper Bird

Book Retailer of the Year

• Booktopia
• Dymocks
• QBD Books
• Readings
• The Nile

Multicategory Retailer of the Year

• Amazon Australia
• Big W
• Kmart
• WHSmith Australia

Commissioning Editor/Publisher of the Year

• Aviva Tuffield (University of Queensland Press)
• Clair Hume (Thames & Hudson)
• Marisa Pintado (Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing)
• Rebecca Saunders (Hachette Australia)
• Susannah Chambers (Allen & Unwin)
• Vanessa Radnidge (Hachette Australia)

Marketing/Publicity Campaign of the Year 

• Alchemised (Penguin Random House Australia)
• Cherry Lam Colouring Book Series (Penguin Random House Australia)
  
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series(Penguin Random House Australia)
• A Different Kind of Power (Penguin Random House Australia)
• Penguin 90th Celebrations (Penguin Random House Australia)
• Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow (Hachette Australia)

Children’s Publisher of the Year 

• Allen & Unwin
• Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing
• Little Book Press
• Magabala Books
• Penguin Random House Australia
• Thames & Hudson Australia

Small Publisher of the Year 

• Fremantle Press
• Little Book Press
• Magabala Books
• Rockpool Publishing
• Smith Street Books
• University of Queensland Press

Publisher of the Year 

• Allen & Unwin
• Hachette Australia
• Hardie Grant Publishing
• HarperCollins Publishers
• Pan Macmillan Australia
• Penguin Random House Australia

Book Awards shortlists and ABIA 2026 Ceremony

The Book Awards shortlists were announced last week and can be viewed here.

Join your industry colleagues to celebrate 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 Thursday 21 May at Linseed House in Sydney.

Early bird tickets are available until midnight, Tuesday 21 April.

ABIA, presented by Books+Publishing, would like to thank our valued sponsors.

Books+Publishing, in partnership with the Australian Publishers Association, is pleased to share the 2026 Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) shortlists.

The awards are presented for achievements in bringing Australian books to readers.

Winners in each category will be announced at the ABIA Ceremony on 21 May 2026, and an overall Book of the Year Award, presented by Booktopia will be chosen from the winners of each category.

Audiobook of the Year

• Gravity Let Me Go, Trent Dalton; narrated by Trent Dalton (4th Estate, HarperCollins Publishers)
• How They Get You, Chris Kohler; narrated by Chris Kohler (Penguin Random House Australia Audio, Penguin Random House); produced by Sound Kitchen
• Mad Mabel, Sally Hepworth; narrated by Hannah Fredericksen and Jenny Seedsman (Macmillan Australia Audio, Pan Macmillan Australia)
• The Mushroom Tapes, Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper and Sarah Krasnostein; narrated by Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper, Sarah Krasnostein and Caroline Craig (Penguin Random House Australia Audio, Penguin Random House on behalf of Text Publishing); produced by Sound Kitchen
• The Unquiet Grave, Dervla McTiernan; narrated by Aoife McMahon (HarperCollins Publishers)
• Unstuck, Dr Emily Musgrove; narrated by Dr Emily Musgrove (Penguin Random House Australia Audio, Penguin Random House); produced by Sound Kitchen

Biography Book of the Year

• Always Home, Always Homesick, Hannah Kent (Picador, Pan Macmillan Australia)
• Average at Best, Astrid Jorgensen (Simon & Schuster Australia)
• Destination Moon, Kate Reid (Simon & Schuster Australia)
• Gather Up Your World in One Long Breath, S. Shakthidharan (Powerhouse Publishing)
• Guts, Melissa Leong (Murdoch Books)
• Memorial Days, Geraldine Brooks (Hachette Australia)

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

• Cruel is the Light, Sophie Clark (Penguin, Penguin Random House)
• A Murder Is Going Down, Kate Emery (Allen & Unwin)
• Sonny & Tess, Nova Weetman (University of Queensland Press)
• This Dream Will Devour Us, Emma Clancey (Allen & Unwin)
• This Stays Between Us, Margot McGovern (Penguin, Penguin Random House)
• Wandering Wild, Lynette Noni (Penguin, Penguin Random House)

