9 local authors announced as finalists for annual Victoria Book Prize

The City of Victoria has announced nine finalists for this year’s City of Victoria Book Prize, Children’s Book Prize and DC Reid Poetry Prize. 

This year, 50 books were considered for the awards which will earn the winners in each category a cash prize of $5,000 each. 

The Victoria Book Prize Society was founded in 2004, with the aim of promoting public appreciation of books written by authors living in Greater Victoria. 

The City sponsors the Victoria Book Prize and the Children’s Book Prize, while local poet and philanthropist DC Reid has provided financial support for the poetry prize, which was launched in 2025.

The aim of these prizes is to highlight the artistic merit and accomplishments of the region’s writers. 

The 50 entries were considered by independent juries comprised of representatives from local literary arts and library communities.

“This year’s submissions reflect the diversity of writers, voices and stories rooted in this region, from first-time authors to award-winning veterans, spanning a wide range of genres and perspectives,” said Sybil Harrison, president of the Victoria Book Prize Society.  

“Victoria is home to one of the highest concentrations of writers, poets and illustrators in the country. Their stories, often inspired by this place, reflect our collective experience.”

The 2026 finalists for the City of Victoria Book Prize in fiction or non-fiction:

• Dennis E. Bolen, Amaranthine Chevrolet (Dundurn Press)
• Tracey Lindberg, The Cree Word for Love: Sâkihitowin (HarperCollins)
• Terence Young, Give Us This Day (Signature Editions)

The City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize finalists are:

• Mike Deas (illustrator), This Plant Is Not Boring (Orca Book Publishers)
• Mike Deas and Nancy Deas, Howler Reef (Orca Book Publishers)
• Uma Krishnaswami, The Sunshine Project (Groundwood Books)

The DC Reid Poetry Prize finalists are:

• John Barton, Compulsory Figures (Caitlin Press)
• Marilyn Bowering, Frayed Linens (Exile Editions)
• Arleen Paré, Encrypted (Caitlin Press)

According to the City, the winners will be announced on November 14th.

“Victoria is home to an incredible community of writers and illustrators whose work enriches our cultural life and connects us through stories,” said Mayor Marianne Alto. 

“Congratulations to the finalists for this well-deserved recognition and to the Victoria Book Prize Society for continuing to champion local literary talent.”

To find out more about the awards, the authors who are finalists and their works, visit The Victoria Book Prizes website.