Publishing in Remote Places

with Beth Driscoll, Kim Wilkins & Alexandra Dane

From first draft to finished book, learn the steps of independent publishing and gain the confidence to share your story with the world.

Whether you’ve written a memoir, a local history, or a fantasy novel, this hands-on workshop is designed to demystify the independent publishing process for aspiring authors in regional Australia. Participants will learn how to navigate the journey from manuscript to published book, understanding the entrepreneurial aspects of self-publishing whilst maintaining creative control over their work. The session covers the five main processes of independent publishing: writing, editing, design, distribution, and marketing. Attendees will gain practical knowledge about publishing platforms, cost considerations, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Key Learnings:

  • What are your publishing options?

  • What are your next steps once you’ve written your book?

  • How do you publish without spending too much?

  • How do you make your book look good?

  • How do you avoid publishing scams?

Beth Driscoll is Professor of Publishing and Communications at the University of Melbourne, and a researcher on the Community Publishing in Regional Australia project. She is the author of What Readers Do (Bloomsbury Academic, 2024) and co-author with Claire Squires of The Frankfurt Book Fair and Bestseller Business (Cambridge UP, 2020). 

Kim Wilkins is Professor of Writing at the University of Queensland, and is also a member of the Community Publishing in Regional Australia project. Kim is the author of 31 works of fiction, and her books have been translated into 20 different languages. Her academic books include Writing Bestsellers: Love, Money and Creative Practice with Lisa Bennett (Cambridge UP, 2021).

Alexandra Dane is a Senior Lecturer in Media and Communications. Her research explores contemporary book cultures, focusing on independent and community publishing as well as queer literary counter publics. She is the author of Gender and Prestige in Literature: Contemporary Australian Book Culture (Palgrave Macmillan 2020) and White Literary Taste Production in Contemporary Book Culture (Cambridge UP 2023).

Email hello@ntwriters.com.au if you have any questions.