Penguin Literary Prize 2021

The Penguin Random House (PRH) Literary Prize, launched in 2017, was established to find, nurture and develop new Australian authors of literary fiction. PRH is already home to many admired and awarded authors, and this prize offers aspiring and diverse writers from across the nation a chance to connect with people who can celebrate their work.

Of last year’s prize Justin Ractliffe, Publishing Director at PRH Australia, commented, ‘It was a pleasure and a privilege to be on the judging panel last year. There is just so much talent out there and I can’t wait to see what this year’s submissions bring. Discovering new writers and giving them the opportunity to have their work developed and published is one of the best parts of working in publishing and the reason we launched the Penguin Literary Prize.’

Since its launch the Literary Prize has received an incredible number of submissions: approximately 400 each year, exploring an array of themes and genres. Previous winners include Hitch by Kathryn Hind, published June 2019, which was also awarded the Betty Trask Award in 2020; and The Spill by Imbi Neeme, published June 2020, and now with rights sold in Germany and Estonia. The 2020 winner was The Rabbits by Sophie Overett, to be published July 2021.

On winning the award, Overett said, ‘The Penguin Literary Prize has been a gift in so many ways. From the personal achievement of submitting a complete draft of a manuscript, to the pinch-me excitement of winning the prize itself. I was overwhelmed with the warmth of the response and the level of support I received from the community and industry alike, and signing a book deal with PRH has only further solidified that. Being able to continue the journey of The Rabbits with the incredible, generous and inspiring team at Penguin, particularly my amazing editor, has been invigorating creatively, personally and professionally. Seeing my story evolve from idea to manuscript and now to book is, in the words of Stephen King, a uniquely portable magic.’

Of the publishing process, Neeme said, ‘It was a huge privilege to have my manuscript selected as the winner of the Penguin Literary Prize and then transformed into a book, thanks to the care, attention and passion of the team at Penguin Random House.’

Hind said, ‘I still remember visiting each of the PRH offices and being blown away by the scale of their inner workings. Yet despite PRH’s size, everyone I met there knew about Hitch, and due to the nature of the prize, many had even read it. Releasing my debut novel was a huge moment in my life, and at each step along the way I felt I was in safe and extremely proficient hands. Not to mention in the hands of bright, warm, book-loving people who were a joy to work with at every stage.’

Submissions are open to all Australian residents aged 18 and above. Submissions will close at 11:59pm AEDT on Tuesday 15 December 2020.

Entries can be submitted here.

The Prize value is $20,000 and the opportunity to publish with PRH Australia. A shortlist will be revealed on 12 March 2021, with the winner announced on 17 June 2021.

Penguin Literary Prize 2020 winner announced

After reading more than 400 submissions for the 2020 Penguin Literary Prize, we are thrilled to reveal The Rabbits by Sophie Overett from Victoria as the winning manuscript.

When 14-year-old Charlie Rabbit disappears, his mother, grandmother and siblings are faced with the history they’d rather forget, and the present they try to avoid. The Rabbits is an intergenerational family novel exploring motherhood, family secrets, loneliness and how a little bit of magic can change everything.

Of the award, and her win, Overett said, 'When I started writing The Rabbits, I had no idea that it would take me to the places that it has. A niggling idea grew to become a world a part of me lived in, and the story is one that’s had so much love and encouragement, not just from friends and family, but from a supportive and championing industry.

'To win the Penguin Literary Prize now is an honour, and to be in the company of such wonderful authors as Kathryn Hind and Imbi Neeme, and to have the opportunity to work with the team at Penguin Random House [PRH] Australia , is a dream come true. I’m so excited to take this next step and to share The Rabbits with the world.' 

The Rabbits was selected from a highly talented shortlist, the judging panel included Justin Ractliffe and Meredith Curnow from PRH Australia, Ruth Hipwell from Leading Edge Books, Suzie Bull from Farrell’s Bookshop and ABA Young Bookseller of the Year, Aisling Lawless from Dymocks Joondalup.

Justin Ractliffe, Publishing Director of PRH Australia, said, 'Judging this year’s Penguin Literary Prize was a challenging and rewarding process. Each of the six manuscripts shortlisted are outstanding in their own right and there was robust debate amongst the judging panel. I’d like to congratulate all the shortlisted authors on their talent and commitment – they are all gifted writers and their work deserves to find an audience. We had to pick a winner, though, and I’m delighted that Sophie Overett’s debut The Rabbits was chosen. It’s a beautifully lyrical and keenly observed novel, simultaneously tough and tender, real and raw – but shot through with enchantment and wonder. I can’t wait to see it work its sly magic on readers everywhere.' 

For her win, Sophie will be awarded $20,000, with The Rabbits to be published by PRH Australia Publisher, Meredith Curnow, in 2021. The next round of submissions for the Penguin Literary Prize will open later this year.

Now in its third year, the Penguin Literary Prize was launched in 2017 to find, nurture and develop new Australian authors of literary fiction. Since its inception the prize has received submissions from across Australia in a variety of genres and forms. Previous winners include Hitch by Kathryn Hind, published June 2019, and The Spill by Imbi Neeme, published June 2020.