Introduction
Finding the right publisher or author in Australia starts with understanding your genre and the audience you want to reach. Research reputable publishers, literary agents, and successful authors who align with your writing style. Matching your work with the right industry professionals increases your chances of success and visibility. To strengthen your search, explore these expert creative writing and author support resources:
How to Find and Choose a Publisher
1. Use Professional Directories
One of the strongest starting points when you’re looking for a publisher is to consult professional, trusted directories. For example, the Australian Literary Agents’ Association (ALAA) offers a list of member literary agencies committed to professional representation. Likewise, the Australian Publishers’ Association (APA) provides a “Getting Published” page where they emphasize researching a publisher’s history, market, and standards.
Using these directories helps you identify established agents and publishers who are legitimate and active. You can also improve your search further with this guide on how to find and choose the right publisher:
- Identify established agents and publishers who are legitimate and active.
- See which publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts (authors submitting directly without an agent) and which require agent representation.
- Narrow your search by genre, type of publishing (trade, educational, children’s), and region.
Tip: Create a spreadsheet of 10-15 publishers you’re interested in, listing their genres, submission guidelines, and whether they accept unagented work.
2. Research Agents When Your Genre is Popular
If your chosen genre has a strong market, say commercial fiction, romance, YA, or nonfiction, it often makes sense to research literary agents first. Many large trade publishers in Australia prefer manuscripts coming via an agent. The Writing NSW site states that although unsolicited manuscripts may still be considered, having an agent can help your manuscript rise above the pile.
What to check when researching agents
- Is the agent a member of ALAA (or an equivalent professional body)? That suggests ethical practice and accountability.
- What genres does the agent represent (check their website, their client list)?
- Do they accept unsolicited queries? If not, you may need to build credentials (publications, contests, etc.) first.
- What rights do they handle (international, translation, film/TV)? Some agents specialize in rights beyond the book deal.
If you secure an agent, you gain someone who knows the market, can negotiate contracts, and may handle rights and foreign deals for you.
3. Look at Book Acknowledgments
An insightful, low cost trick: check the acknowledgments pages of recent books in your genre published in Australia. Authors often thank their agent and/or publisher by name. This can reveal:
- Which publishers are actively publishing in your genre?
- Which agents are contacting those publishers?
- Whether the publisher is local (Australia) or international.
From those acknowledgments, you can build a “similar to you” list of publishers/agents that might suit your work.
Tip: Keep a list of 5-10 books like yours, extract the publishers and agents mentioned, and research their websites to check for open submission windows.
4. Study Publishers’ Websites Carefully
Once you have identified potential publishers, spend time on their websites, especially their “For Authors”, “Submissions”, or “What We Publish” pages. From the APA’s “Getting Published” guide: publishers assess originality, polish, and market value of manuscripts. You can also learn how to prepare a stronger manuscript with this step-by-step guide on outlining your book:
When studying the website, check for:
- Submission guidelines: do they accept only agented manuscripts, or also unagented? Are there specific file formats, word counts, or themes?
- Catalog: what kind of books they publish (fiction, children’s, nonfiction, academic)?
- Distribution: do they distribute widely (Australia, UK, US, online stores)?
- Reviews/press: Are their books reviewed in credible outlets, indicating their books get attention?
- Open/closing periods for submissions: Many publishers open only periodically.
Tip: Align your manuscript with the publisher’s stated style/themes. If your work is very different, consider a different publisher.
5. Check Their Catalog and Reviews
Beyond what’s on the website, you should check how the publisher’s books perform in the real world. Ask yourself:
- Has the publisher released books similar to yours recently?
- Are those books reviewed by reputable review outlets (journals, newspapers, trade magazines)?
- Is the publisher’s distribution network broad (print + eBook + audio + international rights)? Understanding distribution also helps when you later promote your book on Amazon:
- Are books listed in major online stores (Amazon Australia, Booktopia) and possibly brick and mortar bookstores?
This gives you a sense of how serious the publisher is and how likely your book is to reach readers.
