The longlist for the 2026 Stella Prize has been announced, celebrating twelve incredible works from Australian women and non-binary writers.
The Stella is one of Australia's most prestigious literary awards, with a $60,000 prize for the winner. This year's longlist includes a graphic novel, two acclaimed poetry collections, four novels and five works of nonfiction.
The Stella Prize 2026 longlist
KONTRA by Eunice Andrada
The Rot by Evelyn Araluen
Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks
Ankami by Debra Dank
Fireweather by Miranda Darling
Apron-Sorrow / Sovereign-Tea by Natalie Harkin
Cannon by Lee Lai
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
Wait Here by Lucy Nelson
Find Me at the Jaffa Gate by Micaela Sahhar
58 Facets by Marika Sosnowski
I am Nannertgarrook by Tasma Walton
'The Stella Prize is proud to celebrate a wide array of stories – difference has always been our strength. The 2026 Stella Prize long list spans widely across form and content, displaying some of the very best new work from Australian women and non-binary writers. There are stories here for everyone, stories that will resonate, surprise, delight, and challenge.'
— Stella Prize CEO and Creative Director, Fiona Sweet
You can read more about the prize and this year's longlist here.
The shortlist of six books will be announced on 8 April, and the winner will be awarded on 13 May.
