Essential Resources for Writers in Australia
Updated: Sep 9
Whether you are writing your first draft or adding the finishing touches to your manuscript, finding an editor, researching rates, entering a competition, or planning to publish independently, this collection of mainly Western Australian organisations provides reliable information and support.
Writing Resources
Writing Organisations
Offers advice on publishing, contracts, royalties, recommended rates, and writers’ professional rights.
Provides online courses, competitions, writing advice, and podcasts covering fiction, memoir, freelance writing, and publishing.
Perth-based writing programs, workshops, fellowships, and opportunities for emerging and established writers.
Fellowship of Australian Writers WA
Founded in 1938 to support Western Australian writers and promote the literature they create.
Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre
A not-for-profit organisation that runs competitions, residencies, fellowships, workshops, and events.
Offers resources, workshops, literary events, grants, competitions, and opportunities for Western Australian writers. Each state has its own centre.
Submissions, Competitions, and Opportunities for Writers
A searchable international database of literary journals, publishers, and agents. Subscription required.
Lists international calls for writing, art, grants, residencies, and competitions. Many publishers and competitions use Submittable to manage entries.
Writing NSW: Getting Published
Provides listings of Australian writing competitions, journals, and submission opportunities.
Features Western Australian competitions, grants, workshops, residencies, and calls for submissions.
Editing Resources for Writers
Manuscript Development and Editing
Australian Government Style Manual
A definitive resource for anyone who writes, edits, or approves Australian Government content.
Institute of Professional Editors
A professional association that advances the profession of editing for Australian and New Zealand editors. It covers types of editing, professional standards, indicative pay rates, and working with an editor.
A searchable directory of professional Australian and New Zealand editors.
IPEd Standards for Editing Practice
Explains the knowledge and skills expected of professional editors.
The main reference dictionary for Australian English. Some content requires a subscription.
Publishing Resources
Publishing and ISBNs
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
A publishing and print-on-demand platform for Amazon paperbacks, hardcovers, and Kindle ebooks.
Offers ebook and print distribution to various online retailers and library services.
Provides print-on-demand, ebook distribution, and international book-trade distribution.
National Library of Australia: ISBN Information
A useful explanation of what ISBNs do, when they are needed, and what they do not cover.
National Library of Australia: Legal Deposit
Explains the legal requirement to deposit books and other publications made available in Australia.
Thorpe-Bowker Australian ISBN Agency
The official Australian source for purchasing ISBNs and registering publisher details.
Copyright, Contracts, and Legal Matters
Provides practical legal information for writers covering copyright, moral rights, contracts, privacy, and defamation.
Offers reliable Australian information sheets about copyright, permissions, quotations, images, and moral rights.
Australian Society of Authors Resources
Features publishing guides, contract templates, and advice about author agreements. Some resources are restricted to members or require payment.
Final thought
Navigating the world of writing and publishing can be challenging. However, with the right resources and support, you can refine your manuscript and successfully publish your work. I encourage you to explore these organisations and tools. They can help you on your journey from a raw idea to a polished manuscript.
Last updated August 2026
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