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Printing and publishing books as a self-published author can be a lonely path to tread. Without a major corporation or team of experts on your side, it’s easy to get lost in the complicated mess of bringing a book to life and into the hands of your readers. Thankfully, there are plenty of organisations, groups and communities that offer helpful advice and events for writers wanting to self-publish their work. We explore some of the organisations supporting self-published authors on their book journeys below.
Australian Society of Authors
The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) is Australia’s peak body that supports writers and illustrators in book publishing. From expert advice to professional development opportunities, ASA has a focus on bringing the community of book-writers and illustrators together in what can otherwise be lonely work.
The Australian Society of Authors offers a range of awards for writers to enter, with prizes like book advances, publishing contracts, scholarships and cash. There are also mentorship programs to advance your writing skills, manuscript assessment opportunities and support for contracts, publishing and distribution.
ASA runs on memberships - acquiring one will grant you access to free book industry-related professional advice, opportunities for one-on-one consultations with industry experts and access to advertise your services and skills on their directories. You can sign up here.
Writers Victoria
For Melbourne or Victoria-based writers, Writers Victoria is a great resource for information, education and community. As the state’s largest organisation supporting Victorian writers, this not-for-profit organisation is a key player in the writing, publishing and book printing landscape of Victoria.
Members of Writers Victoria will gain access to a range of benefits, including discounts to courses, events and services, a monthly members-only newsletter with giveaways, exclusive access to fellowships, competitions, residencies and events, promotion, online content and a dedicated community.
There are a handful of various memberships to consider based on your circumstances. Writing groups and organisations can access a Group membership, while writers under 26 years of age have their own Young Writers membership. For all other indie writers, the Individual membership is the way to go. You can join Writers Victoria as a member here.
Self-Publishing Australia
Self Publishing Australia (SelfPubAus) is a free digital resource for indie authors to discover tools, information and community as they go along their book writing and printing journey. The free information hub doesn’t offer any paid publishing or printing services, but instead serves as a database of tips, events, suppliers and expert advice.
Run by writers who span across all corners of the book and writing industries, SelfPubAus also runs a yearly calendar of events that is useful for writers wanting to keep up to date with what's going on in their writing communities. Plus, you’ll find a blog with industry updates and professional insights.
Alliance of Independent Authors
Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) is a non-profit global organisation that empowers self-published authors to build successful careers in publishing. With a focus on author rights, ALLi offers education, resources and community connection to assist indie authors who might otherwise be going at the book industry alone.
The reinvestment framework that underpins ALLi means that profits from memberships find their way back into the organisation so as to benefit members and the wider self-publishing community. A membership with ALLi offers writers access to industry knowledge, a member forum, book industry contacts, free books and resources, a member magazine, a rights licensing service, legal and business advice, and discounts across a range of products.
If you’re thinking about joining up to the Alliance of Independent Authors, there are three levels of membership at varying prices that offer different levels of access and appropriate resources - Associate, Author and Authorpreneur. You can explore the options further here.
Emerging Writers’ Festival
While the Emerging Writers’ Festival (EWF) is most well known for its annual literary festival for emerging writers in Melbourne every September, EWF also offers ongoing support and events throughout the year for writers looking for a leg up in the book and publishing world.
Across the calendar year, writers can find a range of events to attend to learn, connect, collaborate and celebrate indie writing, publishing and printing. Self-published authors can discover opportunities to develop their writing professionally from a cohort of industry experts, as well as engage with their surrounding author communities. There is no membership required to attend EWF events - all you need to do is keep an eye out on their website or Instagram next time tickets go on sale for an event that suits you.
No matter where you are on your writing journey, you don’t have to go at it alone. These organisations offer not just resources and education, but also much-needed community connection and industry support for self-published authors.
To learn more about our printing services for self-published authors and get started on your printing journey, get in touch with our team today. We're here to help you navigate the evolving world of printing with confidence.
