Crawford wins inaugural Walker Books Manuscript Prize

Melbourne-based writer Ange Crawford has won the inaugural Walker Books Manuscript Prize for her YA novel, How to Be Normal.

The shortlist was judged by authors Sally Murphy, Jared Thomas and Kate Foster, together with publisher Clare Hallifax. Hallifax said Crawford’s manuscript ‘deftly deals with finding your place in the world, when you are walking on eggshells and the ground is shifting’.

‘Crawford’s novel, How to Be Normal, is a brilliantly written YA text that explores timely issues with insight, and a light touch when needed, and is a very worthy winner of our inaugural prize,’ said Hallifax. ‘We look forward to being able to shepherd her story to a broad readership.’

Walker Books Australia announced the establishment of its manuscript prize in April to coincide with the publisher’s 30th anniversary in Australia. The prize, which will be awarded biennially, was open to manuscripts written for a readership of five years and older, and suitable for formats of junior, middle-grade or YA fiction.

The aim of the manuscript prize is to foster a new generation of Australian voices, who best represent Walker Books’ values of excellence, accessibility and inclusivity. The winner was judged on literary merit, its originality and use of language, as well as on its representation of Walker’s values.

Crawford is a queer writer and editor who holds a Bachelor of Social Science and a Master of Arts (Writing). She has published across many genres, such as digital poetry, reviews, fiction and feature articles, and has previously contributed volunteer editorial work for Asymptote and the Lifted Brow.

Walker will aim to publish How to Be Normal in early 2025.

Category: Awards Local news