Publishing in Australia and New Zealand yield distinct differences, but also reveal unique benefits for either region.  Sound interesting?  We thought so too. 

​Join Lee Walker from the Australian Publishers Association, Hugo Setzer - the International Publishers Association and Julia Marshall - President of the Publishers Association of New Zealand to see what lies on the horizon for the publishing industry.

Every year, the Australian Book Industry Awards brings together and celebrates the talents of not only authors and illustrators, but also the hardworking publishers that go out of their way to support such fine work.  Without publishers, such talent might go undiscovered and the world of literature as we know it, would be a lesser place.  

We look forward to seeing the humble newcomer make it big in children's literature; cheer when we experience the playful colours of unseen illustrators; marvel at the penmanship of seasoned writers and give thanks to the never-ending support, encouragement and belief of editors and their publishing houses. 

The ABIA – Australian Book Industry Awards are set to hit the publishing world with a bang, on April 29th, 2020.  The shortlist will be released on Thursday April 9th, 2020 - with more than 250 publishing industry representatives from booksellers and agents, to publishing houses and media – all who have selected and voted for books published in 2019, across 12 categories. 
​
This is a night-of-nights to remember in the publishing world because it is not just about the authors, having written awesome tales; it is about all the other people who work tirelessly to bring a book to fruition and ultimately to market, for you - the reader.  We are talking about the extra-ordinary efforts of illustrators, designers, editors, marketers, publishers and of course, authors.  

The art of book publishing is one of the oldest, most valuable and well-respected processes on the planet.  It guides our learners,  assists our educators and inspires our readers. 
​
On this famous night, we show our appreciation for a job well done, a creation well-created and a year well spent, in delivering some of the best and most memorable books in history. 

Of course, there will be pomp and circumstance for this red carpet event. The Sydney International Convention Centre will be packed out by guests, entrants and awesome entertainment.  Casey Bennetto will do the honours this year, as our host, and Claire Bowditch will delight us with a guest performance.  

If ever you wanted to know what was happening in the publishing world or learn about the people who make it all possible – then you need to put this on your calendar; and if you are a member of the Australian Publishers Association – then, this is your night to be celebrated and appreciated.

Book your tickets at The Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA).
​
Where: Grand Ballroom, International Convention Centre, Sydney
When: 29th April, 2020
Cost: $220 for members | $300 for non members
Registrations Open: 6th February, 2020 - 6:00 am
Registrations Close: 29th April, 2020 – 3:00 pm

Here is the list on offer.

• Book Awards
• Book of the Year
• General Fiction Book of the Year
• General Non-fiction Book of the Year
• Literary Fiction Book of the year
• Illustrated Book of the Year
• Biography of the Year
• Picture Book of the Year (ages 0-6)
• Book of the Year for Younger Children (ages 7-12)
• Book of the Year for Older Children (ages 13+)
• The Matt Richell Award for New Writers of the Year
• Small Publishers' Children's Book of the Year
• International Book of the Year
• Audiobook Award