URGENT UPDATE: Submissions for the highly anticipated 2026 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards are officially open as of today. This prestigious event continues to celebrate and recognize excellence in Australian literature across multiple categories, marking its longstanding tradition since 1985.
A significant highlight this year is the introduction of the John Marsden Prize for Writing for Young Adults, named in honor of the influential teacher and author who passed away in late 2024. Marsden’s remarkable contributions to Australian youth literature, including classics like Tomorrow, When the War Began, have left an indelible mark on generations of readers and writers.
The 2026 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards will encompass various categories including Fiction, Non-Fiction, Drama, Poetry, Indigenous Writing, and Children’s Literature. Each category winner will compete for the coveted Victorian Prize for Literature. Additionally, the awards serve as a crucial platform for emerging authors through the Award for an Unpublished Manuscript, with previous winners such as Graeme Simsion and Jane Harper achieving major publishing success post-award.
Submissions are accepted from both published authors and new works vying for the Prize for an Unpublished Manuscript. The deadline for entries is August 29, 2025, ensuring ample time for aspiring writers to participate. Shortlists will be announced in December 2025, with the awards ceremony scheduled for February 2026.
For those interested in participating, detailed eligibility criteria and submission guidelines can be found at https://wheelercentre.com/victorian-premier-s-literary-awards. The awards are administered by The Wheeler Centre on behalf of the Premier of Victoria, reinforcing their commitment to promoting literary excellence.
This is a momentous opportunity for authors to gain recognition and showcase their talent on a national stage. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this esteemed event!
