A longlist has been released for the Australian Fiction Prize, given annually for an unpublished, book-length work of fiction, Books+Publishing reported. Open to all Australian writers, regardless of age or publishing history, the award's winner receives an advance of A$15,000 (about US$10,540) and publication by HarperCollins Australia. The shortlist will be announced on October 1 and the winner named October 12. This year's longlisted titles are:
Black Hibiscus by Matcham Caine
The Callahan Sisters by Azra Berberovic
The Child Bride and the Spanish Dancer by Andrew Murphy
In the Shape of a Heart by Amanda Callahan
The Lyrebirds by Dani Ringrose
The Music Teacher by Annette Higgs
The Orchard Lines by Kelly McWilliam
Shadow City by May Ngo
A Thief Among Spies by Hannah Armitage.