Aurealis Awards

The Aurealis Awards 2009 are for works of speculative fiction by authors, editors and illustrators, who are Australian citizens or permanent residents, first published in English between 1 November 2008 and 31 October 2009.

Works must be published to be eligible. This includes self-published works. Unpublished manuscripts are not eligible for Aurealis Awards.

Works must be formally entered to be considered for an Aurealis Award. Go to the online entry form.

How do I enter a work into the Aurealis Awards process, and where do I send my entry form?

There are two methods: either use the online entry form or download the printed form PDF and return to the Aurealis Awards coordinator via email coordinator@aurealisawards.com or post to Aurealis Awards, PO Box 1394 Toowong Qld 4066. You may also fax the form to Pulp Fiction Booksellers on 07 3236 2752.

You must supply a copy of the work(s) entered to each judge in the relevant category/categories . Once you have formally submitted an entry via the online or printed form, the coordinator will contact you with the postal addresses for the relevant judges.

Where do I get the entry form?

Click to use the online entry form or download the printed form PDF.

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Can I submit electronic copies of entries?

The Aurealis Awards management team recognises the financial burden of entering multiple works in multiple categories to some authors, editors and publishers at independent small presses.

We cannot accept novels electronically, but are happy to accept photocopies or printouts of manuscripts or galleys, providing the text is identical to that appearing in the final, published version. When multiple printed copies of the work/s are difficult or expensive to obtain, those who enter (particularly individual authors or small presses who face financial hardship) are encouraged to contact the Awards coordinator to discuss. It may be possible to arrange for judges to share two or three copies if they are received sufficiently early in the awards process (at least six weeks before our final deadline of Saturday 31 October 2009, i.e. material to be shared will need to arrive before Saturday 19 September 2009). This will take place at the discretion of the awards coordinator and the convenor/s of the category/categories involved.

Although it is always preferable that Aurealis Awards judges receive hard copy of short stories, from 2009 they have agreed to accept some electronic entries(up to ten thousand words) from authors and small press publishers, if the financial burden of supplying hard copy is excessive. Entering stories electronically will require the submission of both a word document and a pdf of entries to the awards coordinator for distribution to the relevant judges. It is not sufficient to merely provide links to web pages.

In the case of multimedia, if a work of this type is to be entered in the novel, anthology or collection categories, then judges will need to receive hard copy of the work for their consideration. However, a multimedia format work may be entered and considered for the Peter McNamara Convenors’ Award for Excellence as this special award has a broad scope and may take into account more than the printed word.

We aim to be as inclusive as possible and endeavour to do all we can to assist the entry process. Contact the awards coordinator at coordinator@aurealisawards.com.

Where do I find the judges’ addresses?

Once you have formally submitted an entry online or via the printed form, the coordinator will contact you with the postal addresses for the relevant judges.

Who can enter a work for an Aurealis Award?

Anyone may enter an eligible work using the entry forms provided, however, by entering work(s) you undertake to supply copies of the work(s) entered to the relevant judges.

Click to use the online entry form or download the printed form PDF.

The Aurealis Awards aim to be as comprehensive and as inclusive as possible, so if an eligible work does not appear on our list of entries then please email the coordinator to let us know about it. Every effort will be made to follow up with that work’s author/publisher. However, please note that just suggesting a work be considered does not constitute a valid entry. coordinator@aurealisawards.com

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Are there any restrictions on what works can be entered?

To be eligible, works must be speculative fiction by authors, editors and illustrators, who are Australian citizens or permanent residents , first published in English between 1 November 2008 and 31 October 2009.

In the case of co-authored novels or short stories, at least one of the authors must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and the Australian involvement may not be limited to illustration only.

