Author: SPN Admin
In conversation with BOTY winning editors Leah Jing McIntosh and Adolfo Aranjuez
Against Disappearance: Essays on Memory (Pantera Press) is exactly the kind of invigorating non-fiction that small, risk-taking publications like Liminal, excel at. It is a physically beautiful collection, presented with an understated sophistication that reflects those same qualities in the works. Edited by Leah Jing McIntosh and Adolofo Aranjuez, this collection brings together writers from across […]
In conversation with BOTY shortlisted author Nornie Bero
Mabu Mabu (Hardie Grant Books) is an intricately crafted cookbook that melds together a perfect balance of memoir and recipe. In between stunning graphics and mouth-watering recipes, Nornie Bero recounts how her upbringing fostered a love for food and explores the deep connection between culture, identity and food. —BOTY 2023 judging panel We were lucky enough […]
In conversation with BOTY shortlisted author Andrew Sutherland
Paradise (Point of Transmission) (Fremantle Press) is beautifully layered collection of poems that explores the realities of a HIV diagnosis on home, community and freedom. It complex but inviting, an act of generosity and transformation. In his first poetry collection Andrew Sutherland simultaneously captures the stigma of a HIV-positive identity and the deep love of Queer community. […]
Small Press Network Book of the Year Award 2023: Winner Announcement
The Small Press Network (SPN) is excited to announce the winner of the 2023 Small Press Network Book of the Year Award (BOTY): Against Disappearance: Essays on Memory, an anthology by Liminal and published by Pantera Press. The award was presented at the Wheeler Centre as part of its Next Big Thing series by Meanjin […]
Independent bookshops sponsor the 2023 Book of the Year (BOTY) Award
The Small Press Network’s Book of the Year (BOTY) Award is an annual award that highlights authorial and publishing excellence by small and independent publishers. Open to any book released by an SPN member during the previous calendar year, the BOTY Award provides significant recognition and promotional opportunities to both publisher and author. A huge […]
In conversation with BOTY shortlisted author George Haddad
For a novel about violence, Losing Face is surprisingly tender. George Haddad is a writer with a talent for voice and place, vividly capturing the intensity of Western Sydney. Haddad uses layered intergenerational storytelling to demonstrate the complexity with which lives intertwine and unravel around a violent crime. He avoids delivering neat and easy answers but instead […]
In conversation with BOTY shortlisted author Jo Riccioni
The Branded (Pantera Press) is an addictive YA novel from Jo Riccioni. With captivating protagonists and an immersive landscape, this story is entirely devourable. It includes all of the best parts of YA – a treacherous journey, a dystopian societal structure, tests of loyalty, and just the perfect amount of desire. —BOTY 2023 judging panel We […]
Frankfurt report from Pantera Press
Pantera Press has been attending the Frankfurt Book Fair since our earliest days, with our first visit back in 2010 with a limited list of books and an even more limited meeting schedule! Nowadays, it is considered an essential part of our Rights strategy, with a full schedule of meetings across four days and an […]
SPN supports APA and ASA stances on AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is obviously a big topic on all our minds at the moment. As the technology develops, we expect that AI will become a useful – perhaps essential – tool for publishing workflows. But when it comes to author, illustrator and designer copyright and IP protection, SPN is in full agreement with recent […]
SPN endorses IpEd guide to working with freelance editors
SPN is pleased to endorse and recommend a new set of guidelines published by the Institute of Professional Editors (IpEd) on best practices for publishers when working with freelance editors. The guide sets out some basic principles, both professional and ethical, so both parties can approach the project with a clear understanding of what is […]
In conversation with BOTY shortlisted author Sam Wallman
Our Members Be Unlimited by Sam Wallman is an immense achievement. Both a history of the union moment and a personal memoir of Wallman’s own experience of working as a picker at an Amazon warehouse, the personal is political and the political is intensely felt and personal. The graphic medium allows for dense information to be […]
Meet Events & Communication Manager Debbie Lee
In a publishing career spanning over 30 years, Debbie has worked in trade sales, and as a commissioning editor and publishing manager in the vocational, academic and professional sectors with publishers including Cambridge University Press, Elsevier and NewSouth Publishing. More recently, Debbie was Senior Manager, Content Acquisition and Business Development with Ingram Content Group. In […]
Meet Conference Guest Sandra Phillips
Dr Sandra Phillips will give the keynote address on Thursday’s Research Day, on ‘Indigenous and community writing, reading and publishing’. Sandra is Wakka Wakka and was raised on the Country of her family’s ancestors, she is also proudly Gooreng Gooreng. These First Nations are in the jurisdiction now known as Queensland. Sandra does research in […]
