MUBA renamed SPN Book of the Year Award

The Small Press Network (SPN) has renamed its annual Most Underrated Book Award (MUBA) as the Small Press Network Book of the Year Award.

The MUBA ‘celebrated hidden gems—engaging and creative books across all genres that deserve to reach a wider audience’, with the 2019 award going to Songwoman by Ilka Tampke (Text).

‘We have successfully run the Most Underrated Book Award (MUBA) since 2012, but it’s time for a change and refresh,’ said SPN general manager Tim Coronel. ‘Because of disruptions caused by Covid-19 we had delayed opening entries for this year’s MUBA and that has given us time to reflect on the purpose of the award and to plan a new direction.’

Any book released by an SPN member publisher in the previous calendar year is eligible, and the winning author and their publisher will each receive a $1000 cash prize. The Australian Booksellers Association will continue as a sponsor of the award, while ArtsHub has signed on as a new sponsor. The digital arts news publication will also extend free annual memberships to the authors and publishers shortlisted for Small Press Network Book of the Year.

Last year’s MUBA judges—author Jane Rawson, broadcaster and critic Melissa Cranenburgh and bookseller Jackie Tang—will return to judge the 2020 Small Press Network Book of the Year. Entries are now open and the 2020 shortlist will be revealed in late November at this year’s Independent Publishing Conference.

Category: Awards Local news