Six outstanding novels shortlisted in prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Award 2026

By Perpetual

24 June 2026

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Four first-time nominees are among the six talented writers shortlisted for the 2026 Miles Franklin Literary Award. They are joined by two previously longlisted authors.

Announced today by Perpetual as Trustee, alongside Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund, the 2026 shortlist is:

Novel	Author	Publisher
Discipline	Randa Abel-Fattah	University of Queensland Press
First Name Second Name	Steve MinOn	University of Queensland Press
My Heart at Evening	Konrad Muller	Evercreech Editions
Fierceland	Omar Musa	Penguin Random House Australia
Little World	Josephine Rowe	Black Inc
You Must Remember This	Sean Wilson	Affirm Press

According to the judges, “This year’s Miles Franklin shortlist showcases the capacity of the Australian novel to grapple with the most vexing and profound questions of our time. Grand and intimate, these novels sing the Australian experience into new shapes.”

The 2026 judges are Richard Neville, Mitchell Librarian of the State Library of NSW and Chair; literary scholar, A/Prof Jumana Bayeh; literary scholar and translator, Dr Mridula Nath Chakraborty; literary scholar and author Prof Tony Hughes-d’Aeth; with literary scholar and Director of AustLit, A/Prof Maggie Nolan.

Each shortlisted author receives $5,000 from the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.

“Through our Cultural Fund, Copyright Agency supports Australian writers, publishers and creative organisations because we believe Australian stories and voices matter. Literary awards like the Miles Franklin Literary Award play a vital role in recognising excellence in Australian writing, supporting authors’ careers, and connecting outstanding books with readers,’ says Josephine Johnston, Copyright Agency CEO.

The 2026 winner, to be announced in Sydney on 5 August 2026, will receive $60,000.

Checkout the Judges’ comments and author biographies here.

For further information about the Miles Franklin Literary Award: www.milesfranklin.com.au

For enquiries or to request interviews, please contact:

Jane Morey

Morey Media

0416 097 678

jane@moreymedia.com.au

Join the Miles Franklin conversation on social media:

Twitter: @_milesfranklin

Instagram: @milesfranklinliteraryaward

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MilesFranklinLiteraryAward

#milesfranklin

About the Miles Franklin Literary Award www.milesfranklin.com.au

Perpetual is the Trustee for the Miles Franklin Literary Award. The Award was established in 1954 by the estate of My Brilliant Career author Stella Maria Sarah Miles Franklin to celebrate the Australian character and creativity. It supports the betterment of Australian literature by each year recognising the novel of the highest literary merit which presents Australian Life in any of its phases. Since being established, the Award has distributed over $1.54 million in philanthropic funds to authors. Those wishing to be part of the Miles Franklin legacy can donate to the Franklin Support Fund to become a friend of the Award. Please visit the website for further details.

Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund is a long-time supporter of the Miles Franklin Literary Award, providing $5,000 to each of the finalists and granting more than half a million dollars to this premier Australian literary prize since 2004.

About Perpetual Philanthropic Services

Perpetual is one of Australia’s largest managers of philanthropic funds, with $3.6 billion in funds under advice for charitable trusts and endowment funds (as at 30 June 2024). Perpetual is trustee for over 1000 charitable trusts and endowments and provides individuals and families with advice on establishing charitable foundations and structured giving programs. Each year Perpetual distributes more than $123 million to community organisations on behalf of its clients. Perpetual also assists charities and not-for-profit organisations with investment advice and management.

Perpetual’s Philanthropic Services and advice are provided by Perpetual Trustee Company Limited (PTCo), ABN 42 000 001 007, AFSL 236643. The information contains general information only and is not intended to provide advice or take into account personal objectives, financial situation or needs. The information is believed to be accurate at the time of compilation and is provided by PTCo in good faith. To the extent permitted by law, no liability is accepted for any loss or damage as a result of any reliance on this information. PTCo does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information included in this document which was contributed by a third party.

About the Copyright Agency and Cultural Fund

The Copyright Agency is an Australian not-for-profit organisation that has been standing up for creators for 50 years. We enable the reuse of copyright-protected words and images in return for fair payment to creators. The Cultural Fund is the philanthropic arm of the Copyright Agency, contributing meaningfully to a wide range of Australian cultural, educational, and artistic programs and creators. Through its support it fosters greater appreciation and engagement with Australian writing, publishing and the visual arts in Australia.

Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund is a long-time supporter of the Miles Franklin Literary Award, providing $5,000 to each of the shortlisted authors and granting more than half a million dollars to this premier Australian literary prize since 2004.

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