Yesterday we were delighted to announce two new literary awards in support of Australian authors, and today we can confirm our two guest judges.

‘We are really excited to announce that Hannah Kent, local author of the bestselling Burial Rites, has accepted our invitation to join Reading’s staff as one of the judges of the Readings New Australian Writing Award and Sally Rippin, author of over 50 children’s books including the bestselling Billie B Brown series, will be one of the judges of Readings Children’s Book Prize,’ says Readings Managing Director, Mark Rubbo.

‘We believe that Hannah and Sally’s publishing stories and success embody the spirit of our awards. We see that our role in creating and nurturing such awards will ultimately increase the promotion and commercial success of books from more Australian authors, earning them greater recognition within the wider community,’

The Readings New Australian Writing Award supports published Australian authors working in fiction, and recognises exciting and exceptional new contributions to local literature. You can read more about the award here and enquiries should be directed to Readings Monthly Editor and Prize Manager, Belle Place, on [email protected] or 03 9810 0819.

The Children’s Book Prize recognises and celebrates books that families love reading together, or that children tell their friends about and can’t put down. You can read more about the prize here and enquiries should be directed to Readings Carlton Children’s Buyer and Prize Manager, Emily Gale, on [email protected].

The winners of both the Readings New Australian Writing Award and Readings Children’s Book Prize in 2014 will each receive prize money of $4000.