Best Australian Publishers for Fiction and Non-Fiction Books

Do you think that just writing a book means that you’ll become an author? Well, not really! Yes, writing is indeed the most crucial part. But you also have to take care of the publishing process.

Many authors often prefer self-publishing their books. But some opt for traditional publishing. Although the choice depends on your personal preferences, you can consider hiring a reliable Australian publisher, especially if it’s your first book, whether it’s fiction or non-fiction.

But the question is, how will you even know if the publisher is actually trustworthy?

No worries! We’ll share the top qualities of the best Australian publishers for fiction and non-fiction books. This will help you choose the right one for your book and prevent any scam.

So, what are we waiting for? Let’s dive in!

Should You Really Hire Australian Publishers for Fiction and Non-Fiction Books?

Before we begin our blog, let’s first quickly discuss whether you should really hire Australian publishers for fiction and non-fiction books.

Well, the decision depends on your goals and personal preferences. However, you must remember that hiring Australian book publishers provides not only localised market expertise and professional end-to-end production but also specific regional financial benefits for fiction and non-fiction books.

To help you make a more informed decision, we’ve also compared the three publishing paths.

Traditional Publishing	Self-Publishing	Hybrid Publishing
Zero upfront cost	You pay for everything	You pay startup fees
No creative control	Full creative control	Moderate creative control
Takes months to years to publish your book	Takes weeks to publish your book	Takes weeks to months to publish your book
Low royalties (5% to 15%)	High royalties (40% to 70%)	Half royalties (50%)

How to Confirm Whether a Publisher Is Worth Trusting?

Now comes the main question, how will you even confirm whether a publisher is worth trusting or not?

To confirm if a book publisher is actually trustworthy, you must not only check the catalogue and watch out for fees but also read the contract and verify the payout.

This is how you can verify whether a publisher is actually reliable:

●     Check the Catalogue

First of all, you should take a look at their previously published books. You must ensure that the book cover designs are well-designed and visually appealing. Also, make sure that the books are sold in major real or online stores. This will help you know whether they are actually credible or not.

●     Watch Out for Fees

This is actually one of the biggest warning signs that many first-time authors overlook. You may not know this, but a traditional publisher generally earns money by selling books, not by charging writers large upfront fees.

If a company asks for thousands of dollars without clearly explaining what services you’ll receive, you should proceed with caution.

And of course, hybrid publishers do charge fees. This is because they provide publishing services. However, everything should be explained clearly.

You must receive a detailed breakdown not only of editing and cover design but also of formatting, printing, marketing, and distribution costs. If the company avoids answering your questions about pricing, it’s better to walk away than regret it later.

●     Read the Contract

On top of that, you must never sign the contract without reading every single clause carefully.

A trustworthy publisher will clearly explain not only your rights and royalty percentage but also your contract duration and distribution methods. They’ll also help you understand the ownership of your intellectual property.

On top of that, if any part of the contract sounds confusing, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice or ask a publishing expert to review it.

●     Verify the Payout

Last but not least, every author deserves to be paid fairly for their hard work, don’t they? And to ensure that you’re also paid fairly, you need to ask the publisher how often they pay royalties.

You must not forget that monthly, quarterly, or twice a year are common schedules. They should also explain how they calculate royalties and provide detailed sales reports.

How to Find the Finest Australian Publishers for Fiction and Non-Fiction Books?

But how can you find the finest Australian publishers for fiction and non-fiction books?

To find the best Australian publishers, you first need to choose someone who is specialised in your genre. You should also research their submission guidelines and evaluate their services. Also, make sure that they’re actually credible.

●     Choose the One Specialised in Your Genre

To begin with, you must start by identifying publishers that specialise in your genre. A company experienced in publishing mystery novels may not be the best fit for a business guide or a children’s book.

This is why you must look for someone who has expertise in your genre. This will help you ensure that the publisher actually understands your audience and increases your chances of success.

●     Research Submission Guidelines

After that, you should shortlist the top ones specialised in your genre. Then you need to research their submission guidelines carefully.

You must understand that every publisher has different requirements regarding not only manuscripts and proposals but also cover letters and sample chapters. You must follow these instructions to show professionalism and improve your chances of getting noticed.

●     Evaluate the Services

Nobody wants to hire a team of publishers and book marketers separately, right? You must ensure that your shortlisted publishers provide services beyond publishing.

Some publishers assist with editing, proofreading, book design, printing, ebook conversion, audiobook production, marketing campaigns, media outreach, and bookstore distribution. The more comprehensive their services, the smoother your publishing journey will be. This is why you must carefully evaluate their services.

●     Ensure Their Credibility

However, don’t forget to check their online presence as well. This will help you ensure their credibility in the market.

You must remember that not only a professional website and active social media profiles, but also successful book launches and regular author updates often indicate that the publisher is trustworthy and actively working within the industry.

FAQ’s

How do I know if an Australian publisher is actually trustworthy?

Ans. To know if an Australian publisher is actually trustworthy, you must look for not only a professional catalogue and transparent contracts, but also clear royalty policies and positive author reviews.  Also, their books are available through recognised retailers.

Do traditional publishers charge authors?

Ans. No. Traditional publishers do not charge authors to publish their books. Instead, they pay the author an advance and cover all costs, not only for editing and design but also for printing and marketing.

What is the biggest warning sign of a publishing scam?

Ans. One of the biggest warning signs is a company demanding large upfront payments while making unrealistic promises. This can include claiming guaranteed bestseller rankings or instant success, without providing clear details about their services.

In a Nutshell!

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make as an author is choosing a publisher. You must remember that the right publishing partner can help transform your manuscript into a highly polished book.

To ensure that you choose a trustworthy Australian publisher for a fiction and non-fiction book, you need to not only check the catalogue and watch out for fees but also read the contract and verify the payout.

On top of that, to find the best Australian publisher, you must choose someone who is specialised in your genre and is credible. Then, research their submission guidelines and evaluate their service.

Best of luck with your book publishing!