Institute of Professional Editors Limited

Barbara Ramsden award

The Barbara Ramsden Award was created in 1971 by the Fellowship of Australian Writers. It commemorates Barbara Ramsden MBE, the legendary editor at Melbourne University Press 1941-71, whose expertise underpinned much of the authority in scholarship that MUP enjoyed during that period.

The Ramsden is a major literary award for a book of quality writing in any field of literature. Awarded jointly to author and publisher’s editor, it recognises the combined effort of both parties to achieve the final result. Entries must include a short commentary from the author or publisher explaining how the editor contributed to the final result. Entries are judged by a panel of senior editors appointed by the Institute of Professional Editors.

The award consists of bronze plaques designed by renowned sculptor and medallionist Andor Meszaros, which show the Origin of Art, with the creator at work and a figure representing the forces that ensure its effective communication. The Institute of Professional Editors and the Society of Editors (Vic.) Inc. are joint sponsors of the award with the Fellowship of Australian Writers.

The Ramsden was presented annually from 1971 to 1994, and again from 2007. Editors who have won it include John Bangsund, Sue Ebury, Shirley Purchase, Lee White, Janet Mackenzie, Wendy Sutherland.

Report on Barbara Ramsden Award 2008 winner

Entries open on 1 September 2008 and close on 30 November. For details see the FAW’s quarterly, The Australian Writer, www.writers.asn.au/uploads/file/mag/TAW357.pdf