Shortlist 2025

In a crowded field of excellent writing, these authors and stories stood out to our judges. Their narratives crossed different genres from fantasy to memoir—historical fiction to sci-fi. They wove narratives about mysterious lands and gritty realities and we hung on every word. Congratulations to each of you and we hope you take time to enjoy this achievement and that it inspires you to continue creating beautiful narratives.

Shortlist

(alphabetical by surname)

Crookback, Fantasy, Dan Bain

Dream Sweet in Minor Sea, Science Fiction, Janneke de Beer

The Entourage, Crime or Thriller, Karin Drangel

No More Bets, Crime or Thriller, Michael Fleming

The Lamentation of Eleanor Maye, Historical Fiction, Amy Gray

The Polarity of Dreams, Memoir/Narrative Non-Fiction, Kyung Meill

One Final Thing, Crime or Thriller, Amanda O'Callaghan

Snow Periscope, Fantasy, George Rogers

There You Are, Literary Fiction, Maria Sabaye Moghaddam

Hurt People, Literary Fiction, Randall Silvis

The Girl in the Telescope, Literary Fiction, Janice Warman