To be eligible, anthologies must have been edited by an Australian citizen or permanent resident and first published in English in the period under consideration. In the case of co-edited works, at least one of the editors must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident

The 2008 Aurealis Awards process was the first time we had the anthology category, and magazines were considered alongside anthologies, but in response to feedback from our judges, who did not feel that they sat well together and that the inherent differences in the formats were more marked than the similarities, this practice has been discontinued. However, a magazine – or e-zine – may be entered into the Peter McNamara Convenors’ Award for Excellence as this special award has a broad scope and many and varied types of works may be considered. To be eligible, magazines or e-zines must have been edited by an Australian citizen or permanent resident and first published in English in the period under consideration. In the case of co-edited works, at least one of the editors must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

Forsingle author collections , the entry must have been either authored by an Australian citizen or permanent resident OR edited by an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

In the case of illustrated works or graphic novels (either work for adults or children’s picture books), entries must have been either written or illustrated by an Australian citizen or permanent resident and first published in English between 1 November 2008 and 31 October 2009

Works may be entered in more than one category, and it is possible for a work to be a finalist and win in more than one category, but we urge you to only choose the most relevant categories, rather than make across-the-board, blanket entries.
For example, it would be a rare story that could truly be considered to be science fiction AND fantasy AND horror AND young adult. So please select categories appropriately when entering works.
Remember, if work is entered in multiple categories, then a copy of the entry must be sent to each judge in each of the relevant categories.

The definition of novel and short story is left to the discretion of the judging panel of each category.

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I think that a young adult or children’s work is also science fiction (or fantasy or horror). Should I enter it in the science fiction (or fantasy or horror) category as well as the young adult or children’s category?

Yes. While the young adult and children’s categories encompass science fiction, fantasy and horror across-the-board, a work may also be considered within the relevant adult genre category as well. However, we urge you to consider carefully whether a work truly belongs within a particular category and enter accordingly. Remember, if work is entered in multiple categories, then a copy of the entry must be sent to each judge in each of the relevant category/categories.

I‘m the author of a short story collection. I’m not Australian but my editor is. Is my collection eligible?

Yes. The anthology and collection category for best collection (a volume of stories by a single author) and best anthology (a volume of stories by multiple authors), were created to recognise the role of the editor in creating anthologies of fiction, and the partnership between an author and editor required to produce an outstanding collection. As such, works will be eligible for this category if one or more of the editors is Australian, or in the case of a single author collection, if the author is Australian.

What is the cut-off date for 2009 entries and the final date judges may receive copies of an entry?

Entries – either electronic or postal - AND copies of entered works - must be received by the coordinator and relevant judges by midnight EST, Saturday 31 October 2009. (This date also applies to entries for the Peter McNamara Convenors’ Award).

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My work is due to be published close to the cut-off date. That doesn’t give the judges much time to read it. Will it be disadvantaged?.

If a work is released close to our 31 October 2009 deadline, we recommend advance copies or page proofs be sent to judges as soon as possible. We are happy to accept photocopies or printouts of manuscripts or galleys, providing the text is identical to that appearing in the final, published version. Works submitted in proof form will be eligible for an award so long as at least one judge on the relevant panel or the Awards coordinator sights a final published version on or by Friday 27 November 2009.

The earlier our judges receive the work, the more time they will have to give it the consideration it deserves.

My novel has been e-published. Is it eligible?

Yes. Novels published in electronic form are eligible. However, hard copies of the entered works should be submitted to judges for consideration.

We cannot accept novels or fiction longer than ten thousand words electronically, but are happy to accept photocopies or printouts of manuscripts or galleys, providing the text is identical to that appearing in the final, published version. When multiple printed copies of the work/s are difficult or expensive to obtain, those who enter (particularly individual authors or small presses who face financial hardship) are encouraged to contact the awards coordinator to discuss. It may be possible to arrange for judges to share two or three copies if they are received sufficiently early in the awards process (at least six weeks before our final deadline of Saturday 31 October 2009, i.e. material to be shared will need to arrive before Saturday 19 September 2009). This will take place at the discretion of the awards coordinator and the convenor/s of the category/categories involved.

