The Small Press Network (SPN) has announced the shortlist for the 2018 Most Underrated Book Award (MUBA).

The three shortlisted books are:

• Gwen by Goldie Goldbloom (published by Fremantle Press)
• Living in Hope by Frank Byrne with Gerard Waterford & Francis Coughlan (published by Ptilotus Press)
• Plane Tree Drive by Lynette Washington (published by MidnightSun)

All the 2018 submissions were notable for their geographic diversity and strong and visceral sense of place. The judges said the shortlisted books distinctively addressed their subjects and, despite vast differences in styles and genre, they all shared ‘a clarity of purpose and artistic flair’.

The MUBA is sponsored by the Australian Booksellers Association and aims to uncover and celebrate the hidden gems of Australian publishing. The 2018 winner will be revealed on 22 November at a free event as part of the SPN’s Independent Publishing Conference. Find out more here.