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

• Caution! This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles, Corey Tutt, illustrated by Ben Williams (Allen & Unwin)
• Inked, Karen Wasson, illustrated by Jake A. Minton (Figment Books, Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing)
• Mega Rich Guinea Pigs, Kate and Jol Temple (HarperCollins Publishers)
• Oceanforged 1: The Wicked Ship, Amelia Mellor (Affirm Press Kids, Simon & Schuster Australia)
• Spirit of the Crocodile, Aaron Fa’Aoso and Michelle Scott Tucker with Lyn White (Allen & Unwin)
• There’s a Prawn in Parliament House: The Kids’ Guide to Australia’s Amazing Democracy, Annabel Crabb, illustrated by First Dog on the Moon (Allen & Unwin)

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

• Dropbear, Philip Bunting (Walker Books Australia)
• Here Come the Cousins, Maggie Hutchings, illustrated by Sarah Zweck (Thames & Hudson Australia)
• How to Help When You Really Want to Help, Davina Bell and Hilary Jean Tapper (Lothian Children’s Books, Hachette Australia)
• Once I was a Giant, Zeno Sworder (Thames & Hudson Australia)
• The Train at the End of My Street, Tom Jellett (Affirm Press Kids, Simon & Schuster Australia)
• Where Would You Go?, Alison Lester and Jane Godwin (Allen & Unwin)

General Fiction Book of the Year

• The Detective, Matthew Reilly (Macmillan, Pan Macmillan Australia)
• Last One Out, Jane Harper (Macmillan, Pan Macmillan Australia)
• Mad Mabel, Sally Hepworth (Macmillan, Pan Macmillan Australia)
• One Hundred Years of Betty, Debra Oswald (Allen & Unwin)
• The Unquiet Grave, Dervla McTiernan (HarperCollins Publishers)
• The Wolf Tree, Laura McCluskey (HarperCollins Publishers)

General Nonfiction Book of the Year

• The Australian Wars, Rachel Perkins, Stephen Gapps, Mina Murray and Henry Reynolds (Allen & Unwin)
• Broken Brains, Jamila Rizvi and Rosie Waterland (Penguin, Penguin Random House Australia)
• Conspiracy Nation, Ariel Bogle and Cam Wilson (Ultimo Press, Hardie Grant Publishing)
• The Mushroom Tapes, Helen Garner, Chloe Hooper and Sarah Krasnostein (Text Publishing)
• The Power of Choice, Neale Daniher (Macmillan, Pan Macmillan Australia)
• She Shapes History, Sita Sargeant (Hardie Grant Explore, Hardie Grant Publishing)

Illustrated Book of the Year

• The Art of Kaylene Whiskey: Do you believe in love?, Natalie King and Iwantja Arts (Thames & Hudson)
• Baking and the Meaning of Life, Helen Goh (Murdoch Books)
• Planting for Native Birds, Bees and Butterflies, Jaclyn Crupi, illustrated by Claire Mosley (Murdoch Books)
• THAI, Nat Thaipun (Hardie Grant Books, Hardie Grant Publishing)
• Wild By Design, Tim Pilgrim (Murdoch Books)
• A Woman’s Eye, Her Art, Drusilla Modjeska (Penguin, Penguin Random House Australia)

International Book of the Year

• Alchemised, SenLinYu (Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House)
• A Different Kind of Power, Jacinda Ardern (Penguin, Penguin Random House NZ)
• Heart the Lover, Lily King (Canongate)
• Nobody’s Girl, Virginia Roberts Giuffre (Doubleday, Penguin Random House)
• Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros (Piatkus, Little Brown)
• Perfection, Vincenzo Latronico (Text Publishing)

Literary Fiction Book of the Year

• Chosen Family, Madeleine Gray (Summit Books, Simon & Schuster Australia)
• Eros, Zoe Terakes (Hachette Australia)
• I Want Everything, Dominic Amerena (Summit Books, Simon & Schuster Australia)
• Pissants, Brandon Jack (Summit Books, Simon & Schuster Australia)
• Tenderfoot, Toni Jordan (Hachette Australia)
• Wild Dark Shore, Charlotte McConaghy (Penguin, Penguin Random House Australia)

Small Publishers’ Adult Book of the Year

• Ankami, Debra Dank (Echo Publishing)
• Defiance: Stories from Nature and Its Defenders, Bob Brown (Black Inc.)
• Nock Loose, Patrick Marlborough (Fremantle Press)
• The Rot, Evelyn Araluen (University of Queensland Press)
• A Savage Turn, Luke Patterson (Magabala Books)
• Unsettled: A Journey Through Time and Place, Kate Grenville (Black Inc.)

