Introducing our 2026 AHN Prize Judging Panels!

Meet our 2026 ARA Historical Novel Prize Judges!

HNSA is delighted to announce our two judging panels for the $155,000 2026 ARA Historical Novel Prize.

The Adult category panel is chaired by Linda Funnell, editor, reviewer and former publisher. She is joined by editor Renee Otmar and review blogger, Theresa Smith. Historical novelists, David Whish-Wilson and Robyn Cadwallader complete the panel, both of whom have been longlisted in the prize for their wonderful novels The Sawdust House (2022) and The Fire and the Rose (2023) respectively.

The panel for our Children and Young Adult category is headed by author and publisher, Sophie Masson (longlisted in 2025 with Bold Ben Hall). She is joined by writer, critic and academic, Bec Kavanagh, and New Zealand author, Stacy Gregg.

The panels have a tough road ahead in reading and assessing what will no doubt be a large field of excellent historical fiction. Prize criteria is compelling storytelling, excellence in writing, depth of research and commercial appeal.

Submissions are now open. Take advantage of early bird pricing until 13 May at midnight AEST.

General submissions close at 5pm AEST on 17 June 2026.

You can find more about each judge on our website.

Key 2026 Dates:

·        Early bird entries open: 18 March at 9 am AEDT

·        Early bird closes: 13 May at midnight AEST

· General entries close: 17 June at 5pm AEST

·        Longlists Announced: 2 September

·        Shortlists Announced: 23 September

·        Winners Announced: 15 October

For further information: https://hnsa.org.au/ara-historical-novel-prize/