These annual awards are made to gifted and talented authors who have made significant contributions to our State's cultural heritage and development. Many past winners such as Gail Jones, Robert Drewe, Dorothy Hewett, Elizabeth Jolley and Tim Winton have achieved international acclaim. The awards are presented by the Premier of Western Australia in the company of distinguished guests, authors and lovers of books and reading.

The benefits of the Premier's Book Awards are many and varied. They offer authors both practical and intellectual encouragement. They raise community awareness of the importance of literature and literary achievements in our State (Western Australia), and act as a catalyst for future success and growth.

Currently prize money totals $80,000 for the Awards with $20,000 offered as the Premier's Prize for the best overall work and $7,500 for each category winner. Current categories are Fiction, Non-Fiction (2 awards), Writing for Young Adults, Poetry, Children's Books and Scripts and the WA History Prize, sponsored by the Department of Culture and the Arts, which is selected from all entries in the Awards and valued at $7,500.

The State Library would welcome expressions of interest to sponsor a particular award.

In addition, companies can sponsor a table at the presentation dinner for the cost of $600 per table (including GST). This sponsorship ensures that all shortlisted authors can attend the Premier's Book Awards Dinner.

For all enquiries please contact Doug George on (08) 9427 3150 or email doug.george@slwa.wa.gov.au .