Two local writers have made the short list for the 2025 Robert Kroetsch City of Edmonton Book Prize.

Benajmin Hertwig is nominated for his debut novel Juiceboxers. Hertwig is a McCauley resident and co-owner of Paper Birch Books.

Marilyn Dumont is nominated for her poetry collection South Side of a Kinless River. Dumont is a former McCauley resident who wrote the Indigenous McCauley historical booklet.

The Robert Kroetsch City of Edmonton Book Prize was established by City Council in 1995 and honours a book that deals with some aspect of Edmonton's culture, history, or current affairs. 

The winner will be announced at the Edmonton Arts Prizes Awards Presentation on May 7. The winner will receive $15,000 while the runners up will receive $5,000.

Edmonton Arts Prizes are coordinated by the Edmonton Arts Council, in partnership with the City of Edmonton, Alberta Media Production Industries Association, Alberta Music, Audrey’s Books, CARFAC Alberta, Edmonton Community Foundation, and Writers’ Guild of Alberta.