The awards were presented at a ceremony at University House, Australian National University, on April 5, 2014. Read the full judges report here.
This is an excerpt from the complete 2013 Aurealis Awards Judges Reports:
BEST ANTHOLOGY
Panel Members:
Sarah JH Fletcher, Kathryn Linge (convenor), David McDonald, Rob Riel.
Number of Entries: 17
Judging Criteria:
Works were assessed considering multiple criteria, including whether each anthology
stuck to its theme, its originality, and variety in subject matter – but above all, we
rewarded consistent and excellent writing. We also considered whether the internal
design and cover were easy to read and professional. The anthologies that we have
shortlisted were those which most strongly engaged us as readers. We also looked
for anthologies in which we felt that the editorial team had significantly contributed
to the work through story selection, framing and sequencing. Our selection process
combined individual shortlisting by each judge with further discussion of the
combined shortlist.
Overview of Entries:
The submitted works were predominantly from Australian presses, although there
was also a smattering of works from international publishers. Most nominations
were received in electronic form. Almost all submitted works consisted of original material; the few reprint anthologies were ‘best of’ collections from 2012. There was
a fairly even split between science fiction and fantasy, with a healthy splash of
horror. Most anthologies straddled more than one genre.
Shortlist:
-
The Year’s Best Australian Fantasy and Horror 2012 by Liz Grzyb and Talie Helene
(Eds), (Ticonderoga Publications)
- One Small Step, An Anthology Of Discoveries by Tehani Wessely (Ed) (FableCroft
Publishing)
- Dreaming Of Djinn by Liz Grzyb (Ed) (Ticonderoga Publications)
- The Best Science Fiction And Fantasy Of The Year: Volume Seven by Jonathan Strahan
(Ed) (Night Shade Books)
- Focus 2012: Highlights Of Australian Short Fiction by Tehani Wessely (Ed) (FableCroft
Publishing)
Review of Shortlist:
Dreaming of Djinn
We were impressed with both the originality and variety of the stories collected in
Dreaming of Djinn, without repetition of plot or theme. While most of the pieces
would be considered fantasy, it was great to see some very good ‘djinny’ science
fiction as well. Editor Liz Grzyb is also to be commended for attracting and including
authors who would not normally be considered part of the Australian speculative
fiction scene.
The Year’s Best Australian Fantasy and Horror 2012
An excellent introduction to Australian fantasy and horror, this is a multifaceted
anthology with extremely broad reader appeal. The consistently excellent (and
sometimes surprising) stories, drawn from a variety of sources, are beautifully
sequenced by the editors. This is a landmark instalment in a highly regarded series.
The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year: Volume Seven
This is an excellent and substantial anthology, featuring some of the world’s best
science and fiction writing. We were impressed with consistency of the whole
anthology, and the drawing out of subtle themes from seemingly unrelated pieces
through their arrangement. That the anthology is inclusive while maintaining quality
is one of its major strengths.
Focus 2012: Highlights of Australian Short Fiction
‘Focus 2012’ is of consistently high quality, as may be expected of an anthology of
award-winning stories. The anthology provides an excellent showcase of Australian
short fiction, and acts as a great introduction to the strength and diversity of the
Australian scene.
One Small Step, An Anthology of Discoveries
A very original and impressive anthology of new Australian work that effortlessly
spans genres. Exceptionally varied, yet well balanced, these stories all deal with
beginnings and discoveries through an invigorating range of viewpoints and settings. One Small Step aims to highlight the work of Australian female genre writers, and
succeeds masterfully.
