Sandy Bigna's 'Little Bones' shortlisted for ACT Book of the Year

We are delighted to announce that Sandy Bigna's Little Bones has been shortlisted for the ACT Book of the Year!

The Award is the Territory's premier literary award, recognising excellence in contemporary writing and playing an important role in fostering a strong writing culture in the ACT.

Minister for Arts, Creative Industries and the Night-Time Economy, Michael Pettersson congratulated the shortlisted authors.

"Canberra’s literary scene is well established and punches well above its weight. We have fantastic authors living here who write incredible books, many of which have been shortlisted for – or won – nationally significant literary prizes.”

The shortlisted works were selected by an independent judging panel with expertise in writing, editing, publishing and literature.

The ACT Book of the Year Award supports ACT-based writers, promotes excellence in contemporary literature and contributes to a strong local writing culture.

The Award recognises outstanding fiction, non-fiction and poetry published in the previous calendar year by authors who live in the ACT or can demonstrate a strong ACT-based arts practice. Eligible books are assessed by an independent judging panel with expertise in writing, editing, publishing and literature.

The $10,000 prize and winner of the 2026 ACT Book of the Year Award will be announced at a special event as part of the Canberra Writers Festival at the National Library of Australia on Friday, 16 October 2026.

See the full shortlist and read the judge's comments here.