04/04/2024
The Australian Publishers Association is pleased to announce the Business Awards shortlists and recipients of the Hall of Fame Awards, with winners to be presented at this year’s Australian Book Industry Awards.
The Business Awards recognise excellence and innovation from publishing teams and booksellers across the industry, while the Hall of Fame Awards recognise a lifetime of achievement by dedicated individuals in Australian books and publishing.
ABIA 2024 Business Awards shortlists
Warm wishes to all those shortlisted for Bookshop of the Year, Marketing Strategy of the Year, Commissioning Editor/Publisher of the Year and Publisher and Small Publisher of the Year Awards.
Commissioning Editor/Publisher of the Year
The Commissioning Editor/Publisher of the Year Award recognises the importance of an editor or publisher who provides excellence in the support of their authors, and the acquisition and commission of new titles that enriches the Australian publishing landscape and supports the needs of the publishing house.
- Kirsten Abbott (Thames & Hudson Australia)
- Anthea Bariamis (Simon & Schuster Australia)
- Vanessa Radnidge (Hachette Australia)
- Rebecca Saunders (Hachette Australia)
- Catherine Milne (HarperCollins Publishers)
- Madonna Duffy (UQP)
On this Award, the judging panel said:
'This year’s shortlist are all exceptionally passionate professionals, committed to long-term care for their authors, and with demonstrated successes for both new and repeat authors'
Marketing Strategy
The Marketing Strategy Award recognises the outstanding contributions of marketing professionals in showcasing their talent, products and lists with imaginative, innovative and effective campaigns that have captured the imagination of Australian readers.
- Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton (HarperCollins Publishers)
- Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (Hachette Australia)
- The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams (Affirm Press)
- Wifedom by Anna Funder (Penguin Random House Australia)
- The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman (Penguin Random House Australia)
- Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson (Penguin Random House Australia)
Bookshop of the Year
- Kinokuniya Sydney
- Matilda Bookshop
- Big W Warringah Mall
- Potts Point Bookshop
- Avenue Bookstore Elsternwick
- Fullers Bookshop
On these bookshops, the judging panel said:
‘The shortlisted bookshops were impressive in their engagement with their local communities, extending beyond their physical spaces, and investing in initiatives to promote children's literacy’
Publisher and Small Publisher of the Year shortlists
Small and large publishers are honoured for their expertise, hard work, and accomplishments in making books come to life. This year the shortlists for the Small Publisher of the Year and the Publisher of the Year are:
Small Publisher of the Year
- University of Queensland Press (UQP)
- Pantera Press
- Magabala Books
- Monash University Publishing
- Fremantle Press
- Rockpool Publishing
On Small Publisher of the Year, the judges said:
‘This year, the Small Publisher category showcased strong contributions to the industry, demonstrating impressive achievements despite resource constraints, with evident investments in staff development, author care, and community engagement initiatives beyond publishing.’
Publisher of the Year
- Simon & Schuster Australia
- Affirm Press
- Hachette Australia
- HarperCollins Publishers
- Hardie Grant Publishing
- Penguin Random House Australia
Hall of Fame awards
The Hall of Fame Awards consist of the Lloyd O’Neil Award, which honours outstanding service to the Australian book industry and the Pixie O’Harris Award, for exceptional contributions to children’s literature. Congratulations to our new Hall of Fame inductees, as they join the prestigious ranks of the ABIA Hall of Fame.
Lloyd O’Neil Award – Fiona Stager
Fiona Stager's dedication to fostering a vibrant literary community in Brisbane is truly remarkable. Through bookstores Avid Reader and Where the Wild Things Are, she has not only provided a platform for local and emerging writers – she has cultivated a space where readers can explore a diverse range of literature, from classics to contemporary works.
Fiona has made immense contributions to the Australian literary scene, and her efforts continue to shape and enrich the cultural landscape of the country.
Fiona says of being recognised with the award:
‘I was so surprised and overwhelmed when I was told I was this year's recipient of the Lloyd O'Neil Award I cried! The previous recipients are people who have inspired me with their writing, or their publishing careers or bookselling acumen. I love this industry, and to be awarded the Lloyd O'Neil Award means the world to me.’
Pixie O’Harris Award – Jane Godwin
Jane Godwin's impact on Australian children's literature is immense and multifaceted. As the award-winning author of over forty books, her creativity and prolific output demonstrate her dedication to the craft, and she is a tireless advocate for Australian children's literature.
Jane’s continued support for fellow authors and illustrators is recognised widely in the industry, in both her work as an author and her many years as a publisher of children's books. Her genuine warmth and generosity has left a lasting impression on her colleagues in the book industry. Jane’s efforts have not only enriched the landscape of Australian children's literature, but fostered a love of reading and storytelling in young people that will endure for generations to come.
Jane said of receiving this award:
‘I am surprised, honoured and grateful to receive the 2024 Pixie O’Harris Award. My life in the world of children’s books springs from a passion I have held since childhood and feels inseparable from my personality. I am so touched to be recognised by the industry – thank you.’
Discover the winners on 9 May in Melbourne
Our warm congratulations to all those shortlisted! To discover the winners, we look forward to welcoming you all at the Awards Ceremony on Thursday 9 May, as we celebrate in style at Zinc Fed Square in the heart of Melbourne.
Thank you to our supporters
ABIA would like to thank our valued sponsors: Copyright Agency, Media Super; Audible Australia, JCDecaux; OPUS Group; TitlePage; Sydney Morning Herald; The Age; BorrowBox; GEODIS; Ingram Content Group; Books + Publishing; Simpsons; Amazon, and Nielsen Book Data.