2026 ARA Historical Novel Prize Longlist Announced with 15 Novels
The Historical Novel Society Australasia (HNSA) has just announced the longlists for the 2026 ARA Historical Novel Prize. There are nine titles in the Adult category and six for Children & Young Adults. This award is one of the richest in the area, with a total prize pool of $155,000. The nominated stories explore diverse themes, including jewel thefts and LGBTQ+ histories, featuring well-known figures like Cleopatra and Nancy Wake. Linda Funnell is heading the Adult judging panel, while Sophie Masson is in charge of the Children & Young Adult panel. The Adult winner will take home $100,000, and the Children & Young Adult winner will get $30,000. Shortlists will be revealed on 23 September, and winners on 15 October, with Readers' Choice voting currently open.
Key facts
- The 2026 ARA Historical Novel Prize longlist includes 15 novels: 9 in Adult, 6 in Children & Young Adult.
- Total prize pool is $155,000, making it one of Australasia's richest literary awards.
- Adult winner receives $100,000; Children & Young Adult winner receives $30,000; shortlisted runners-up each get $5,000.
- Eligibility requires novels to be set more than 50 years in the past.
- Adult category judges: Linda Funnell (chair), David Whish-Wilson, Renée Otmar, Robyn Cadwallader, Theresa Smith.
- Children & Young Adult judges: Sophie Masson (chair), Bec Kavanagh, Stacy Gregg.
- Shortlists announced 23 September; winners ceremony in Sydney on 15 October.
- Readers' Choice Award voting open; winner receives $5,000.
Entities
Artists
- Robbie Arnott
- Tasma Walton
- Melissa Lucashenko
- Gail Jones
- Tom Keneally
- Katrina Nannestad
- Emily Maguire
- Bernice Barry
- Jeffery Buchanan
- Lauren Keegan
- Lauren Keenan
- Wayne Marshall
- Fiona Kelly McGregor
- Heather Rose
- Allison Rushby
- Francesca de Tores
- Meg Caddy
- Jackie French
- Maria Gill
- Claire Hallifax
- Lucie Stevens
- Sue Whiting
- Linda Funnell
- David Whish-Wilson
- Renée Otmar
- Robyn Cadwallader
- Theresa Smith
- Sophie Masson
- Bec Kavanagh
- Stacy Gregg
- Elisabeth Storrs
Institutions
- Historical Novel Society Australasia
- ARA Historical Novel Prize
- Prime Minister's Literary Awards
- Readers' Choice Award
- ArtsHub
Locations
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Aotearoa
- Sydney