Publishing consultation
A working session on your options, platforms, pricing and timeline, with a written plan you can act on yourself.
Self-publishing
Self-publishing in Australia, done properly
Self-publishing puts you in charge of every decision. Assistance means you do not have to make them alone, or learn every platform the hard way.
What self-publishing involves in Australia
Self-publishing means you are the publisher. You own the rights, you set the price, you receive the income, and you are responsible for the quality of the book and everything that follows. The main steps, and the points where Australian requirements apply, are:
- Finish and edit the manuscript. Professional editing is the single biggest difference between books that look self-published and books that do not.
- Design the cover and interior to the specifications of the platforms you will use.
- Obtain ISBNs. In Australia, ISBNs are issued by Thorpe-Bowker. Each format (paperback, hardcover, ebook) needs its own ISBN. Some platforms provide a free ISBN with conditions attached, which affects how the publisher of record is listed.
- Set up your platforms. Amazon KDP for Amazon's stores and Kindle; IngramSpark for wider print distribution to bookshops and libraries; direct or aggregated distribution for Apple Books, Kobo and Google Play Books.
- Write the metadata: description, categories, keywords, author biography and pricing in AUD and other currencies.
- Order a proof, then publish.
- Meet legal deposit obligations. Books published in Australia are subject to legal deposit with the National Library of Australia and, in most cases, the relevant state or territory library. We explain what applies to your book.
- Market the book with a launch plan, an author presence and ongoing activity.
This is general information rather than legal or financial advice; requirements change, and we check them at the time of each project.
Where we help
Take any step with us, or all of them.
Setup and upload
Accounts in your name, files uploaded to specification, metadata and pricing entered, proof ordered.
Complete self-publishing package
Editing, cover, formatting, ISBN guidance, setup, launch assets and an author website, coordinated by one project lead.
Common questions
Is self-publishing respectable?
Yes, when the book is produced to a professional standard. Readers, reviewers and retailers judge the book, not the route it took.
How much does self-publishing cost in Australia?
Platform publishing is free or low-cost; the real costs are editing, design, formatting and marketing, which depend on the book. We quote each project individually rather than publishing rates that would not apply to your manuscript.
Can I self-publish with my own imprint name?
Yes. We help you set up an imprint and obtain ISBNs in that name so it appears as the publisher of record.
Ready to talk about your book?
A confidential conversation, a clear scope and a written quote. No obligation.