Meet Conference Guest Mike Shatzkin
Mike Shatzkin has had a 60-year (so far) career in the book publishing business, starting on the sales floor of Brentano’s 5th Avenue bookstore in 1962. Starting in the early 1990s, he was one of the industry’s thought leaders on ‘digital change’, including the purchasing of books online (then in its infancy) and in digital (ebook) versions […]
Meet Associate Producer Nathanael Wheatcroft-Brown
Hello! I’m very excited to be a part of this year’s team at the Small Press Network. Originally from the small coastal town of Whitby in the North East of England, I came to Australia in 2019 to study a Master’s of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing at The University of Melbourne. With an undergraduate […]
Meet Associate Producer Elizabeth Lamb
Elizabeth Lamb (She/Her) As a life-long bibliophile from the idyllic Blue Mountains, NSW, with an omnivorous reading appetite and passion for editing, I am excited to be joining the team at the Small Press Network for this year’s Independent Publishing Conference. After a winding trajectory of theatre degrees, appearing in plays, writing and editing scripts and […]
Meet Associate Producer Em Collings
Hello! I’m a second-year student in RMIT’s Associate Degree of Professional Writing and Editing. In high school I studied a range of IT and STEM subjects but have found myself drawn more and more to both the written and spoken word. I studied a Cert 3 of IDMT (Information Digital Media and Technology) as well […]
Meet Associate Producer Cai Bardsley
Hello, I’m Cai (they/them), a writer and editor studying at RMIT University. Lucky for me, I get to be part of the team delivering this year’s Independent Publishing Conference. I grew up on the Mid North Coast of NSW on the beautiful bush lands of the Gumbaynggir People. After school I traded the warmth, rivers […]
Introducing industry research: “A sacred duty” by Jodie Lea Martire Part 3
In her Masters research thesis, Jodie Lea Martire explores the strategies small presses have long been using to diversify the publishing industry, turning this into the basis of a roadmap for the broader Australian publishing industry to follow in their footsteps. The first instalment of this SPN publication collated the publishing strategies used by Spinifex […]
Introducing industry research: “A sacred duty” by Jodie Lea Martire Part 2
In her Masters research thesis, Jodie Lea Martire explores the strategies small presses have long been using to diversify the publishing industry, turning this into the basis of a roadmap for the broader Australian publishing industry to follow in their footsteps. The first instalment of this SPN publication collated the publishing strategies used by publishers […]
Meet the 2023 BOTY Judges
We are very pleased to introduce our judges for the 2023 Book of the Year Award. While our inboxes begin filling with all the wonderful titles that our SPN member publishers have released, we thought you may like to get to know our judging panel for the year. Bec Kavanagh Bec Kavanagh is a writer, […]
Meet the 2023 BOTY Judges #2
We are very pleased to introduce our judges for the 2023 Book of the Year Award. While our inboxes begin filling with all the wonderful titles that our SPN member publishers have released, we thought you may like to get to know our judging panel for the year. Bec Kavanagh Bec Kavanagh is a writer, […]
In conversation with BOTY shortlisted author Kavita Bedford
We had the most exciting opportunity to sit down with Kavita Bedford to ask about her debut novel, Friends & Dark Shapes, one of the shortlisted titles for the 2022 SPN Book of the Year Award.
In conversation with BOTY shortlisted author Poppy Nwosu
‘Hometown Haunts (Wakefield Press) showcases some of the best voices Australian YA fiction has to offer in this sometimes strange, sometimes terrifying collection of short horror. This anthology acts as a reminder of how it feels to explore the unknown: unknown genre, unknown worlds, unknown lives. Editor Poppy Nwosu has compiled an anthology that celebrates and […]
The Book of the Year Award 2022: Shortlist Announcement
Sponsored by BookPeople and Ingram. The Small Press Network is honoured to announce the shortlist for the 2022 Book of the Year Award (formerly the Most Underrated Book of the Year Award). The award was first presented under its new name in 2020, marking a new direction for the Small Press Network and its membership. […]
Meet Associate Producer Ky Nolan
G’day! I’m Ky—I go by they/them and I’m thrilled to be your Associate Producer (Writing Lead) for Small Press Network’s 2022 Independent Publishing Conference. Australian indie literature is my first love, so the opportunity to work with SPN is a dream come true. A Naarm (Melbourne) local, I grew up riding my urban steed (push […]
Meet Associate Producer Fiona Wallace
My name’s Fiona (she/her) and I’m one of the new Associate Producers for the 2022 Independent Publishing Conference.
Meet Associate Producer Carla Di Maggio
I’m Carla (she/they) and I am so excited to be working with SPN as an Associate Producer for the IPC 2022!
Keynote Announcement: 2022 IPC Research Day
Dr Richard Jean So has been confirmed as the Research Day keynote speaker for the Small Press Network’s 2022 Independent Publishing Conference. Dr So, an associate professor in English and Cultural Analytics at McGill University, will be joining us from Canada. The conference will be held from 24–26 November, with Research Day taking place on […]
BOTY 2022: Meet the Judges
We’ve received a varied and vibrant array of entries to the 2022 Book of the Year Award, covering nearly every genre we can think of and adding up to a record 93 titles submitted! Needless to say, the judges for this year’s award will be busy reading over the coming months. While you wait for […]
Call for Papers: Publishing Futures
Book publishing is a forward-thinking cultural sector. There is no shortage of articles, Twitter posts, and think pieces discussing emerging publishing trends and speculating about the future of publishing. Predictions over the eventual dominance of eBooks seemed to put the future of the print book at stake. Beyond the ‘format wars’, digital technologies and platforms […]
The Book of the Year Award 2021: Winner Announcement
We are excited to announce the winners of the 2021 SPN Book of the Year Award. That’s right, winners, the judges decided to award two BOTY winners this year! They are Echoes (2020) by Shu-Ling Chua and We are Speaking in Code (Brio Books 2020) by Tanya Vavilova. The judges said ‘both titles exhibit beautiful […]
In conversation with BOTY shortlisted author: Kirsten Krauth
Holly from The Small Press Network recently chatted to Kirsten Krauth, author of the 2021 shortlisted BOTY title Almost a Mirror. Kirsten Krauth is a writer and podcaster based in Castlemaine. Almost a Mirror, published in 2020, was shortlisted for the Penguin Literary Prize and named by The Guardian in ’The Best 20 Australian Books […]
In conversation with BOTY shortlisted author: Poppy Nwosu
We had a chat with Poppy about her book Taking Down Evelyn Tait, one of this year’s shortlisted titles for the Book of the Year Award. Cordelia: Where did you get your inspiration from, and what was the most important thing you wanted to say with this story? Poppy: It really came with the main […]
Judging the Book of the Year Award
In this episode of the Small Press Network’s Podcast, we had a chat to the Book of the Year Judges Penni Russon, Marina Sano and Jing Xuan Teo to discuss their experience of judging the award. The winner of the Book of the Year Award will be announced on Friday 26 November.
Introducing industry research: “A sacred duty” by Jodie Lea Martire Part 1
In her Masters research thesis, Jodie Lea Martire explores the strategies small presses have long been using to diversify the publishing industry, turning this into the basis of a roadmap for the broader Australian publishing industry to follow in their footsteps. The following extract provides an insight into the research and results Martire has discovered […]
The 2021 Academic Day: In Conversation with Alexandra Dane and Claire Parnell
In this episode, we chat to Alexandra Dane and Claire Parnell to discuss this year’s Academic Day for the Independent Publishing Conference 2021. This year’s theme is Publishing and the Environment.
The Book of the Year Award 2021: Shortlist Announcement
The shortlist for the Small Press Network 2021 Book of the Year Award is in! Formerly the Most Underrated Book of the Year Award, the BOTY award was first presented under its new name in 2020, marking a new direction for the Small Press Network and its membership. BOTY aims to recognise and award some […]
In Conversation with Robbie Egan
In the lead up to this year’s Love Your Bookshop Day, Associate Producer Chloe Agius sat down with Robbie Egan, CEO of the Australian Booksellers Association, to talk all things bookshops.
Meet Associate Producer Emma Kellaway
Hi all. As an Associate Producer for the 2021 Independent Publishing Conference, I’d like to introduce myself. I typically respond to Emma or Em! I study Master of International Relations (IR) and Journalism at Monash University. You may be wondering how an IR student found herself here but the truth is I have a long-standing […]
Meet Associate Producer Cordelia Egerton-Warburton
Hello friends! My name is Cordelia, and I am SPN’s Operations Associate Producer for the 2021 Independent Publishing Conference. I’m so excited to be a part of this year’s team and I can’t wait to jump in!
Meet Associate Producer Chloe Agius
Hiya! I’m Chloe (she/her), and I am so excited to be one of this year’s Associate Producers for the 2021 Independent Publishing Conference. I’ve moved to Melbourne from Tasmania—the land of savoury toast, scallop pies, and winters worse than Melbourne but at least we’re gratified with actual snow and the prettiest landscapes in the country […]
Meet Conference Co-ordinator Chloe Hogan-Weihmann
Hi, I’m Chloe! I’ll be the Conference Co-ordinator for 2021. If you speak to me in person, you may recognise the dulcet tones of a Canadian accent. It’s true, I come from way up north, where the lumberjacks leap from tree to tree as they float down the mighty maple syrup rivers of British Columbia. […]
