AUSTRALIAN WOMEN’S CRIME BOOK COMPETITION, THE DAVITTS, NOW OPEN
Sisters in Crime is inviting publishers to enter its 2010 Davitt Awards for the best crime or mystery novels and true crime books by Australian women published last year.
Four Davitts will be presented by Scottish crime writer, Val McDermid, on Saturday August 28, 7pm, at the Celtic Club in Melbourne for best novel (adult); best novel (children’s and young adult); best true crime book and best book (readers’ choice), as voted by the 500 members of Sisters in Crime Australia
The Davitts (named after Ellen Davitt, the author of Australia
The awards are handsome carved polished wooded trophies featuring the front cover of the winning novel under perspex. No prize money is attached. The awards do not extend to e-novels though it does extend to self-published books.
Sisters in Crime spokeswoman (and the Sydney Morning Herald’s crime columnist), Dr Sue Turnbull, said Davitts awards celebrated their 10thbirthday this year.
“Ten years ago, only seven books were in contention, though it’s true to say back then true crime books weren’t included. This year we expect that at least 40 books will fight it out for the Davitts, and it’s been the case for the past few years,” she said.
“The Davitts have played a key role in getting women’s crime books better recognised – and in encouraging Australian publishers to take a punt on crime books produced by women locally, instead of just importing the latest block busters from overseas. It’s a gamble that has paid off.”
to Die, the book by last year’s Davitt (adult fiction) winner, Malla Nunn, is one of six novels shortlisted for the Edgars, the most prestigious
The judging panel for 2010 comprises forensic pathologist Dr Shelley Robertson, retired bookseller Rosi Tovey and three Sisters in Crime national co-convenors: Dr Sue Turnbull, Tanya King-Carmichael and Jacqui Horwood.
Sisters in Crime was established 19 years ago, has chapters in different states and holds regular events in Melbourne dissecting crime fiction on the page and screen. It publishes a magazine, Stiletto, and hosts a popular annual short-story competition, the Scarlet Stiletto Awards.
To enter, email Carmel Shute on cshute@internode.on.com by May 17.
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