The 2026 Western Australian Premier's Book Awards shortlist was announced this week, recognising more than thirty authors and offering a snapshot of the voices shaping literature from Western Australia today.

Key points:

• The 2026 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards shortlist has been announced, celebrating the next wave of Western Australian storytelling
• Awards recognise the depth, diversity and strength of Western Australian writing
• ‘Stories from the West’ literary festival to be held at the State Library of Western Australia on 8 August

Presented annually by the State Library of Western Australia, the Awards are the State's leading literary honours, recognising excellence in writing across eight categories.

Following a rigorous judging process by an independent panel including writers, industry professionals and keen readers from across Australia, and chaired by previous winner Gerard McCann, this year's shortlist highlights the range of stories, perspectives and experiences emerging from Western Australia.

Among the shortlisted authors is Yamatji writer Mabel Gibson (25), recognised in the Emerging Writer category for CryBaby, her debut collection of micro memoirs reflecting on life, identity and belonging across Boorloo / Perth, Albany and Geraldton.

Also shortlisted is Tasma Walton for I Am Nannertgarrook, a powerful historical novel based on the true story of her ancestor. The acclaimed work has already been recognised nationally, including a shortlisting for the Stella Prize and a win in the 2025 ARA Historical Novel Prize.

In the Non-Fiction category, Dr Elizabeth Marrkilyi Ellis and Jan Turner have been shortlisted for Tjukurrpa Kurranyu, Tjukurrpa in the Front: The Yarnangu Foundation for Joint Management in the Pila Nature Reserve. The book documents the historic "we will do it together" settlement, which saw the Gibson Desert renamed and jointly vested, preserving important cultural and environmental knowledge for future generations.

Dr Elizabeth Marrkilyi Ellis. Image: supplied.

Spanning genres, generations and lived experience, the selected works overall reflect a dynamic and evolving literary culture. From richly imagined worlds to deeply personal reflections on place, identity and belonging, the shortlist captures a confident and distinctive voice in contemporary Australian writing.

The Premier's Book Awards recognise achievement across: Fiction, Non-fiction, Emerging writing, Poetry, Young adult, Children's literature, Book of the Year, and the Daisy Utemorrah Award for Unpublished Indigenous Junior and YA Fiction.

This year's shortlist brings together established authors alongside a new generation of emerging writers gaining recognition for the first time.

Winners of the 2026 Western Australian Premier's Book Awards will be announced in September, sharing in a total prize pool of $120,000.

Tasma Walton. Image: supplied.

Chief Executive Officer and State Librarian Catherine Clark said the Awards are about championing Western Australian writers while also galvanising the community to read more.

"The State Library of Western Australia has a mission to connect people with our state's stories, and the 2026 shortlist makes this easy. It is an invitation to readers to discover a curated collection of contemporary writing across many genres and styles.

"In our role as a key institution in WA's creative industries ecosystem, we are working to amplify the writing sector, providing more opportunities for writers to connect with readers, sell books and earn a living from their craft.

"The list gives readers the chance to experience the talent and creativity of Western Australian storytellers, knowing that each book will be a great read."

Mabel Gibson. Image: supplied.

In the lead up to the Awards, the State Library of Western Australia will present Stories from the West, a one-day literary festival on Saturday 8 August 2026 in Perth, featuring author talks, panel discussions and opportunities for readers to meet shortlisted writers.

Judging Chair Gerard McCann said this year's shortlist reflects the range and resonance of contemporary writing.

"It is an absolute privilege to celebrate the extraordinary talent and creativity of Western Australian writers and to share their work with readers across our state and beyond."