Meet Associate Producer Holly Hendry-Saunders
Hello! I am Holly, one of the Associate Producers for the 2021 Independent Publishing Conference. I’m from Adelaide and moved to Melbourne two months ago to pursue my passion for publishing. I drove over in my trusty hatchback containing all my possessions (mainly books), unsure of what I was getting myself into, knowing only a […]
McKay to present research day keynote
SPN is very happy to announce that award-winning author Laura Jean McKay will be the keynote speaker for the research day of the 2021 Independent Publishing Conference. Her keynote on Thursday 25 November will address the research day theme of ‘Publishing and the Environment’. Laura Jean McKay is the author of The Animals in That Country (Scribe […]
BOTY 2021: meet the judges
Penni Russon is the award-winning and critically acclaimed author of a number of books for children and teenagers, including Only Ever Always, The Endsister and the Undine trilogy. She’s a senior lecturer in writing at the University of Technology Sydney. Jess Gately is a freelance editor and writer, the director of business development for Underground […]
How to find an editor using the IPEd editors directory
The Editors Directory is a searchable list of freelance editors who are professional members of the Institute of Professional Editors. You can search for an editor who offers the services you need and has expertise in the subject(s) you are writing about. The search function also enables you to search for editors who can work […]
SPN Book of the Year award 2021
Entries are now open for the 2021 SPN Book of the Year Award (BOTY). Any book published by an SPN member (full or associate) during the 2020 calendar year is eligible. (If you’re not a member of SPN, click here to find out how to join.) The shortlist will be released in September, with the winner […]
The Book of the Year Award 2020: Winner Announcement
The Small Press Network is honoured to announce the winner of the 2020 Book of the Year Award is Forgotten Corners: Essays in Search of an Island’s Soul by Pete Hay, published by Walleah Press. The Book of Year Award aims to recognise some of the most ground-breaking books being produced by independent publishers today. […]
2020 SPN Christmas catalogue
We are proud to present the 2020 Small Press Network Christmas catalogue. This year’s catalogue features over 100 titles from more than 30 publishers. The books in the catalogue cover all genres from adult fiction to all manner of nonfiction, and children’s titles from picture books to YA. The catalogue has again been distributed nationally […]
2020 Independent Publishing Conference: 26 & 27 November
INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING CONFERENCE, 26–27 NOVEMBER 2020 The 2020 Independent Publishing Conference will be held entirely online on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 November 2020. This will be the ninth consecutive year for the conference, the only annual industry-wide event for the book publishing sector in Australia. Ticket sales are now live at https://www.trybooking.com/BMBCB. There are deep […]
MEET ASSOCIATE PRODUCER Sophia Benjamin
Hello! My name is Sophia, and I’m honoured to be the Operations Associate Producer for the Independent Publishing Conference for 2020. I’ll be helping to oversee the production of this year’s online conference, and working on the delivery of SPN’s 2020 Book of the Year Award. I grew up in Sydney and moved to Melbourne […]
Meet Associate Producer Gladys Serugga
Hi! I am Gladys, and I’m one of the Associate Producers at the Independent Publishing Conference 2020. I was born and raised in Perth and moved to Melbourne to fulfil a childhood dream of mine, that is to write (and explore of course, but to write nonetheless). Growing up, I would religiously borrow books from my […]
Wild Dingo Press title shortlisted for Booker International
The Enlightenment of the Greengage tree by Iranian-Australian author Shokoofeh Azah, first published by SPN member Wild Dingo Press, has been shortlisted for the £50,000 Booker International Prize 2020. Shokoofeh Azah is the first Australian author to be shortlisted for the International Booker for a work in translation. Her novel was originally written in Farsi. […]
Susan Hawthorne on the effects of COVID-19 on small publishers
Spinifex Press co-founder Susan Hawthorne has written an article for Artshub discussing some of the effects the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak are causing small and independent publishers. ‘The independent book publishing sector will suffer if more isn’t done to support it during the COVID-19 crisis,’ she writes. The full article can be found […]
MUBA 2019: and the winner is …
The winner of this year’s MUBA was announced as part of the 2019 Independent Publishing Conference. We are very pleased to say that the winner is … Songwoman by Ilka Tampke, published by Text Publishing. Find out more about Songwoman here.
