Introducing the Readings Young Adult Book Prize
In 2014, we announced two literary prizes intended to support emerging Australian writers: the Readings Children’s Book Prize, and the Readings Prize for New Australian Fiction.
Over the past few years, we’ve been delighted to see our customers embracing both Prizes. We’ve loved the way the Prizes amplify our voices as booksellers, and we’ve loved seeing readers getting their hands on these wonderful books from our local talented authors.
And today we’re so pleased to announce that we will be launching a third literary prize in 2017!
The Readings Young Adult Book Prize will celebrate exciting emerging voices in Australian young adult literature. First and second published works of young adult fiction and memoir are eligible, and the Prize is awarded to the best new contribution to Australian young adult literature. In 2017, the winning author will receive $3,000.
As with our New Australian Fiction Prize, our judging panel will be formed by a revolving panel of Readings staff. 2017 judges include Angela Crocombe (Readings Kids), Natalie Platten (Readings Doncaster), Leanne Hall (Readings Kids) and Lian Hingee (Digital Marketing Manager). We’re excited to share that author Lili Wilkinson will also join the panel as a guest judge to select a winner once the shortlist has been decided.
Managing Director Mark Rubbo says: ‘Australian YA authors can struggle to get noticed amongst the overseas YA authors; we strongly believe that Australian YA readers should be encouraged to explore Australian stories. We’ve been so pleased with the response to our other two prizes that it seemed very logical to add the YA Prize.’
Shop Manager of Readings Kids Angela Crocombe says: ‘I am absolutely thrilled that Readings will be extending our support and reflecting our passion for Australian young adult authors and the LoveOzYA movement by starting this prize. We have such an incredible flowering of diverse and unique voices in contemporary young adult literature that I have no doubt we will have a plethora of talent to choose from.’
Prize Manager Bronte Coates says: ‘So many of us at Readings have a passion for Australian YA and for encouraging teen readers. This Prize is an excellent opportunity for us to use our powers for good!’
