Prime Minister's Literary Awards
おーすとらりあしゅしょうぶんがくしょう
Annual literary award hosted by the Australian government. Recognizes works in multiple categories (fiction, non-fiction, children's books, young adult, poetry, Australian history).
FictionNonfictionYoung adult fictionChildren's fictionPoetryAustralian history
- Established
- 2008
- Organizer
- Writing Australia (sponsored by the Australian Government)
- Category
- Children's Literature, Fairy Tales, and Picture Books
- Selection Method
- Open call
- Target
- Open
- Frequency
- 1 per year
- Announcement Period
- around July–December
- Status
- Active
Description
Prime Minister's Literary Awards (PMLA) is a government-sponsored annual literary award announced at the end of 2007 with the first awards in 2008. Initially, A$100,000 per category was set, but restructured in 2011 to A$80,000 for winners per category and up to A$5,000 for shortlisted works. Poetry category added in 2012, and the former Prime Minister's Prize for Australian History was integrated. Eligibility is principally Australian citizens or permanent residents. Entries are submitted according to specified formats (print, e-book, etc.) and category requirements, with judging panels per category creating shortlists before final winners are decided.
Prize
- Main Prize
- A$80,000 per category winner (standard since 2011). Shortlisted works may receive A$5,000 each. Initially (2008), A$100,000 per category (subsequent changes).
- Cash Prize
- 80,000 AUD
- Shortlist prize: Up to A$5,000 (per category, awarded to up to 4 shortlisted works)
- Initial setup: A$100,000 per category (historical fact)
- Promotion and recognition opportunities from selection and shortlisting
Selection
Selection Process
| Stage | Judges | Pass Rate | Announcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry reception and format check | Judging panels appointed per category (usually 3-5 members). Often composed of publishing professionals, critics, academics (panel varies by year). | null | Entries conducted annually. Specific deadlines vary by year (refer to official guidelines). |
| First round (shortlist creation) | Category panels review candidates and create shortlists. | null | Shortlists historically announced late May, but varies by year. |
| Final selection and winner decision | Final selection based on panel recommendations. In early years (2008), Prime Minister made final decisions in some cases, but usually announced by administering body based on panel recommendations. | null | Winner announcement timing varies (e.g., early July 2011, recent years often end of year). |
Entry reception and format check
Judges
Judging panels appointed per category (usually 3-5 members). Often composed of publishing professionals, critics, academics (panel varies by year).
Pass Rate
null
Announcement
Entries conducted annually. Specific deadlines vary by year (refer to official guidelines).
First round (shortlist creation)
Judges
Category panels review candidates and create shortlists.
Pass Rate
null
Announcement
Shortlists historically announced late May, but varies by year.
Final selection and winner decision
Judges
Final selection based on panel recommendations. In early years (2008), Prime Minister made final decisions in some cases, but usually announced by administering body based on panel recommendations.
Pass Rate
null
Announcement
Winner announcement timing varies (e.g., early July 2011, recent years often end of year).
Criteria
- Literary merit (style, structure, expressiveness)
- Originality and artistic impact
- Contribution to Australian culture and intellectual life
- Suitability to category (genre) and target age (children's, young adult, etc.)
- Eligibility (Australian citizens or permanent residents, etc.) and format requirements (publication form, submission format)
Application Tips
Dos
- 応募資格（オーストラリア市民または永住者）を事前に確認する
- 公表された応募要項・フォーマットに厳密に従って提出する（電子書籍可）
- 締切より余裕を持って原稿・提出書類を準備して提出する
- 出版社経由で応募する場合は出版契約や版元情報を整えておく
- 短縮リスト入りや受賞の可能性を考え、作品の最良版（校正済み）を提出する
Don''ts
- 応募資格を満たさないまま応募する（市民権／永住権の確認を怠る）
- 指定フォーマットを無視して提出する（必要なメタデータやファイル形式の不備）
- 締切直前に慌てて未校正の原稿を出す
- 同一作品を部門ルールに反して重複応募する
From Judges
- 文学的完成度（言葉の扱い、構成、表現の独自性）を最重視する傾向がある
- 部門ごとの適合性（例: 児童書は対象年齢に合わせた語り・構成）を明確に示すと良い
- 応募書類・書誌情報を正確に整えること（審査は作品以外の形式不備で落ちることもある）
- 短縮リストに入ること自体が評価につながるため、抜粋や紹介文も整備しておく
Related Awards
- Prime Minister's Prize for Australian History (predecessor of the integrated history category)
- Miles Franklin Award
- The Stella Prize
- Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA)
- State literary awards (e.g., NSW Premier's Literary Awards, etc.)
- Prime Minister's Awards for Literary Achievement (New Zealand, separate award)