MUBA 19 Spotlight: ‘Brontide’ by Sue McPherson
Brontide by Sue McPherson is the final book to feature in our shortlist for the 2019 Most Underrated Book Award. Brontide is a coming-of-age story set in the coastal town of Taralune in Queensland. Exploring themes of racism, familial dynamics and modern masculinity, this story unfolds through a series of fictional interviews between McPherson and the […]
Statement on the proposed closure of UWA Publishing
The Small Press Network is dismayed at the decision by the University of Western Australia to close down UWA Publishing (UWAP) after 85 years. UWAP has played a crucial role in Australian publishing for decades, and publishes a wide range of award-winning titles across many genres. Under the leadership of Terri-Ann White UWAP has published […]
MUBA 19 Spotlight: ‘Songwoman’ by Ilka Tampke
Songwoman by Ilka Tampke is the next book to feature in our shortlist for the 2019 Most Underrated Book Award Songwoman is a bold historical novel set in Iron-Age Britain, and is a sequel to Tampke’s debut novel Skin. It revives the story of Ailia who finds her home ravaged by the Roman invasion and flees to the remote Welsh […]
MUBA 19 Spotlight: ‘Antidote to a Curse’ by James Cristina
The Small Press Network is pleased to introduce Antidote to a Curse by debut author James Cristina: one of the shortlisted books for the 2019 Most Underrated Book Award. Antidote to a Curse follows Silvio Portelli, a writer and teacher who has returned from his travels in Europe. The novel straddles two worlds: On the […]
Most Underrated Book Award 2019: Shortlist Announcement
The Small Press Network is pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2019 Most Underrated Book Award. The Most Underrated Book Award is sponsored by the Australian Booksellers Association and aims to uncover and celebrate the hidden gems of Australian publishing. The 2019 shortlisted titles are: Brontide by Sue McPherson (Magabala Books) Antidote to a Curse by James Cristina […]
Introducing: Associate Producer Vidisha Srinivasan
Hi! I am Vidisha, one of the Associate Producers at the Independent Publishing Conference 2019. I’m originally from Mumbai in India—the land of Bollywood, bullock carts and spicy food —and a series of overdue decisions saw me land in Melbourne on a cold July morning last year. I had bid adieu (temporarily) to my friends, […]
Introducing: Associate Producer Rachael Mason
Hey! I’m Rachael and I am one of the Associate Producers for the 2019 Independent Publishing Conference. As a prospective digital publishing MA student at Oxford Brookes University in the UK, this will be my first professional expedition into the world of publishing. I couldn’t be happier to be learning the ropes and connecting with […]
Introducing: Associate Producer Bridget Black
Hi there! My name is Bridget Black and I’m one of the Associate Producers for the 2019 Independent Publishing Conference. I’m currently completing a Master of Writing and Publishing at RMIT, having previously graduated with a Bachelor of Music at Monash University (on the odd occasion, you still can catch me playing the saxophone!). The […]
Meet the new MUBA judges
We’re very pleased to introduce you to the new judging panel for the Most Underrated Book Award (MUBA). Melissa Cranenburgh is a writer, broadcaster, editor and educator. She spent more than a decade in senior editing roles, including associate editor and acting editor of The Big Issue, and co-editor of the magazine’s annual fiction edition. She now […]
Entries now open for MUBA 2019!
EVERY YEAR, THE SMALL PRESS NETWORK RUNS THE MOST UNDERRATED BOOK AWARD. THIS PRIZE AIMS TO UNCOVER AND CELEBRATE THE HIDDEN GEMS OF AUSTRALIAN PUBLISHING. The Small Press Network is pleased to announce that entries are now open for the 2019 Most Underrated Book Award. Click here for more details (please note, only books published by members […]
MUBA18 Spotlight: ‘Living in Hope’ by Frank Byrne with Frances Coughlan and Gerard Waterford
Warning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Peoples, this content contains images and voices of deceased persons. Living in Hope, by the late Frank Byrne with Frances Coughlan and Gerard Waterford, is the next book in our MUBA18 shortlist spotlights. Living in Hope by Frank Byrne is ‘more than just a story of surviving’. A child of the […]
MUBA18 Spotlight: ‘Plane Tree Drive’ by Lynette Washington
Plane Tree Drive by Lynette Washington is the next book to feature in our 2018 Most Underrated Book Award shortlist spotlights. Lynette Washington’s Plane Tree Drive is a collection of short stories, each providing a glimpse into the lives of the residents of Plane Tree Drive. Themes of isolation and connection colour the interwoven stories of […]
MUBA18 spotlight: ‘Gwen’ by Goldie Goldbloom
The Small Press Network is pleased to name Gwen by Goldie Goldbloom as one of the shortlisted books for the 2018 Most Underrated Book Award. Gwen tells the story of Gwendolen Mary John, the lesser known sister of artist Augustus John. After an encounter with famed artist Auguste Rodin, Gwen makes a pilgrimage from London to […]
Most Underrated Book Award 2018: shortlist announcement
The Small Press Network is pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2018 Most Underrated Book Award. The Most Underrated Book Award is sponsored by the Australian Booksellers Association and aims to uncover and celebrate the hidden gems of Australian publishing. The 2018 shortlisted titles are: Gwen by Goldie Goldbloom (Fremantle Press) Living in Hope […]
Volunteer at the 2018 Independent Publishing Conference
Would you like to get a foot in the door of the publishing industry? SPN wants sharp, energetic volunteers to help deliver the 2018 Independent Publishing Conference in November. As a conference volunteer, you will never be bored: we need help with everything from running errands to taking care of conference speakers and other VIPs. […]
