Clementine Ford and Jess Racklyeft have been recognised in the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs) 2024 Shortlist!

The ABIAs showcase the best talent in the business, with exceptional collaborations between publishers, authors, editors, illustrators, marketers and designers in bringing quality books to Australian and international markets.

Clementine Ford has been shortlisted in the General Non-fiction Book of the Year category, for I Don’t: The Case Against Marriage (Allen & Unwin). A book with the incisive attention to detail and razor-sharp wit that characterises her work, Ford dissects the patriarchal history of marriage; the insidious, centuries-long marketing campaign pop culture has conducted in marriage’s favour; the illusion of feminist ‘choice’ in regard to taking men’s names; and the physical and social cost that comes with motherhood.

Jess Racklyeft’s Australia: Country of Colour (Affirm Press) has been shortlisted in the Children’s Picture Book of the Year (ages 0-6) category. A celebration of the stunning plants and animals of this colourful country, from vibrant pink Flame Peas to startling blue Fairy Wrens, electric yellow Billy Buttons, glossy black Tasmanian Devils, and many more – Jess Racklyeft celebrates Australian animals, plants and landscapes through the lens of the colour wheel.

Congratulations to Clementine and Jess, and everyone who has been recognised by these wonderful Book Industry Awards. The category winners and the overall Book of the Year winner will be announced at an awards event in Melbourne on Thursday 9 May.