Wondering how to get a book published in Australia? Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide for debut authors, from finishing your manuscript to signing your first contract.
You’ve written a book. That’s genuinely huge, and most people who say “I’d love to write a novel one day” never get past the fourth chapter and a very dramatic Pinterest board. So, congratulations.
Now comes the part nobody warns you about: getting your manuscript into the hands of an Australian publisher, and eventually onto a shelf. The Australian industry is smaller than the US or UK, which is both good news (it’s a tight-knit community) and bad news (there are fewer doors to knock on). Here’s how to do it without losing your mind.
Step 1: Finish the Book (Properly)
It sounds obvious, but publishers want a finished manuscript from debut authors, not a promising first three chapters that slowly drop off the further we read.
What finished actually means:
A complete draft, edited and revised more than once
Fresh eyes on it, such as beta readers, a critique group, or a very honest friend
A word count that suits your genre
As a rough guide, adult fantasy often lands between 80,000 and 120,000 words for a debut, while thrillers tend to sit between 70,000 and 100,000. Go wildly over and a publisher may assume you haven’t edited. Go wildly under and they may wonder where the rest of the plot went.
Step 2: Understand Your Publishing Options
Before you submit anywhere, you need to know what you’re actually signing up for. Broadly, your options are traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing. Each method comes with different costs, control and expectations. We break this down in our guide to traditional vs hybrid publishing, which is worth a read before you go any further.
Knowing the difference also protects you from the dodgy end of the industry. Which brings us to…
Step 3: Learn to Spot a Dodgy Publisher
Here’s the golden rule: a legitimate publisher invests in you, not the other way around. Be wary of anyone who:
Asks for large upfront fees but calls it something else (like a deposit or investment)
Promises bestseller status (nobody can)
Pressures you to sign quickly
Is vague about what they actually do, who distributes the book, or where it will be sold
A good Australian publishing house will be transparent about its model, its contracts and its distribution. If they can’t explain it in plain English, walk away.
Step 4: Write Your Query Letter and Synopsis
Your submission package is your first impression, and it needs to work harder than you’d like. Most publishers ask for some combination of:
A cover letter or query: a short, punchy introduction to you and your book
A synopsis: a one to two page summary of the whole story, including the ending (yes, really, this is not the time for a twist reveal about the twist)
A sample: usually the first few chapters or a set word count
Keep the tone professional, keep it brief, and resist the urge to describe your book as “a cross between Game of Thrones and Gone Girl with a dash of your mum’s favourite romance.” Be specific about your genre and who your readers are.
Step 5: Research Who You’re Submitting To
This is the step most debut authors rush, and it’s the one that matters most. Do not carpet-bomb every publisher in the country with the same email. Instead:
Check what each publisher actually publishes. A cosy romance sent to a gritty crime press is a very fast no.
Read their submission guidelines and follow them exactly. Seriously, exactly.
Look at their recent releases to see whether your book would sit comfortably alongside them.
Independent presses are often more open to debut authors than the big players, and many are actively looking for fresh voices. If you write fantasy or thrillers, look for a fantasy and thriller publisher that specialises in your genre. A publisher who loves your corner (aka Blythe Press) of the bookshop will champion your book far better than one who files it under “miscellaneous.”
Step 6: Do You Need a Literary Agent?
In Australia, many of the larger publishing houses accept manuscripts only through agents, or only during limited open submission windows. Agents can open those doors and negotiate your contract, but they can be tough to land, are limited in Australia, and they typically take a percentage of your earnings.
The good news is that many independent presses accept un-agented submissions directly. If you’re looking for a publisher for debut authors, this is often your most accessible route through the door.
Step 7: Submit, Then Breathe
Hit send, then do something else. Anything else.
Publishers can take weeks or even months to respond, and refreshing your inbox every four minutes will not speed it up (we checked). While you wait, start your next book. It keeps you sane, and it’s genuinely useful: many publishers love to hear that you’re already working on something new.
Step 8: Handle Rejection Like a Professional
You will probably get rejections. But, so has almost every author you’ve ever admired, including J.K Rowling who was rejected by 12 different publishers before leaving a HUGE imprint on the world of magic.
A “no” usually means “not right for us at the moment,” not “your book is bad.” If a publisher offers feedback, treat it like gold, even if it stings for a day or two. Revise, resubmit elsewhere, and keep going. Some publishers may actually provide feedback and recommend resubmitting once the edits have been made. Take these seriously, and show that you know how to onboard criticism and feedback.
Step 9: What Happens When You Get a Yes
Congratulations, take a moment to scream into a pillow. Then read the contract carefully. Look closely at:
Rights, including what you’re granting and for how long
Royalty rates and when you’ll actually be paid
Who handles editing, cover design, distribution and marketing
What your own role in marketing will be (spoiler: it’s usually bigger than you’d expect)
Consider having the contract checked by someone who knows publishing agreements, such as a solicitor, or an organisation like the Australian Society of Authors, which offers contract advice to members.
Quick FAQs
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Yes. Many independent presses accept direct submissions from authors.
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Anywhere from a few months to a couple of years from first submission to publication, depending on the publisher and their schedule.
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Be cautious. Traditional publishers don’t charge authors. Hybrid models vary, so make sure you understand exactly what you’re paying for and what you receive in return.
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Getting published takes patience, persistence and a thick skin, but it is absolutely achievable. If you write fantasy or thrillers and you’re searching for an independent publisher in Australia that backs debut voices, we’d love to hear from you. As a publisher in Sydney passionate about launching new authors, Blythe Press is here to help you find your way in. Check our submission guidelines and send us your story.
