FAQ
When are nominations open for ABIA 2026?
All nominations will open on 3 December 2025. Book award nominations will close on 12 noon, 28 January 2026, Retail award nominations close 11 February 2026, and Audiobook award and all other Business award nominations close 11 February 2026.
What are the categories and conditions for each award?
All entries for the 2026 awards must be from the preceding calendar year, from 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025. You can view the categories and conditions for each award here:
Can a book be submitted into multiple categories?
Books can only be entered into one category, with the exception of the Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year and the Social Impact Book of the Year Award.
I want to enter the Matt Richell Award for New Writers, what does the ABIA classify as a new writer?
The Matt Richell Award for New Writers is open for entries of an author’s first published book, regardless of genre. For example, if the author has previously published non-fiction, their first novel will not be eligible for the award.
Is there any eligibility criteria for authors of nominated books?
Eligible authors, illustrators and narrators must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or humanitarian visa holder. If you have a question or situation for consideration please contact [email protected]
How do you submit a nomination?
For all Book, Audiobook and Publisher Business Awards the nomination form via the award platform, and ensure you have followed all steps to submit your entry.
Retail Award nominations can be submitted by completing the nomination form.
We recommend you start your application well before the closing date, as it can take time to upload and submit each nomination.
Is an account needed with Award Force to submit an ABIA nomination?
Yes, if you already have an Award Force account from any other awards or previous ABIA submissions you can use that to log in, otherwise signing up is free on the platform.
How much does it cost to submit an ABIA nomination?
| Award Categories | APA Member | Non-Member |
| All Book Awards
Audiobook Award Marketing/Publicity Campaign of the Year Commissioning Editor/Publisher of the Year |
$99 | $198 |
| Children’s Publisher of the Year
Small Publisher of the Year |
$99 | $198 |
| Publisher of the Year | $198 | $398 |
| All Retail categories | $0 | $0 |
All prices shown are in AUD and inclusive of GST.
I’ve submitted an entry, now what?
Once nominations close, the ABIA judging panels will assess each entry, and then determine a shortlist and winning entry.
If you have entered in any of the Book Award categories, you may receive a request for further information. This request will be received by the person who submitted the nomination in Award Force by late February 2026.
Judges may also request further information from Bookshops and Retailers for judging. If that is required it will be requested by email on late January 2026.
Who judges the ABIA?
The judging panels are made up of industry professionals. Learn about judges here.
Why are books sometimes withdrawn?
The ABIA shortlists are the result of independent voting by publishers, booksellers, the media, and other book industry stakeholders. Nominated books are held to stringent eligibility rules.
Any shortlisted book that is found, after due process, to no longer be eligible may be withdrawn from the award shortlists.