How do we get more people reading? What are the best ways to reach those who rarely read, and those who want to read more but don’t know where to start? And what can we do as authors to positively influence reading habits as Australia’s reading rates decline?

Falling reading rates may have an impact on the sustainability of creative work and our nation’s cultural capital — issues of great concern to many authors — but it often feels like there’s only so much an individual author can do to broaden their reach and exercise their influence over readers. Through understanding the types of Australian readers and their reading habits, however, you can learn new ways to find and connect with potential audiences and encourage engagement with reading.

Australia Reads and Monash University’s BehaviourWorks Australia’s research report, Understanding Australian readers: Behavioural insights into recreational reading, provides valuable insights into how we can better understand the different types of readers and their reading habits, and collectively influence reading participation in Australia. The report has sparked necessary, industry-wide conversations that tackle the issue head on.

Join Head of Australia Reads, Anna Burkey, and Australian author and marketer Karina May and be taken behind the scenes of the Understanding Australian readers report. Anna and Karina will reveal the research, discussions, campaigning, and lobbying taking place within the book industry to address Australia’s falling reading rates. They will answer questions such as: