Paying an illustrator does not automatically mean you own copyright in the pictures. This plain-English Australian guide explains the difference between owning artwork, owning copyright and having permission to use illustrations in your book.
Self-publishing in 2026 is easier than ever to start — and harder than ever to make work. The tools are cheap, the competition is brutal, and uploading a book is no longer the impressive part. The real question is whether you can turn that book into something readers will actually find, buy and recommend.
A pen name doesn’t have to be completely unique, but it does need to work. Before you put it on a cover, find out who else is already using it — because the biggest problem may not be legal at all. It may simply be making sure readers can find you.
Someone wants to publish your book — but they also want you to pay. Is that a scam, a hybrid deal or simply self-publishing with professional help? The answer depends less on the label and much more on who pays, who owns what and who needs to sell the books.
Everyone’s doing the social posts, author pages and “Buy my book” links and then wondering why nothing’s moving. Truth is, attention doesn’t come from doing more of the same. It comes from doing something people don’t expect. So here are some ideas that break the pattern. Some are weird. Some are brilliant. Most are both.
From impossible travel times to emotional pacing disasters, story timelines matter more than most writers realise. Learn practical ways to track chronology and avoid continuity mistakes.
Pricing a special edition hardcover is more than guessing a number. This practical guide breaks down production costs, profit margins, and collector pricing for indie authors in Australia.
Need a literary agent but don’t know where to start? Let’s break down the Australian landscape — what agents actually do, who the reputable ones are, how to query without shooting yourself in the foot, and the questions to ask before you sign.
Thinking of using AI in your book? Here’s the real legal situation in Australia—what you can do, what to watch, and where writers get caught out.
Thinking about hiring a book PR agency? Before you spend $10,000–$20,000 on publicity, read this. It cuts through the publishing industry’s biggest myth: PR doesn’t sell books nearly as often as authors think it does. Discover when a publicist is worth the investment, when it’s expensive wishful thinking, and what actually moves copies in today’s Australian book market. If you’re weighing up media coverage, author branding, podcast appearances, or book promotion, this is the reality check every author needs before signing a contract.
From sprayed edges to foil detailing, special edition hardcovers cost far more than most readers realise. This deep dive explores the real economics behind premium indie publishing in Australia.
If you write songs, you already have copyright — but do you understand how it actually works? From shared ownership to royalties, there are a few basics every songwriter should know.