Contact the awards coordinator at coordinator@aurealisawards.com.

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My short story has been e-published. Is it eligible?

Yes. Short stories published in electronic form are eligible. However, hard copies of the entered works should be submitted to judges for consideration.

Although it is always preferable that Aurealis Awards judges receive hard copy of short stories, from 2009 they have agreed to accept some electronic entries(up to ten thousand words) from authors and small press publishers, if the financial burden of supplying hard copy is excessive. Entering stories electronically will require the submission of both a word document and a pdf of entries to the awards’ coordinator for distribution to the relevant judges. It is not sufficient to merely provide links to web pages.

If there are more than three short stories entered from a given volume (be it book or magazine), or in the case of best anthology and collection, our judges must receive hard copy of the work in question. You cannot simply submit pdf and word documents of the entire volume. It is unfair to expect our judges to read a whole volume onscreen or to print out entire volumes themselves. If everyone submitted work this way, the financial burden on our judges and the Aurealis Awards management team would be unreasonable. When multiple printed copies of the work/s are difficult or expensive to obtain, those who enter (particularly individual authors or small presses who face financial hardship) are encouraged to contact the awards coordinator to discuss. It may be possible to arrange for judges to share two or three copies if they are received sufficiently early in the awards process (at least six weeks before our final deadline of Saturday 31 October 2009, i.e. material to be shared will need to arrive before Saturday 19 September 2009). This will take place at the discretion of the awards coordinator and the convenor/s of the category/categories involved.

Contact the awards coordinator at coordinator@aurealisawards.com.

I publish an e-zine. Is it eligible?

An e-zine may be entered and considered for the Peter McNamara Convenors’ Award for Excellence as this special award has a broad scope and may take into account more than the printed word.

Contact the awards coordinator at coordinator@aurealisawards.com.

I publish a multimedia novel or anthology or collection. Is it eligible?

A multimedia format work may be entered and considered for the Peter McNamara Convenors’ Award for Excellence as this special award has a broad scope and may take into account more than the printed word.

Contact the awards coordinator at coordinator@aurealisawards.com.

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I publish a magazine. Is it eligible?

Yes – and no.

The 2008 Aurealis Awards process was the first time we had the anthology category, and magazines were considered alongside anthologies, but in response to feedback from our judges, who did not feel that they sat well together and that the inherent differences in the formats were more marked than the similarities, this practice has been discontinued.

However, a magazine - or e-zine - may be entered into the Peter McNamara Convenors’ Award for Excellence as this special award has a broad scope and many and varied types of works may be considered.

Contact the awards coordinator at coordinator@aurealisawards.com.

I’m an independent publisher. All these free copies are cutting into my profits. What can I do?

When multiple printed copies of the work/s are difficult or expensive to obtain , those wishing to enter (particularly individual authors or small presses who face financial hardship) are encouraged to contact the awards coordinator to discuss. It may be possible to arrange for judges to share two or three copies if they are received sufficiently early in the awards process (at least six weeks before our final deadline of Saturday 31 October 2009, i.e. material to be shared will need to arrive before Saturday 19 September 2009). This will take place at the discretion of the awards coordinator and the convenor/s of the category/categories involved. Contact the awards coordinator at coordinator@aurealisawards.com.

What if I think an eligible work has been overlooked in the Aurealis Awards process?

Enter it.

Entries are encouraged from authors, editors, publishers, publicists, academics, booksellers, librarians - and all readers of speculative fiction. Anyone may enter an eligible work using the entry forms provided, however, if you enter a work then you undertake to supply copies of entries to the relevant judges.

Click to use the online entry form or download the printed form PDF.

The Aurealis Awards aim to be as comprehensive and as inclusive as possible, so if an eligible work does not appear on our list of entries then please email the coordinator to let us know about it, and we’ll do our best to follow up coordinator@aurealisawards.com

Anyone may contact the awards coordinator to suggest that a work be entered, and every effort will be made to encourage that work’s author/publisher to enter it. However, note that just suggesting a work be considered does not constitute a valid entry.