Small Publishers’ Children’s Book of the Year

• Between, Anna Walker (Scribble, Scribe)
• The First Sunrise, Vanessa Stevens, illustrated by Paul Seden (Magabala Books)
• Hello Cocky, Hilary Bell, illustrated by Antonia Pesenti (Scribble, Scribe)
• Little Bones, Sandy Bigna (University of Queensland Press)
• Ningaloo, Tim Winton, illustrated by Cindy Lane (Fremantle Press)
• Sundays Under the Lemon Tree, Julia Busuttil Nishimura, illustrated by Myo Yim (Scribble, Scribe)

Social Impact Book of the Year

• The Australian Wars, Rachel Perkins, Stephen Gapps, Mina Murray and Henry Reynolds (Allen & Unwin)
• Eros, Zoe Terakes (Hachette Australia)
• Gather Up Your World in One Long Breath, S. Shakthidharan (Powerhouse Publishing)
• A Piece of Red Cloth, Leonie Norrington, Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, Djawa Burarrwanga and Djawundil Maymuru (Allen & Unwin)
• The Power of Choice, Julian Kingma (NewSouth, NewSouth Publishing)
• The Power of Choice, Neale Daniher (Macmillan, Pan Macmillan Australia)

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

• Eros, Zoe Terakes (Hachette Australia)
• The Heir Apparent, Rebecca Armitage (HarperCollins Publishers)
• I Want Everything, Dominic Amerena (Summit Books, Simon & Schuster Australia)
• Melaleuca, Angie Faye Martin (HQ, HarperCollins Publishers)
• Very Impressive for Your Age, Eleanor Kirk (Allen & Unwin)
• Wait Here, Lucy Nelson (Summit Books, Simon & Schuster Australia)

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 companies shortlisted for the Business Awards, all recognising outstanding contributions to the industry.

Bookshop of the Year 

• Beaufort Street Books
• Gleebooks Dulwich Hill
• Matilda Bookshop
• Paper Bird
• Potts Point Bookshop
• Riverbend Books

Book Retailer of the Year

• Dymocks
• QBD Books
• Readings
• Tales & Tomes
• WHSmith

Multicategory Retailer of the Year

• Amazon
• BIG W
• Kmart
• The Nile

Commissioning Editor/Publisher of the Year

• Anthea Bariamis (Simon & Schuster Australia)
• Jane Pearson (Text Publishing)
• Jeanmarie Morosin (Hachette Australia)
• Rachel Bin Salleh (Magabala Books)
• Rebecca Young (Scholastic Australia)
• Vanessa Radnidge (Hachette Australia)

Marketing/Publicity Campaign of the Year 

• Bake with Brooki by Brooke Bellamy (Penguin Random House Australia)
• Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma (Hachette Australia)
• Juice by Tim Winton (Penguin Random House Australia)
• Personal Penguin Campaign (Penguin Random House Australia)
• When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker (HarperCollins Publishers)
• Where is the Green Sheep 20th Anniversary Campaign (Penguin Random House Australia)

Children’s Publisher of the Year 

• Affirm Press
• Allen & Unwin Australia
• Fremantle Press
• Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing
• Magabala Books
• Penguin Random House Australia

Small Publisher of the Year 

• Fremantle Press
• Magabala Books
• Melbourne University Publishing
• Rockpool Publishing
• Smith Street Books
• University of Queensland Press (UQP)

Publisher of the Year 

• Allen & Unwin Australia
• Hachette Australia
• Pan Macmillan Australia
• Penguin Random House Australia
• Simon & Schuster Australia
• Thames & Hudson Australia.

Book Awards shortlists and ABIA 2025 Ceremony

The Book Awards shortlists were announced last month and can be viewed here.

Join your industry colleagues to celebrate 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.

Early bird tickets are available until midnight, Tuesday 8 April.