Announcing the 2026 Stella Longlisted books
March 12, 2026
The 2026 Stella Prize Longlist presents another twelve exceptional works by Australian women and non-binary writers.
This year the Stella received 212 entries, with the 2026 judging panel comprising Sophie Gee (Chair), Jaclyn Crupi, Benjamin Law, Gillian O’Shaughnessy and Ellen van Neerven.
Spanning poetry, memoir, fiction, non-fiction and graphic works, the 2026 longlist presents themes that explore the transformative power of memory, truth and the intrinsic beauty of creative fiction. Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund supports the longlist authors who each receive $2,000 in prize money, with one book being awarded the $60,000 Stella Prize.
“The Stella Prize plays a vital role in championing Australian women and non-binary writers and connecting more readers with outstanding Australian books. We’re delighted to support the Longlist through our Cultural Fund and congratulate this year’s Longlisted authors” – Josephine Johnston, CEO Copyright Agency
The 2026 Stella Prize longlist is:
- KONTRA by Eunice Andrada (Poetry)
- The Rot by Evelyn Araluen (Poetry)
- Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks (Non-Fiction/Memoir)
- Ankami by Debra Dank (Nonfiction/Memoir/Social commentary)
- Fireweather by Miranda Darling (Fiction)
- Apron-Sorrow / Sovereign-Tea by Natalie Harkin (Non-Fiction)
- Cannon by Lee Lai (Graphic Novel)
- Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy (Fiction)
- Wait Here by Lucy Nelson (Fiction)
- Find Me at the Jaffa Gate: An Encyclopaedia of a Palestinian family by Micaela Sahhar (Nonfiction/Memoir)
- 58 Facets: On violence and the law by Marika Sosnowski (Non-Fiction)
- I Am Nannertgarrook by Tasma Walton (Fiction)
“Selected from an enormous pool of 212 entries, this year’s judges have read thoughtfully and thoroughly across genres to bring us a cohort of twelve incredibly different, yet equally remarkable books. The Stella Prize is proud to celebrate a wide array of stories – difference has always been our strength. The 2026 Stella Prize long list spans widely across form and content, displaying some of the very best new work from Australian women and non-binary writers. There are stories here for everyone, stories that will resonate, surprise, delight, and challenge. We hope you will dive in and discover for yourself.” Stella Prize CEO and Creative Director Fiona Sweet.
Read more about the longlist on the Stella website.
The shortlist of six will be announced on 8 April and the winner on 13 May.