Demystify the publishing industry and learn about the business of being an author with the ASA’s range of resources and guides, designed to assist authors and illustrators at every stage of their career. From comprehensive guidance on navigating the book industry to template publishing agreements and advice on how to negotiate your contract, these resources are instantly downloadable and available at a discount or free to ASA members. 

For those seeking an overview of the book industry in Australia and answers to questions such as ‘How do I find an agent, and do I need one?’, ‘How do I choose the right publishing path or publisher for me?’, ‘What do publishers want from an author?’ or ‘What are the red flags I should watch out for?’, we recommend browsing our freely accessible book industry FAQs. For a more detailed look at navigating the book industry, the ASA’s Guide to Getting Published is an easy-to-use, book-length resource designed to help give you and your book the best chance of success – whether you are traditionally publishing or plan to self-publish your work.

If you’re at the submission stage, see our guide on writing a winning synopsis and pitch, Selling your manuscript. Or if you’re planning to self-publish, Paying for publication: points to consider, and Sorting out the paperwork will help you understand what’s involved in publishing your work.

When you’re ready to start looking for publication or funding opportunities, browse the ASA’s member-only Book Industry Directory, a regularly updated online directory of Australian publishers, agents, literary competitions and prizes, grant opportunities, book publicists, and much more.

If you’re at the contract stage, we offer several contract templates for both authors and illustrators, empowering you with the knowledge you need to negotiate your agreements.  The range of options include contract templates for trade and educational publishing, agreements for commissioning an illustrator, working with a co-author, ghostwriting, and more. Downloadable in Word format, these templates are adaptable to your specific circumstances and needs. For more in-depth advice on understanding and negotiating your agreements, you can also download our video resource, Understanding and Negotiating Your Publishing Contract, with Authors Legal Managing Lawyer, Victoria Chylek.

For the published authors and illustrators, we offer a variety of written and video resources to help you build a sustainable creative career, including guidance on appearing at literary festivals, promoting yourself and your work (including using social media and Patreon for illustrators), staying resilient in the face of financial and emotional challenges, and managing your literary estate. 

If you want to learn about how to engage in respectful storytelling practices when working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples or their Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), download our vital free resource for members, More Than Words: Writing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture and Copyright in Australia. Prepared by Dr Terri Janke, this practical guide will provide you with the information you need about consultation and consent for every stage of the writing process.

The ASA also offers free resources aimed at bridging gaps in accessibility and opportunity, such as Making Content Accessible: A Guide to Navigating Australian Copyright, Inclusive Publishing in Australia: An Introductory Guide, and Books Without Barriers: a Practical Guide to Inclusive Publishing.

Can’t find what you’re after? Contact the ASA at [email protected] to suggest a resource that might be helpful to you. Or, for more tailored advice, seek advice via the ASA’s free Member Advice Service.