If you’ve published a book that showcases the strength and diversity of Western Australian storytelling, now is the time to put it forward. The 2026 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards are officially open, inviting Western Australian writers, illustrators and publishers to enter their work into the State’s most prestigious literary awards.
From the State Library of Western Australia’s website:
The 2026 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards are open for entries! The State Library of Western Australia is inviting writers, illustrators and publishers to submit their works for the State’s biggest book awards.
With a total prize pool of $120,000 across eight categories, the awards recognise books that capture the excellence of Western Australian storytelling.
The annual awards support, develop and recognise excellence in Western Australian writing. The State Library manages the Premier's Book Awards on behalf of the WA Government.
Start reading your way through a selection of previous shortlisted and winning books through the Libby app, free with your State Library membership.
Key Information
Entries close: 6 March 2026
Eligible entries: Books by Western Australian writers that were published or self-published between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025. Full eligibility guidelines are available on the State Library of Western Australia website.
Award Categories:
- Emerging Writer of the Year
- Fiction Book of the Year
- Non-Fiction Book of the Year
- Poetry Book of the Year
- Children’s Book of the Year
- Young Adult Book of the Year
- Book of the Year, selected from the category winners
Additional Award Opportunity:
The Daisy Utemorrah Award for Unpublished Indigenous Junior and Young Adult Writing is sponsored and administered by Magabala Books. This award is open Australia-wide and closes on 30 April 2026. Entry details and eligibility information are available via the Magabala Books website.
If your book reflects the richness, creativity and excellence of Western Australian writing, we encourage you to enter the 2026 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards and be part of celebrating the State’s literary achievements. Find out more and enter at the State Library of Western Australia’s website here.