2018 SPN Christmas catalogue out now!
The 2018 Small Press Network Christmas Catalogue is out now! SPN Christmas Catalogue 2018 features over 70 fresh titles from 30 SPN member publishers across all genres. Copies have been distributed to bookshops and libraries around the country, thanks to our partners the Australian Booksellers Association, Leading Edge Books and ALS Library Services. Ask your […]
2018 Independent Publishing Conference: program announced
The program for the seventh annual Independent Publishing Conference, to be held at the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne from Thursday 22 to Saturday 24 November, is now live. As in previous years, the conference will feature a Research Day on Thursday 22 November, at which presenters will share their research in various aspects of publishing; […]
Introducing Associate Producer Meg Kerr
Hello! My name is Meg and I am the least important but best-looking Associate Producer working on this year’s Independent Publishing Conference. To give a small introduction, I am a current sufferer in the Masters of Publishing and Communications at Melbourne University. When I am not visibly decrying my life choices on campus, I am […]
Introducing Associate Producer Coral Huckstep
In February this year I traded in my life in Perth for a new one in Melbourne. The reason for this huge and somewhat terrifying move to the other side of the country? To study the Master of Publishing and Communications at the University of Melbourne. It’s been around six years since I was a […]
Introducing: Associate Producer Jessica Harvie
Hi there, my name is Jessica Harvie and I’m one of the Associate Producers for the Independent Publishing Conference for 2018. I’m really excited to return to the publishing arena with the conference. I worked in student media during my undergraduate degree, and since then I’ve worked in mental health, hospitality and communications, so I’m […]
Introducing: Associate Producer Ellen Stephens
In the lead up to the 2018 Independent Publishing Conference, I am excited to be assisting the network that advocates for diverse and independent publishing. The books published by members of the Small Press Network have fuelled my imagination and inspired me to pursue a career in publishing. Before coming to the conclusion that publishing […]
SPN staff changes
The Small Press Network (SPN) has announced the appointment of Tim Coronel as general manager. Coronel, who was previously communications manager for the network, takes over from Matthia Dempsey, who has held the role since 2016 and will continue to co-ordinate this year’s Independent Publishing Conference (to be held at The Wheeler Centre from 22–24 […]
Indie Publishing Forums: Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney
SPN is very happy to announce the Indie Publishing Forums, a new initiative created in partnership with Ingram Spark, Books+Publishing and the Australian Society of Authors, supported by the Australian Booksellers Association, the Queensland Writers Centre, Writers Victoria and Writing NSW. The inaugural forums will be held in the evenings, in Melbourne on 31 July […]
MEMBER BENEFIT – SPN NetGalley Subscription Offer
Reach worldwide readers of influence at a significant discount SPN members can now access readers of influence via the NetGalley service at a significant discount. NetGalley offers publishers the opportunity to make available digital review copies of new and forthcoming titles for a range of readers – reviewers, journalists, bloggers, and others you invite to […]
ASA/SPN Model Trade Publishing Agreement
The Small Press Network is delighted to be able to offer our Full Members access to the ASA/SPN Model Trade Publishing Agreement. This model agreement, mutually endorsed by both the ASA and SPN, provides a working template that is fair to both authors and publishers, and provides a framework within which the publisher and […]
Opportunity: Associate Producer Internship Program 2018
After its success last year, we are again running our Associate Producer internship program to support the delivery of this November’s Independent Publishing Conference. Our Associate Producers work closely with SPN General Manager Matthia Dempsey to deliver the 2018 conference and MUBAs. There are three positions available; all are voluntary. The program is designed for people who would like […]
Independent Publishing Conference 2018: Call for papers
The Laws of Publishing Deadline: Friday 29 June 2018 The complex systems of rules, conventions and traditions that underpin publishing practice are inextricably linked to the production, reception and consumption of texts. They range from formally consecrated legislation and official industry and organisational codes of conduct, through to unofficial traditions ‘learned on the job’: passed on […]
Australian small presses dominate 2017 PM’s Literary Awards
The shortlists for the 2017 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards were announced late Friday afternoon 17 November 2017. Remarkably, nineteen of the 20 nominated books for adults were produced by Australia’s independent small press sector. Only one was published by a global conglomerate – The Easy Way Out by Steven Amsterdam, published by Hachette, the […]
Publishing Q+A panelists at the Independent Publishing Conference
At the Small Press Network’s Independent Publishing Conference today, our afternoon Publishing Q+A panel gives you the chance to put questions to a range of book industry professionals. Here is our panel: Angela Namoi has worked at Allen & Unwin for 33 years and is currently the rights and international sales director for A&U’s children’s […]
Free childcare at the 2017 Independent Publishing Conference
As part of our ongoing efforts to make the Independent Publishing Conference accessible and welcoming to everyone, the Small Press Network is providing free childcare. If you would like to use this service, please let us know when you book your tickets. There is an option to do so when booking online, or you can […]
IngramSpark announce special offers for SPN members
IngramSpark have announced a range of offers for SPN members. Offers cover both print and ebook services. Click the image above to read more on how IngramSpark can assist SPN members in reaching over 70,000 retailers and libraries and more than 70 major online retailers.
Most Underrated Book Award 2016 shortlist announced!
