Skip to main content

People mingle at the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards reception and Library Pop-up Shop

Home

/

Queensland Literary Awards

Queensland Literary Awards

The Queensland Literary Awards showcase outstanding authors from across Australia, celebrating emerging and established authors across a range of genres.

The 2024 Queensland Literary Awards are now closed.

Finalists in all categories will be announced on 1 August.

Published book awards

Sarah Holland-Batt stands at a lectern. She wears a green dress and her book The Jaguar is on a screen behind her.

Queensland Premier’s Award for a Work of State Significance

$30,000 awarded to an outstanding work by a Queensland author or an outstanding work by an Australian writer that tells a Queensland story.

Debra Dank at the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards. She stands in a study room with lamps. She is smiling and holding a copy of her book.

The University of Queensland Non-Fiction Book Award

$15,000 awarded to an outstanding work of non-fiction for adults by an Australian writer.

Alexis Wright at the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards. She is onscreen in an auditorium, reading from a speech

The University of Queensland Fiction Book Award

$15,000 awarded to an outstanding work of fiction for adults by an Australian writer.

Biffy James stands at a lectern. She wears a grey top and her book is on a screen behind her.

Young Adult Book Award

$15,000 awarded to an outstanding work by an Australian writer suitable for young adults 13 to 19 years of age.

Susan Hocking stands onstage with an auditorium screen behind her showing 5 kids' books

Children’s Book Award

$15,000 awarded to an outstanding work by an Australian writer suitable for children up to 12 years of age.

Katerina Gibson at the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards. She is onscreen in an auditorium, reading from a speech

Steele Rudd Award for a Short Story Collection

$15,000 awarded to an outstanding collection of short stories by an Australian writer.

Lionel Fogarty at the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards. He stands in a study room with lamps. He is smiling and holding a copy of his book

Judith Wright Calanthe Award for a Poetry Collection

$17,500 awarded to an outstanding published collection of poetry by an Australian writer.

Sita Walker at the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards. She stands in a study room with lamps. She is smiling and holding a copy of her book.

The Courier-Mail People’s Choice Queensland Book of the Year Award

$15,000 awarded to an outstanding book by a Queensland author as voted by the public.

Development awards

Ben van Neerven and Elaine Kropinyeri stand in a study room lit by mirrors. They are both smiling.

David Unaipon Award for an Emerging Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Writer

$20,000, plus manuscript development and publication with University of Queensland Press.

Steve MinOn at the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards. He stands onstage at a lectern reading from a speech.

Glendower Award for an Emerging Queensland Writer

$15,000 awarded for an outstanding unpublished manuscript by an emerging Queensland writer.

Jonathan O'Brien at the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards. He stands in a study room with lamps. He is smiling.

Queensland Premier’s Young Publishers and Writers Awards

2 awards of $12,000 each, plus career development support to the value of $3,000.

Melanie Saward at the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards. She stands onstage at a lectern reading from a speech.

Queensland Writers Fellowships

3 Fellowships of $20,000 each, plus career development support to the value of $4,500.

More information

A woman with short hair and glasses sits in an auditorium smiling and applauding

Nomination FAQs

Find answers to common questions about nominating for the Queensland Literary Awards.

Two people carrying books and browsing a book stall at a night-time event

Judging process

Get to know the judges and judging process.

Benjamin Law smiles at another guest at the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards reception

History of the awards

Discover past Queensland Literary Award winners and finalists.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please phone us on 07 3842 9321 or email qla@slq.qld.gov.au.

Sign up to our mailing list to stay in touch.

2024 Queensland Literary Awards terms and conditions of entry v2

PDF · 289 KB

Help support writers

The Queensland Literary Awards are supported by the Library Foundation. Be part of the celebration of literature and help nurture Australian writers.

Person wearing a yellow striped shirt writing on paper while sitting at a desk.

Major partner

Principal benefactors

The Queensland Writers Fellowships are supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and State Library of Queensland.

Glendower Award for an Emerging Queensland Writer is supported by Jenny Summerson through the Queensland Library Foundation.

Supporters

Queensland Writers Centre

Brisbane Writers Festival