Author Notes #16 (Feb 2025)
Indie publishers are disappearing; a new report on Australian readers; beyond the author doom and gloom; navigating the AI freakout; and writing advice about writing advice
Well, February went fast! Welcome to this month’s author notes: a round-up of things that have caught my eye lately in the writing and publishing industry, plus some recaps and recommendations.
Will takeovers lead to the demise of indie publishers?
With the news that Text publishing is joining Random House Australia, following Affirm going to Simon & Schuster last year, an article in the Sydney Morning Herald looked at whether the writing is on the wall for Australian publishers, noting that with smaller presses there’s ‘been a tradition of independents taking more risks, backing innovative and experimental writing, supporting diversity, introducing readers to overseas writers in translation and nurturing newcomers in a way that the big five, with their focus on commercial success, frequently can’t do.’ Despite the concerns, I’m glad the article ends on a more optimistic note, noting that the spaces left by such consolidation leaves gaps just waiting to be filled.
More doom and gloom for authors - but also…
An email from Jason Steger at the Sydney Morning Herald’s ‘Book List’ made for grim reading for authors this month, outlining the multitude of battles facing us all. Aside from the fact that the average yearly earnings from an Australian writer’s creative practice is $18,200, the possibilities of other avenues of income are also feeling the squeeze, with narrowing opportunities for teaching, journalism and freelance writing. In addition, literary grants are taxed, there are more authors than ever competing for space and attention in the industry, and AI feels like it’s constantly looking over our shoulders, ready to take over.
So how do we combat this? Perhaps by doing whatever we can to strategise effectively in our careers, continue to learn about the industry issues, make good connections with each other, and look for all the ways we can champion books and industry, while also supporting the groups that work for our rights and continue to demand government recognition and support. The hard work continues…
A fascinating insight into Australian readers
Understanding Australian readers is a world-first report from researchers at Monash University, which draws on behavioural science to explore what influences recreational reading among Australians aged 16+. I’ve only read the summary so far, but I’m excited to delve further into this: the report identifies six kinds of readers/non-readers, which could be really useful for authors and publishers who want to strategise on how to reach their book’s ideal readers. What’s more, such detailed research gives us all an opportunity to consider how to champion books and reading culture in our daily work.
Navigating the AI freak-out
If you’ve been with me a while you’ll know I’m all about finding AI articles that don’t completely scare the crap out of us! An article this month in The Conversation by Toby Walsh hits a similar tone to the Ian McGilchrist conversation with Sarah Wilson that I shared a while back, with the key takeaway being that, ‘Intelligent machines might make us better humans, by making human relationships even more valuable.’ Highly recommended reading.
Writing advice about writing advice
I was chatting to an author friend recently about the incredible amount of writing and publishing advice out there, and how we need to be wary of course content where the creators don’t have proven results in the topics they’re discussing. One of the challenges for authors is trying to find solid information that actually shifts the needle: and the promise of quick riches should be an instant red flag. All the authors I know have worked for years to get their ‘lucky breaks’ and continue to work their socks off. And authors can offer all sorts of worthwhile advice to each other, but our books are still so individual and published in all kinds of unique contexts and cultural moments that success comes along at different times and in different ways.
So if it feels like it’s taking a long time for you to make that next step, by all means check your approach and revisit your work, but from watching many authors over the years I’ve come to realise that the ones who get places are usually the ones who refuse to give up and keep knocking on doors - and who are also prepared to self-reflect and change course when necessary. Even then, the path is never entirely uphill.
Onwards!
ICYMI: MY SUBSTACK FEATURES THIS MONTH (PAID):
ICYMI: MY SUBSTACK FEATURES THIS MONTH (ALL SUBSCRIBERS):
I’m back at work and looking at all the events coming up in April - if you’d love to hear me talk about my new psychological suspense When She Was Gone, check out this list of Perth and Sydney events. More on that very soon!
MY NEW SUBSTACK FOR READERS!
Kicking off in March, I am building a second free Substack dedicated to my readers. If you enjoy my novels and would like to find out more about my writing and all that goes on behind the scenes, and read more of my personal essays, you can join in with this one here.
SUBSTACK ARTICLES I RECOMMEND THIS MONTH:
How to Stop Panicking About Trump: 5 Fixes No One's Using by
Step into your creative identity with bravery by
The Bell Jar Is Not an Aesthetic by
If you’re a busy author then help from a VA can be invaluable. I’ve been working with
for a few months now and it’s been such a relief to have this support. She has availability for substack and web design at the moment, and I highly recommend her services.Finally, last week it was my birthday so here’s my gorgeous family before we went for dinner by the beach. Have a great weekend - and thanks for reading The Resilient Author!