The Small Press Network (SPN) is delighted to announce the four titles shortlisted for the fifth annual Most Underrated Book Award (MUBA), sponsored by Booktopia. The shortlisted titles are: A Man Made Entirely of Bats by Patrick Lenton (Spineless Wonders) Clancy of the Undertow by Christopher Currie (Text Publishing) Creating Cities by Marcus Westbury (Niche […]
Volunteer at our Conference
Would you like to get your foot in the door of the publishing industry? SPN wants sharp, energetic volunteers to help deliver the 2016 Independent Publishing Conference next month. As a Conference Volunteer, you will never be bored: we need help with everything from running errands to taking care of conference speakers and other VIPs. In return for working […]
Opportunity: associate producer internship program
This year SPN is running an Associate Producer internship program as part of the Independent Publishing Conference. The program is designed for people with enormous passion and drive who would like to gain practical experience in arts management, particularly those who want to complete a placement as part of an academic or vocational course. There […]
Independent Publishing Conference 2016: Call for papers
Publishing: A Solitary and Social Enterprise Extended deadline: 15 August 2016 All accepted presenters will be invited to submit content for possible publication by Monash University Publishing in a book of essays resulting from the conference. Reading is often a solitary act; publishing, on the other hand, is undeniably social. Publishing prompts social gatherings, from sedate […]
Exciting new mentorship opportunity
The Small Press Network (SPN) is excited to offer a new year-long mentorship opportunity to Victorian members. The mentorship program will match six Victoria-based SPN members with six established publishing professionals for a year-long mentoring relationship that will culminate in the launch of a publication (electronic or print) at the Melbourne Writers Festival. […]
Job opportunity at SPN
The Small Press Network (SPN) seeks to appoint an experienced event organiser, ideally with knowledge of the publishing industry, to prepare the 2016 Independent Publishing Conference, to be held 9 to 12 November at the Wheeler Centre. The role will be one day a week commencing early June and will report to SPN’s general […]
Small publishers produce twice as much ‘Australian literature’ as the major publishers
A new paper, ‘Small Publishers and the Emerging Network of Australian Literary Prosumption’, in the Australian Humanities Review, by former Small Press Network president Emmett Stinson, has found that ‘large publishers are no longer the primary mediators of Australian literature’. Stinson’s survey of 2012 titles demonstrates that small publishers UQP, Puncher & Wattman, Giramondo, UWA […]
Disruption and Innovation in the Australian Book Industry
An Australian-first study by Macquarie University of the country’s book publishing industry reveals considerable innovation in response to the digital disruption that has resulted in a significant drop in onshore book sales. The initial research phase of the study involved participation from SPN members Pantera Press, Spinifex Press, Pitt Street Poetry, Overland, Re.Press, Kids’ Own […]
Noted Festival 2016 Independent Publishing Fair
In 2016, Noted Festival will host an independent publishing fair made up of writers, readers, publishers, presses, self-publishers, illustrators, zinesters, artists, comics-makers, distros, music labels – anything published and independent! What do we mean by published and independent? Anything in between ‘stapling it together on your bedroom floor’ and ‘a self-published print run only marginally […]
Blak & Bright: The Victorian Indigenous Literary Festival
Passionate about Indigenous culture, stories and books? Or curious? This is your festival. More than 20 sessions featuring 50 plus Indigenous writers, storytellers and performers. Most sessions free. All welcome. SPN is proud to host ‘Publishing & Editing Blak‘ as part of the festival.
SPN drinks
The holiday madness is officially over and it’s time to catch up on our of our exciting publishing goings-on! Casual SPN networking drinks will be happening again in cities around Australia on 11 Feb. Brisbane: The Fox Hotel Canberra: Mint Garden Bar Melbourne: Beer DeLuxe Federation Square Perth: Centre for Stories All are welcome – SPN members, booklovers, writers, […]
ABA Conference and ABA/Leading Edge Trade Exhibition
Melbourne Writers Festival
In 2016 MWF will return as Victoria’s premier annual literary event. The Festival connects writers and stories to celebrate a world of literature, explore universal ideas, and inspire a global community of readers. The 2016 Melbourne Writers Festival runs from Friday 26 August to Sunday 4 September. We’ll release full details of the program in July. Super […]
The Emerging Writers’ Festival
The Emerging Writers’ Festival is a not-for-profit organisation whose foundations are built on supporting emerging writers. We are a place where creativity and innovation are celebrated, where new talent is nurtured and where diverse voices from across Australia are represented.
