Entries close on 1 August for the inaugural UNSW Book Idea of the Year Prize

UNSW Press looks forward to discovering and promoting the work of a nonfiction writer from UNSW.

UNSW Press prides itself on having a passion for books that are unafraid to ask big questions and challenge us to think in new ways. The Book Idea of the Year Prize will enable UNSW Press to continue to develop relationships with talented early to mid-career academics at UNSW, from all backgrounds and disciplines. The prize will offer its winner an opportunity to drive a distinctive academic career at UNSW and a path to publication.

Prize terms

The UNSW Book Idea of the Year Prize accepts submissions for general, scholarly, and literary nonfiction. The prize offers manuscript development for the winning entry with the editorial team at UNSW Press and potential publication. Manuscript development includes mentoring from our publishers, as well as feedback on a proposal and sample two chapters. In addition, up to five ‘highly commended’ entries will be acknowledged.

UNSW Press retains first option to publish the winning manuscript, as well as any shortlisted or highly commended entries.

Submissions to the prize require a proposal or outline for a full-length nonfiction book manuscript, as well as two sample chapters and an entry form. Each chapter should be no more than 5,000 words in length. A full-length book is defined by UNSW Press as a work of more than 50,000 words.

The proposal and sample chapters should not be under consideration by other book publishers when entered for this prize.

The prize is open to early to mid-career academics currently employed at UNSW. Entries will be accepted from all disciplinary backgrounds. Submissions from writers from under-represented backgrounds, including First Nations writers, writers of colour, LGBTQ+ writers, and disabled writers are encouraged.

Judging and promotion

The judging panel for the prize includes: Fiona Inglis, Managing Director of Curtis Brown Australia and member of the UNSW Press Board; Roanna Gonsalves, award-winning author and lecturer in Creative Writing at UNSW Sydney; Elspeth Menzies, Executive Publisher at UNSW Press; and Harriet McInerney, Associate Publisher at UNSW Press.

Entries are now open and close on 1 August 2022. For more information and the entry form click here.

The UNSW Book Idea of the Year Prize will be presented at the UNSW Bookshop in December 2022, marking the 60th anniversary of UNSW Press.