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Services

Publishing Consultancy Service

Do you have a question about publishing but don’t have anyone you can turn to for answers?

The ASA offers members exclusive access to our Publishing Consultancy Service, a one-on-one consultation with an industry expert who can provide you with tailored advice about any aspect of the publishing industry that you’re unsure of.

The ASA’s recommended consultants can guide you through key career decisions, taking into account your unique circumstances as a creator.

Who is this for?

This service is only open to ASA members. Not a member? Join here.

See the ASA’s FAQs here.

The ASA’s Mentorship Program could be a great fit for you.

The ASA’s Manuscript Assessment Service can help you get your work to a publishable standard.

How to book

If you’re unsure, please email [email protected] for advice.

You will be asked for this information in the booking form. If you need help identifying a suitable consultant, please email [email protected] prior to placing your booking.

You will be asked to provide these in the booking form, as part of a detailed description of your query.

You will be able to supply these in the booking form.

Please note, the fee for a one-hour consultation is $302.50 (GST inclusive).

Consultants will be allocated based on your preferences, the nature of your query, and their availability. The ASA will confirm with you before allocating a consultant to your booking.

A consultation may take place over the phone, via virtual meeting (e.g. Zoom), or through email, depending on the creator’s preference. 

Consultations may be extended beyond one hour at a cost of $302.50 (GST inclusive) per additional hour, if both you and the consultant agree on the need for extra time. This extension must be arranged directly through the ASA.

About our consultants

The ASA engages consultants who are highly experienced in the Australian publishing industry, have an extensive understanding of author concerns, and are not currently aligned with any publishing companies.

Follow the prompts below to explore our register of consultants and identify who you may like to meet with.

Your publishing pathway

Do you need help figuring out which publishing pathway to take with your manuscript? Do you require specific guidance on what to expect from the traditional or self-publishing process, and how you can navigate your chosen path? Learn which of our consultants can point you in the right direction.

 

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Your category and market

Are you seeking advice specific to the fiction, non-fiction, children’s, or educational categories? Do you want to better understand how to identify, consider, and connect with your target market? Find out which of our consultants are experts in your category. 

 

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Your next steps

Do you want to get the inside scoop on the submissions or editorial process, and learn what is expected from you? Are you trying to determine if you need agent representation? Are you unsure what’s expected of you post-publication, or how to approach marketing and promotion? Do you need help finding your way out of a mid-career plateau? Discover which of our consultants can help guide you on your way.

 

See consultants

Does your query cross categories? Not to worry — our consultants’ expertise crosses categories, too! If you need help identifying the most suitable consultant for your needs, email [email protected] for advice. 

“I’m just delighted to let you know that Ben James and I had the publishing consultation last night and it was wonderful. It was so thorough, detailed, well-prepared and generous, and I learned so much. It wildly surpassed my hopes and expectations. As well as all this, it was pleasant and friendly. Thanks so much to ASA for providing that opportunity. It was inspiring and deeply encouraging — so important when writing can be such a solitary endeavour.” — Gillian Collins