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Why do I have to enter a work? Why don’t the judges just read everything published?

Speculative fiction is an increasingly popular genre, and many hundreds of eligible works are now published in Australia each year. It would be unrealistic to expect our judges to canvass all eligible works without the support of a formal entry process.

What is the Peter McNamara Convenors’ Award for Excellence?

The Peter McNamara Convenors’ Award for Excellence is awarded at the discretion of the convenors for a particular achievement in speculative fiction or related areas. This award may take into account a body of work or achievements over a number of years; it can also be for a work of non-fiction, artwork, electronic or multimedia work, film or TV, or that which brings credit or attention to the speculative fiction genres. The award was originally known as The Convenors' Award for Excellence and was renamed in 2002 after Peter McNamara (d. 2004), publisher, editor and the original Aurealis Awards convenor, shortly after he was diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Entries for the Peter McNamara Convenors’ Award for Excellence must be submitted to the Aurealis Awards coordinator using the form provided by midnight EST, Saturday 31 October 2009.

Because this is a special award and the scope of the entries may vary so greatly, entries for this award do not feature on the list of Aurealis Awards 2009 entries.

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Who can enter something - or someone - for the Peter McNamara Convenors’ Award for Excellence?

Entries from the speculative fiction community are encouraged. Send your entries to the awards coordinator. Convenors may also submit candidates for the award. The convenors of each judging panel select the winner.

Entries for the Peter McNamara Convenors’ Award for Excellence must be submitted to the Aurealis Awards coordinator using the form provided by midnight EST, Saturday 31 October 2009.

Because this is a special award and the scope of the entries may vary so greatly, entries for this award do not feature on the list of Aurealis Awards 2009 entries.

Is the Peter McNamara Convenors’ Award for Excellence the same as the Peter McNamara Achievement Award?

No. Sorry to confuse you! There are two awards in Australian speculative fiction that bear Peter McNamara’s name.

The Peter McNamara Achievement Award is an annual award given to a professional in the Australian SF field in remembrance of the life and contribution of Peter McNamara (d. 2004), publisher, editor and the original Aurealis Awards convenor . It is presented each year at the Australian National SF Convention. For more information, go here.

The Peter McNamara Convenors’ Award for Excellence is a category of the Aurealis Awards renamed in honour of Peter McNamara. The recipient is selected by convenors of each of the Aurealis Awards judging panels.

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What was the Golden Aurealis Award and what happened to it?

From 2004-2007, the Aurealis Awards included a ‘Best-in-show’ category known as the Golden Aurealis Award, which recognised the best novel and best short story across all shortlisted works in each year. The Golden Aurealis Awards have now been discontinued, and in their place we have introduced two new categories – anthology and collection, and illustrated book or graphic novel.

I want to find out about a past finalist or winner. Where is this information?

Here it is.

WORD (1.1Mb)/ PDF (712k)

Where can I get copies of the Aurealis Awards medallions?

The Aurealis Awards finalist and winner medallions are available free of charge, and we encourage their use by finalists, winners and their publishers.

Contact the awards coordinator, who will supply an electronic version suitable for use on the web, for cover art or printmedia. Email the Awards coordinator or write to Aurealis Awards, PO Box 1394 Toowong Qld 4066 .

Publishers may refer to the fact that a work has been a finalist for or won an Aurealis Award in promotional material for that work. It should be noted however that it is the work that is listed for or wins an Aurealis Award and not an individual author. This point should be reflected in any promotional copy produced. In promotional material, where possible, we recommend the phrase ‘Aurealis Awards, Australia’s premier speculative fiction awards’ be used.

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Who can be a judge?

The selection of finalists and winners from entries in the Aurealis Awards process is the responsibility of selected judging panels.

