The Premier and Minister for the Arts, Lara Giddings, today announced the 2013 Tasmanian Literary Prizes have been expanded to recognise writers across a wide range of disciplines; from novels and poetry to graphic novels and theatrical works.

"Unlike the short-sighted Liberal Party, which has set about scrapping literary prizes in other states, the Tasmanian Government recognises the importance of literature in not only enriching our culture but lifting our educational standards," Ms Giddings said.

"Tasmania has a strong literary culture and is the home to many talented writers

"The Tasmanian Literary Prizes are biennial literary awards which provide the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate those who are producing work of the highest standards."

Nominations are now being accepted from both publishers and authors for prizes in the following categories:

• The Tasmania Book Prize, for the best book with Tasmanian content in any genre - $25,000

• The Margaret Scott Prize, for the best book by a Tasmanian writer - $5,000

• The University of Tasmania Prize, for the best new unpublished literary work by an emerging Tasmanian writer - $5,000

"I am delighted to announce that the University of Tasmania Prize has been reshaped for 2013 as a manuscript prize to highlight the skill, talent and creativity of emerging Tasmanian writers," Ms Giddings said.

"Writers of theatrical works, poetry, graphic novels, literary fiction and non-fiction for adults or children are encouraged to enter this new category."

The judging panel for 2013 is social scientist and author Ross Honeywill (Chair), broadcaster, blogger, reviewer and managing editor of Island magazine Rachel Edwards, and Dr Lisa Fletcher, author and lecturer in English at the University of Tasmania.

The winners of the Tasmanian Literary Prizes will be announced during Ten Days on the Island in March 2013.Nominations close on 12 September 2012. For more information visit: www.arts.tas.gov.au/tlp.