About the Tasmanian Literary Awards

Premier’s Prize for Fiction – $25,000

For the best work of fiction by a Tasmanian writer.

Premier’s Prize for Non-fiction – $25,000

For the best work of non-fiction by a Tasmanian writer.

Minister for Arts’ Prize for Books for Young Readers and Children – $25,000

For a published work written for children and young adults in any genre.

Tim Thorne Prize for Poetry – $25,000

For a published book of poetry by a Tasmanian writer.

This award is named in honour of renowned Tasmanian poet Tim Thorne (1944–2021).

Roger Scholes Prize for Writing for Stage or Screen – $25,000

For the best original work produced for stage or screen (including narrative video games) by a Tasmanian writer.

This award is named in honour of distinguished Tasmanian filmmaker Roger Scholes (1950–2022).

University of Tasmania Prize – $10,000

For the best new unpublished literary work by a Tasmanian writer.

Supported by the University of Tasmania.

Aboriginal Writer’s Fellowship – $10,000

Open to all unpublished and published Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers living in Tasmania.

The recipient of the Aboriginal Writer’s Fellowship will also be offered a publishing opportunity in Island Magazine. The writer can select one of their existing unpublished pieces, or work on something completely new. The work can be in any genre or form (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, script or a hybrid piece) of up to 4,000 words.

The writer will work with Island Magazine’s editorial team to develop and finalise the piece. Copyright in the work will remain with the author, and they will receive a licencing fee. Publishing timelines are to be agreed between the recipient and Island Magazine. Extended editorial support or mentorship to develop the work can also be negotiated.

Margaret Scott Tasmanian Young Writer’s Fellowship – $5,000

Awarded to a young Tasmanian young writer (aged 30 years and under).

Named in honour of well-known Tasmanian writer, Margaret Scott (1934–2005).

The recipient of the Margaret Scott Tasmanian Young Writer’s Fellowship will also be offered a publishing opportunity in Island Magazine. The writer can select one of their existing unpublished pieces, or work on something completely new. The work can be in any genre or form (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, script or a hybrid piece) of up to 4,000 words.

The writer will work with Island Magazine’s editorial team to develop and finalise the piece. Copyright in the work will remain with the author, and they will receive a licencing fee. Publishing timelines are to be agreed between the recipient and Island Magazine. Extended editorial support or mentorship to develop the work can also be negotiated.

People’s Choice Awards

Books that are shortlisted for the published book prizes will be eligible for the People’s Choice Awards.

There is no monetary prize for this category.