Mark & Evette Moran Nib Literary Award is Waverley Council’s national celebration of quality literature anchored in excellent research. Now in its 22^nd year, The Nib is one of the most prestigious and valuable literary awards in the country, having distributed more than $500,000 directly to deserving authors, including former winners Tim Low, Helen Garner, Gideon Haigh, Clare Wright and Delia Falconer. It remains the only award of its type presented by a local government authority.

Submitted works are judged against the specific award criteria of excellence in research, high literary merit, readability, and value to the community. Winners are decided by an independent panel of three judges, each of whom brings a wealth of experience from across the literary world.

In 2023, a total prize offering of over $50,000 is offered, including the $40,000 major prize.

Other prizes include:
* Alex Buzo Shortlist Prize (6x $1,500)
* Nib People’s Choice Prize ($4,000)

The Mark & Evette Moran Nib Literary Award is made possible thanks to the generous support from Principal Sponsors Mark and Evette Moran, and the assistance of community partner Gertrude and Alice Bookshop and Café.

2023 Mark & Evette Moran Nib Literary Award longlist announced 31 July 2023

Waverley Council is delighted to announce the 2023 Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award shortlist

Congratulations to:

• An Intimate History of Evolution by Alison Bashford (Allen Lane)
• Anam by Andre Dao (Hamish Hamilton)
• Emperors in Lilliput by Jim Davidson (The Miegunyah Press)
• Life So Full of Promise by Ross McMullin (Scribe Publications)
• A Writing Life by Brigitta Olubas (Virago)
• The Age of Seeds by Fiona McMillian-Webster (Thames & Hudson)

Finalists each receive the Alex Buzo Shortlist Prize ($1,500) and are now eligible to win the Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award ($40,000) and Nib People’s Choice Prize ($4,000)

Meet the finalists

Nib People’s Choice Prize

Voting is now open for the Nib People’s Choice Prize. Tell us which book you think deserves to win and you could be a winner too. Simply cast your vote online and you’ll go into the draw to win a prize pack containing a set of all shortlisted books and a $100 voucher to spend at Gertrude & Alice Bookstore and Café.

Find out more about the shortlisted books below and cast your vote by 4 October 2023.