Lauren Crozier wins unpublished manuscript 2023 Text Prize

19 June 2023

Gayamaygal/Manly, Sydney, based Australian writer and editor Lauren Crozier has been named winner of the 2023 Text Prize, with her manuscript titled The Best Witch in Paris, which will be published in 2024 as part of the prize. Crozier’s novel is a middle-grade adventure, being stories usually intended for readers aged from about eight to twelve years of age. The Best Witch in Paris sounds like it pitches centre middle of that demographic:

Luna is a spirited young witch raised by her aunts in the witches’ quarters of Paris and Melbourne, after they discovered her as a baby beneath a magic tree. When she is paired with her first familiar — a boobook owl called Silver — Luna is over the moon. But she soon discovers that the deliciously evil Madame Valadon has claimed the owl as hers and will stop at nothing to steal it. Determined to prove her power and solve the mystery of her birth, Luna embarks on a quest of her own — one that will surprise and empower her.

The Text Prize is awarded annually by Melbourne based Australian book publisher Text Publishing for the best manuscript written for young readers.