Volume 9: Showcase of Tasmanian
publishers
Below is a list of Tasmanian outlets for writers.
Note:
Before approaching a publisher with a manuscript, writers would do well to:
- Hire the services of a professional editor, e.g. through The Society of Editors (Tasmania) Inc.
- Consider a manuscript assessment service, e.g. through the Tasmanian Writers Centre (TWC)
- Join a writers' group, e.g. through the TWC or the Fellowship of Tasmanian Writers (Tas) Inc.
- Research publishers' web sites before posting off unsolicited submissions, and if they say they are not accepting manuscripts, they mean it.
Before approaching a magazine editor:
- Buy their magazine to see what they accept.
- At the very least, visit their web site and follow their guidelines faithfully.
Tasmanian publishers:
Children's books:
Tasmania generally:
- 40 Degress South (hard copy magazine and books)
- ThisTasmania (online, blog format with a news feed; formerly, Leatherwood)
- The Tasmanian Times (online news; accepts poetry; contact poetry editor)
Tasmaniana:
- Blubber Head Press
- University of Tasmania:
While the university does
not have a university press, there is a strong history of publishing
at the university.
ACYS Publishing based at the University of Tasmania occasionally undertakes book editing and book production. Ph: (03) 6226 2591.
Quintus Publishing operated from the English Department until 2009.
Departments at the university undertake publishing and/or book production activities from time to time.
Examples:
History Department:
from manuscript to print (ISBN 978 1 86295 483 0) provides a description of all western manuscripts and early printed books to 1600 held in the University of Tasmania Library, the State Library of Tasmania and St. David’s Cathedral, Hobart. It is also the catalogue of an exhibition displaying many of these items held at the University Library, December 2008-January 2009.
A Compendium of Tasmanian History, edited by a consortium at the University of Tasmania lead by Dr Allison Alexander, was published as part of Tasmania's bicentenary celebrations.
Poetry only:
- Blue Giraffe Press: This press operated by poet Peter Macrow produces the chapbook series, Blue Giraffe magazine. Submissions to the editor, 6/16 Osborne St, Sandy Bay, Tasmania 7005.
- Pardalote Press: This press operated by poet Lyn Reeves publishes poetry and haiku
- Back River Press published The River of Verse -- 200 years of Tasmanian verse, edited by Helen Gee, as part of Tasmania's bicentenary celebrations.
- Bumblebee Books: Contact Robyn Mathison, ph: (03) 6234 4418.
Poetry, fiction, short stories
- Cornford Press
- Esperance Press
- Island (hard-copy magazine)
- Montpelier Press
- Red Hill Books
- Walleah Press (includes Famous Reporter magazine)
- Bumblebee Books: Contact Robyn Mathison, ph: (03) 6234 4418 or the Fellowship of Australian Writers, Tasmanian branch
- The Fellowship of Australian Writers, Tasmanian branch publishes an anthology of writing by its members from time to time.
- Roaring Forties Press and The Write Stuff
Historical note: Michael Denholm researched the phenomenon of publishing in Tasmania in the 1980s, capturing information on the earlier presses that existed, notably: Cat and Fiddle Press; Twelvetrees Publishing.
Tasmanian book distributors:
- Blackgum Distribution Services
PO Box 622
North Hobart
Tasmania 2002
Contact: Andrew Hopwood
Fax (03) 6248 8226
Mob: 0419 970 400
