Premier’s Book Awards Shortlist Announced
Dystopian fairytales, family curses, memoirs, Indigenous superheroes and a surprising number of shipwrecks are some of the published books that make up the 2025 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards shortlist.
The awards recognise and celebrate the best of Western Australian writing. With new categories added this year, the titles form a ‘must read’ list of graphic novels, plays, poetry, musings and expertly spun stories that span the breadth of the State and include something for every reader.
The winners of each category will be announced at the awards in late August along with an overall winner to be awarded Book of the Year, sponsored by Writing WA. The total prize pool is $120,000.
The shortlist for the Daisy Utemorrah Award for Unpublished Indigenous Junior and Young Adult Writing has also been announced. This award, open to Indigenous writers Australia-wide, is administered by Broome-based publisher Magabala Books.
The State Library of Western Australia will host a special event for readers on Sunday, 27 July 2025 featuring panel conversations, book giveaways and a chance to meet the shortlisted authors.
For information about the Premier’s Book Awards, the shortlisted authors and tickets to the shortlisted authors’ event, visit the State Library of Western Australia’s website at www.slwa.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“Western Australia has a proud tradition of storytelling, and this year’s Premier’s Book Awards shortlist showcases the depth, diversity and brilliance of our creative industries.
“My government is proud to support our talented writers and these awards show the talent in our State.
“These writers not only reflect who we are, they help celebrate who we can become.”
As stated by Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk:
“The Premier’s Book Awards is a celebration of excellence in our literary community. I’m thrilled to see a shortlist that shows how diverse and creative Western Australian writers are.
“The Cook Government recognises the importance of Western Australian stories to our cultural identity and is proud to support our talented storytellers.
“The quality and range of books on the shortlist shows that Western Australia is a place of immense creativity and talent, and I am looking forward to reading as many of the books as possible.”
https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook Labor Government/Premier