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About the 2025 Tasmanian Literary Awards

The Tasmanian Literary Awards celebrate excellence in the Tasmanian literary sector, raise the profile of Tasmanian authors and foster literary talent in our State. They are administered by Arts Tasmania on behalf of the Tasmanian Government.

The awards are only open to writers living in Tasmania.  Entries for all awards opened on 12 August 2024 and closed on 30 September 2024.

Premier’s Prize for Fiction - $25,000

For the best work of fiction by a Tasmanian writer.

Entries are now closed.

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

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

Entries are now closed.

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

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

Entries are now closed.

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).

Entries are now closed.

University of Tasmania Prize - $10,000

For the best new unpublished literary work by a Tasmanian writer.

Supported by the University of Tasmania.

Entries are now closed.

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Open to all unpublished and published Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers living in Tasmania.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 The writer can select one of their existing unpublished pieces, or work on something completely new.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, nonfiction, 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 to be agreed between the recipient and Island Magazine. Extended editorial support or mentorship to develop the work can also be negotiated.

Entries are now closed.

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, nonfiction, 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 to be agreed between the recipient and Island Magazine. Extended editorial support or mentorship to develop the work can also be negotiated.

Entries are now closed.

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.

Voting for the People’s Choice Awards will open in February 2025.

Entries are now closed.

See the past winners of the awards.