Sydney Writers’ Festival
Each year, Sydney Writers’ Festival presents over 300 events, attracting audiences of 100,000 to our gorgeous harbourside location and other venues. The heart of the Festival is at Walsh Bay in heritage wharves on Sydney Harbour. There are also events stretching across Sydney, from the Opera House and Sydney Town Hall, into suburban Sydney and […]
Clunes Booktown Festival
The village of Clunes is famous for its bookshops. From the collectables to the bargains, from the small shops to the large shops stocking thousands of titles. Clunes is located 36 km north of Ballarat (30 minutes by car), and 142 km north-west of Melbourne (90 minutes by car). It is a member of the […]
Meet the Publisher: Duncan Felton, Grapple Publishing
When and how were you established? After many years of semi-organised pondering and planning, Grapple Publishing started late in 2013, making itself known to the world with a call-out for submissions to The Grapple Annual No. 1. At that point it was just me sitting at my computer with some ideas, some savings and a […]
Marketing Whatever You Have to Market: Promotion, Part 3 | Linda Carlson
In partnership with the US Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), SPN is proud to present a series of articles on the ‘four Ps’ of marketing and how you can apply them as independent book publishers. The final three articles in the series all focus on the third ‘p’, ‘promotion’. The references are American, but the ideas are global. Enjoy! This […]
Marketing Whatever You Have to Market: Promotion, Part 2 | Linda Carlson
In partnership with the US Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), SPN is proud to present a series of articles on the ‘four Ps’ of marketing and how you can apply them as independent book publishers. The final three articles in the series all focus on the third ‘p’, ‘promotion’. The references are American, but the ideas are global. Enjoy! This […]
Marketing Whatever You Have to Market: Promotion, Part 1 | Linda Carlson
In partnership with the US Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), SPN is proud to present a series of articles on the ‘four Ps’ of marketing and how you can apply them as independent book publishers. The final three articles in the series all focus on the third ‘p’, ‘promotion’. The references are American, but the ideas are global. Enjoy! Product, […]
Marketing Whatever You Have to Market: Place | Linda Carlson
In partnership with the US Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), SPN is proud to present a series of articles on the ‘four Ps’ of marketing and how you can apply them as independent book publishers. This, the third article in the series, is about ‘place’. The references are American, but the ideas are global. Enjoy! This is the third in […]
Marketing Whatever You Have to Market: Price | Linda Carlson
In partnership with the US Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), SPN is proud to present a series of articles on the ‘four Ps’ of marketing and how you can apply them as independent book publishers. This, the second article in the series, is about ‘price’. The references are American, but the ideas are global. Enjoy! No matter what you’re marketing—print […]
MEET THE PUBLISHER – Lacuna Publishing
Linda Nix, Publisher and Editor, Lacuna When and how were you established? I have a long-standing fascination with how words and ideas are disseminated and become part of society’s cultural fabric. After years working in the industry, I realised my dream was to run a small press. In 2010 I set up a freelance editing, […]
Marketing Whatever You Have to Market: Product | Linda Carlson
In partnership with the US Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), SPN is proud to present a series of articles on the ‘four Ps’ of marketing and how you can apply them as independent book publishers. This, the first article in the series, is about ‘product’ and uses children’s publishing as a case study. The references are American, […]
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
Held annually in Ubud, Bali’s artistic and cultural heartland, the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival has become Southeast Asia’s largest and most renowned cultural and literary event. The next Festival will be held October 28 – November 1, 2015, and will celebrate the theme 17,000 Islands of Imagination. www.ubudwritersfestival.com
NEW LOOK SPN WEBSITE
Welcome to our new website! We are super excited to launch the brand shiny new SPN website, where you can log in as a member, apply for a new membership or instantly sign up as an Associate Member. There are loads of member benefits outlined here for you to enjoy (with slightly different accessibility depending on […]
Meet the Publisher – coeur de lion
When and how were you established? As with all good ideas, coeur de lion was born in a pub. The speculative fiction scene goes through boom and bust cycles and at the time there weren’t a lot of local independent presses catering to a sci-fi, horror, fantasy audience. Myself and fellow author Andrew Macrae were […]
Melbourne Writers Festival
Melbourne Writers Festival (MWF) is Melbourne’s annual, two-week celebration for writers, readers and thinkers. Each year in August, the Festival celebrates the talent and ideas of hundreds of writers from Australia and around the world, through a vibrant program of storytelling, conversation and discussion, intellectual debate, educational programs, live performance, music and art events. The […]
Sinking independents into libraries | Pepi Ronalds
There’s a quote on the Internet that is attributed to Virginia Woolf. ‘I ransack public libraries, and find them full of sunk treasure,’ it reads. In order to find its source I paste the full quote into a search box, held together by inverted commas. ‘Did you mean: “I ransack public libraries, and find them […]
On being underrated (the MUBA) | Pepi Ronalds
For Christmas last year Wayne Macauley’s partner gave him a t-shirt printed with the words Most Underrated 2012. ‘I don’t wear it out that often but it’s a beautiful thing,’ Macauley quips. The t-shirt is a reference to last year’s inaugural Most Underrated Book Award (MUBA) which Macauley won for his novel The Cook. ‘[The […]
Robert Galbraith Didn’t Sell. Why is Anyone Surprised? | Keiran Rogers
This article was originally published on 25 July 2013 on the ‘Books + Publishing’ website. Join up for all the news and publishing discussions you need. The Cuckoo’s Calling achieved mediocre sales before it was revealed bestselling author JK Rowling was the actual author ‘The Cuckoo’s Calling reminds me why I fell in love with crime […]
Meet the publisher: STEPHEN MINCHIN from Steam Press (NZ)
(Editor note: we LOVE this photo!) Steam Press is … a publisher of New Zealand science fiction, fantasy, and horror that is determined to give local authors a viable market for their work, and make that work available to the world. Stephen Minchin is… Drinking far too much coffee. When was the last time you […]