10/04/2026

It’s awards season! Now in their 26th year, the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs) celebrate the achievements of authors, publishers and booksellers across the country.

With the Book Awards shortlists announced and the Business & Retailer Awards shortlist just around the corner, we’re pleased to share that submissions for the 2026 awards increased across nearly all categories, with overall entries rising 11.6% compared to 2025, indicating a robust and active publishing sector.

Entries in both the Publisher and Small Publisher categories increased 50%, pointing to stronger participation from smaller and first-time entrants and a broader, more diverse publishing base engaging with the awards.

Growth was also recorded across these key categories:

Book Awards +11.9% Audiobook +2.7% Business Awards (including retail) +14.3% Children’s Publisher of the Year +42.9% Commissioning Editor +14.3% Marketing/Publicity Campaign +23.1%

The strongest increases came from small publisher categories and children’s publishing, alongside continued growth in marketing and publicity, suggesting an ongoing focus on promotion and audience reach.

Overall, the data reflects a healthy industry with increased participation from both established and emerging publishers.

Congratulations to all publishers and authors shortlisted for the 2026 Book Awards. The ABIA shortlists for the business and retailer awards will be announced on 15 April.

The winners in each category, including the overall Book of the Year, will be announced at the awards ceremony at Linseed House at The Grounds of Alexandria on Thursday 21 May. Early bird tickets are available until 21 April.

More information about the awards is available on the ABIA website.