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The University of Queensland Non-Fiction Book Award

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About the award

Part of the Queensland Literary Awards, The Univesity of Queensland Non-fiction Book Award is for an outstanding work of non-fiction for adults by an Australian writer.

Eligibility

  • Eligible works include non-fiction such as: 
    • biographies
    • autobiographies
    • memoirs
    • histories
    • philosophy
    • literary criticism
    • science writing books
    • works dealing with contemporary issues, including true crime.
  • Must be first published between 1 May 2023 and 30 April 2024 by an Australian citizen or resident who is living at the time of nomination.
  • To confirm you're eligible to enter this category, download the full 2024 terms and conditions of entry document.

Prize

$15,000 

Key dates

  • 1 March: entries open
  • 12 April: entries close
  • 1 March–18 March: early bird entry period
  • 19 March–12 April: standard entry period
  • 26 April: due date for books to arrive at State Library
  • 1 August: shortlist announced
  • 5 September: awards ceremony at State Library of Queensland 

How to enter

Attn: Queensland Literary Awards 
c/- State Library of Queensland  
PO Box 3488   
SOUTH BRISBANE  QLD  4101 

Find other delivery options in the terms and conditions of entry.

You will receive confirmation of your accepted nomination via email.

2024 Queensland Literary Awards terms and conditions of entry

PDF · 289 KB

Past winners

Cover of We Come with This Place by Debra Dank showing the silhouette of a person against a stylised painted orange and yellow map

2023
We Come With This Place
Debra Dank
(Echo Publishing)

The cover of Lies, Damned Lies by Claire G. Coleman. It is a yellow book with purple writing. The letters of the title filled with colourful Aboriginal artwork. "Damned" is stamped in the centre of the cover

2022
Lies, Damned Lies
Claire G. Coleman
(Ultimo Press)

The cover of Amnesia Road by Luke Stegemann - An aerial view of red and brown dirt, with creek beds and some trees

2021
Amnesia Road 
Luke Stegemann
(NewSouth Publishing)  

Cover of Olive Cotton: A Life in Photography by Helen Ennis

2020
Olive Cotton: A Life in Photography
Helen Ennis
(HarperCollins Publishers)

An Unconventional Wife: The Life of Julia Sorrell Arnold by Mary Hoban (Scribe)

2019
An Unconventional Wife: The Life of Julia Sorell Arnold
Mary Hoban
(Scribe Publications)

Tracker by Alexis Wright

2018
Tracker
Alexis Wright
(Giramondo Publishing)

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.
Learn more
Two people carrying books and browsing a book stall at a night-time event
Judging process
Get to know the judges and judging process.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
An unfocused image of people enjoying the Queensland Literary Awards after party.

Queensland Literary Awards

Explore Queensland Literary Awards, showcasing exceptional authors, both emerging and established, from across Australia.

Learn more