Steele Rudd Award for a Short Story Collection

Congratulations to the 2024 finalists!

The Terrible Event

David Cohen (Transit Lounge)

Judges' comments:

The Terrible Event is absurdist, humorous and highly entertaining. Cohen balances the ridiculous and the profound with consummate skill. A biting and disarmingly surreal collection.

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Born For You

Magdalena McGuire (Ultimo Press)

Judges' comments:

Profound and achingly real, Born For You explores the intricate dynamics of motherhood and family relationships. This beautifully written debut collection conjures the extraordinary in everyday experiences.

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Gunflower

Laura Jean McKay (Scribe Publications)

Judges' comments:

Poetic, unsettling, and profoundly thought-provoking, Gunflower deftly probes the questions of our time, weaving social, feminist, and environmental themes into its narratives. McKay’s is an accomplished and haunting collection.

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Firelight

John Morrissey (Text Publishing)

Judges' comments:

In deliciously sharp prose, Firelight scrutinises the lingering impacts of colonisation on First Nations people. These vivid, magic-realist stories traverse humour, horror, pathos, and hope. An ambitious and memorable debut collection.

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The Gorgon Flower

John Richards (University of Queensland Press)

Judges' comments:

The Gorgon Flower is memorable, blending contemporary fiction with gothic themes in a clever, stylistically assured collection. Richards has produced a confident and strikingly imaginative debut.

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About the award

Part of the Queensland Literary Awards, the Steele Rudd Award for a Short Story Collection is for an outstanding collection of short stories by an Australian writer.

Eligibility

Collections of short stories by a single author in book form.
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

2024 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

Download and read the full 2024 terms and conditions of entry document.
Read the nomination FAQs.
Complete an online nomination form by 12 April.
Pay the nomination fee (early bird $40 including GST or standard $50 including GST).
Send 5 copies of the book to State Library:

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.