Tip: Buy or borrow a couple of recent titles from the publisher and compare the production quality (cover design, editing, formatting). A well presented book suggests a professional publisher.
6. Attend Literary Events
Finally, because publishing is as much about people as books, attending literary events is a great strategy. Author talks, writing festivals, and book fairs all allow you to meet agents and publishers in person.
Why this works:
- You hear what publishers and agents are currently talking about, market trends, and themes they like.
- You make direct contact who might remember you when you submit.
- You gain insight into the publishing world (panel discussions, Q&A sessions) which you won’t get from websites alone.
Tip: Take business cards, portfolios, and a short pitch of your book. Even casual conversations at such events can open doors.
How to Choose the Right Author (Co author, Contributing Author, or Collaborator)
If you aim to collaborate, perhaps a multi author anthology, a joint nonfiction volume, or you want to invite a more established author into your project, these steps will help you choose the right author partner.
1. Search Literary Databases
Start by exploring literary databases and directories that list Australian authors. For instance, the directory maintained by the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) includes author profiles, industry contacts, and resources.
When searching:
- Look for authors publishing in your genre or addressing a similar audience.
- Check their publication history: number of books, types of books, and reviews.
- Check their author platform: website, social media following, newsletter list. The stronger their platform, the more value they can bring to a partnership.
2. Check Book Acknowledgments Again
Just as acknowledgments help you find publishers/agents, they also help identify authors. In books by authors you admire in your genre:
- Note whom the author thanks, sometimes editors, mentors, co authors, or other authors.
- Note any stories of collaboration they might hint at authors open to teamwork.
Creating a list of authors who are engaged and active (not just writers but connectors) will help you find someone who’s willing and able to collaborate.
3. Find Author Contact Information
Once you have shortlisted authors, you’ll need to contact them. How to find contact info:
- Visit the author’s official website (often has a contact form or direct email).
- Check the publisher’s website (they often list author contact / agent info).
- Use social platforms professionally: some authors accept speaker or collaboration emails via LinkedIn or Twitter.
Tip: Start with a friendly, personalized message. Mention why you admire their work, propose how you’d collaborate, and outline the potential benefits for both parties (shared audience, shared promotion, stronger project).
4. Attend Literary Events (Again, Networking Works)
Just like meeting publishers, networking at events can help you meet authors open to collaboration. When you attend:
- Join writing panels, workshops where authors are speaking.
- Introduce yourself, share your project idea, and ask if they might be interested in co writing or contributing.
- Follow up with an email summarizing the discussion and potential next steps.
A face to face or virtual meeting can build trust faster than just cold emailing an author you admire.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need a literary agent to approach a publisher in Australia?
A. Not always. Some Australian publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts (direct from authors). However, many larger trade publishers prefer agented manuscripts. Checking the publisher’s website or directory listings will help you determine their policy.
Q2: How do I know if a publisher is legitimate?
A. Check if they’re listed in an industry directory (like APA’s member directory). Review their catalog, check production quality of their books, check reviews, ask authors who have worked with them, and attend events where the publisher is present.
Q3: What should I include when I reach out to a potential author collaborator?
A. A clear, concise email outlining: who you are, your project idea, why you think they’d be a good fit… You can also improve your writing and collaboration skills using these time management tips for authors:
Q4: How important is genre fit when choosing a publisher or author partner?
A. Very important. Publishers specialize in certain genres and have established markets. Authors have readers who expect a certain style or theme. Choosing a partner or publisher outside your genre may reduce the chance of success.
Q5: Should I base my choice of publisher on the royalty rate alone?
A. No. Royalty rate is one factor, but you should also look at distribution reach, marketing support, rights handling (foreign, audio), editorial quality, and publisher reputation. A higher royalty on a poorly distributed book may result in fewer sales overall.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right publisher or author in Australia takes research, strategy, and patience. Start by exploring directories, publisher websites, and author portfolios, and build connections through respectful outreach and industry events. Your goal is to place your book where it can thrive with professionals who believe in your work, align with your vision, and help you reach the right readers.