THE ANNUAL TEXT PRIZE FOR YOUNG ADULT & CHILDREN’S WRITING

The winner for the 2020 Text Prize for Young Adult and Children’s Writing is Andrew Paterson for his brilliant novel, Rainfish. Andrew's win was announced at online event on Wednesday 20 May.  You can watch the video on our Facebook or YouTube channel. Read about the 2020 shortlist here.

Now in its thirteenth year, the $10,000 Text Prize aims to discover incredible new books  by exciting authors and is one of the most renowned prizes for young adult and children’s writing in Australia and New Zealand.

Awarded annually to the best manuscript written for young readers, the prize has unearthed extraordinary, multi-award-winning books and launched international publishing careers. 

Published and unpublished writers of all ages are eligible to enter with works of fiction or non-fiction.

The winner receives a publishing contract with Text and a $10,000 advance against royalties. 

Georgina Young was the winner of the 2019 Text Prize for her sharply-observed YA novel, Loner, which will be published in August. You can read about Georgina’s book and the other four novels that made up the incredibly strong shortlist for the 2019 Text Prize here.  

‘The standard of the Text Prize winners always blows me away. The stories are evocative and beautifully written…both young adults and adults alike love and can relate to them.’ Aisling Lawless, 2019 ABA / PRH Young Bookseller of the Year

‘Every year, the students I work with devour the books published through the Text Prize. They find themselves on those pages.’ Karys McEwen, President, CBCA VIC

‘Kudos to the Text Prize for giving a voice to and launching the careers of luminaries Leanne Hall, A. J. Betts and now Nina Kenwood.’ Joy Lawn, YA columnist, Weekend Australian

‘Nobody should be surprised that the Text Prize is producing some of Australia’s finest young adult and children’s writing.’ ALPHAreader

Read the full Q&A with Prize alumni and check out the FAQ.