Judges are volunteers and are drawn from the speculative fiction community, from diverse professions and backgrounds, and may include academics, booksellers, librarians, published authors, publishing industry professionals, reviewers and enthusiasts.

Five judges, including a designated convenor, is the ideal, but panel sizes may vary among categories - and from year to year- depending on the perceived workload required and the availability of judges for a particular category. However, a panel must consist of at least three judges.

Judges are selected by the Aurealis Awards management team following a public application process; any member of the public may apply. The management team reserves the right to select judges from the pool of applicants, and may seek additional judges should it be deemed necessary following the closure of the public application process. No correspondence will be entered into.

In the interests of transparency and impartiality, no one may judge the same category for more than two consecutive years, and a break of two consecutive years is required before a judge can reapply to be a judge in that particular category again .

For more information about being an Aurealis Awards judge, go to the Judges page.

A call for those interested in being Aurealis Awards judges takes place annually around March/April so that the awards process can begin anew in May. Visit the Aurealis Awards website then for details.

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How do you pick the judges?

All Aurealis Awards judges are volunteers. They are chosen by the Aurealis Awards management team. We seek a broad representation of the speculative fiction community to be judges, and panels are selected according to experience, availability and suitability for the overall panel mix.

What sort of workload is involved in being a judge?

A judge’s workload can vary widely depending on the category. For example, in 2006 the fantasy category (the largest) comprised 22 novels and 139 short stories. In contrast, the horror category had only seven novels entered, but 150 short stories. Because fantasy and science fiction are the largest categories, they have been split into two separate judging panels, one for novels and one for short stories.

While judges volunteer their time and effort, they are welcome to keep the copies of entries sent to them. They also receive one complimentary ticket to the Aurealis Awards Ceremony (which is non transferable).

I’m not happy about something. What can I do about it?

We welcome your feedback. We are constantly striving to improve, and each year we try to incorporate feedback from the speculative fiction community into the Aurealis Awards process. Based on feedback from the community and judges we have implemented a number of improvements for 2009, including allowing electronic submission in limited cases, reducing cost and administrative burden for small presses and new clarifications on some rules and conditions. To provide your input about the Aurealis Awards, email the Awards Coordinator.

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Does Aurealis magazine have anything to do with the Aurealis Awards?

Chimaera Publications, the publisher of Aurealis magazine, founded the Aurealis Awards in 1995. While Chimaera Publications continues to support the Aurealis Awards, the publisher and its staff are not involved in the organisation or day-to-day administration of the awards.

The Aurealis Awards are currently independently administered by Fantastic Queensland, a community-based non-profit organisation which exists to support and promote Australian speculative fiction. Each year, the Aurealis Awards are chosen by independent panels of volunteer judges drawn from diverse areas of the speculative fiction community.

After a rewarding six year association, the 2009 Aurealis Awards will be the last administered by Fantastic Queensland.

If you are interested in hosting the 2010 Aurealis Awards please contact Dirk Strasser at Chimaera Publications to discuss:

Chimaera Publications
PO Box 2164
Mt Waverley VIC 3149
AUSTRALIA

I’d like to help with the Aurealis Awards. What do I do?

After a rewarding six year association, the 2009 Aurealis Awards will be the last administered by Fantastic Queensland.

If you are interested in hosting the 2010 Aurealis Awards please contact Dirk Strasser at Chimaera Publications to discuss:

Chimaera Publications
PO Box 2164
Mt Waverley VIC 3149
AUSTRALIA

In the meantime, we are all volunteers, and there are many opportunities to be involved with the awards during the course the year and on the night of the ceremony. Please contact the Aurealis Awards coordinator for more information.

Email coordinator@aurealisawards.com or write to Aurealis Awards, PO Box 1394, Toowong Qld 4066.

Where can I go for further information?

Contact the Aurealis Awards coordinator via email coordinator@aurealisawards.com or write to Aurealis Awards, PO Box 1394 Toowong Qld 4066.

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