Useful Resources

We hear from lots of authors who want to self-publish, whether it is because they want to keep creative control over their work, or because they are writing for a community of family and friends, or because they see potential for their work that profit-driven publishers do not.

The following are respectable, small businesses that have been operating in Australia for some time. They offer services to self-publishers such as layout, design and printing, and procuring isbns, cataloguing-in-publication data and barcodes.

In Melbourne is Penfolk Publishing

In Adelaide is Seaview Press

Posted by Emma at 02:47 PM | Permalink

"Sometimes we forget that we have this talent. It sits bottle-necked while we run to the store, wash clothes, and hit a few balls at the golf course. But to experience those AHA! moments where the work surprises even you, you have to write thousands of words regularly, daily, frequently. When your subconscious cranks out words better than your conscious mind can imagine, magic happens. And that only occurs with a habit and an addiction to putting the words on the paper."
William Faulkner

"First say to yourself what you would be, and then do what you have to do."
Epictetus

"Have patience. In time, even an egg will walk."
African saying, source unknown

"Coming up with ideas is not writing. Writing is the sweat that turns those ideas into exciting, fascinating, potentially profit-making books"
Nicholas Brasch

"Words fascinate me. They always have. For me, browsing in a dictionary is
like being turned loose in a bank."
Eddie Cantor

"Kind words do not cost much. They never blister the tongue or lips. They make other people good-natured. They also produce their own image on men's souls, and a beautiful image it is."
Blaise Pascal

"Inspiration usually comes during work, not before it."
Madeleine L’Engle

Posted by Marie at 05:40 PM | Permalink

Staying motivated when you're a writer can be difficult. Firstly there's the endless rejections (yes, we all get them), the isloation, and the uncomfortable sensation that what you've written may be absolute rubbish. This is where Writing 4 Success comes in. Writing 4 Success is a support service for writers that, for a modest fee, delivers regular articles to your inbox on all aspects of writing. There is also a website with a members only area that includes information on computer tips, characterization, maintaining motivation over a large project and many others. Modestly priced e-books and e-workshops on specific topics are offered periodically and are very good value. Highly recommended for new to moderately experienced writers.

Posted by Marie at 08:28 PM | Permalink

This is the website of the award-winning Australian fantasy writer Ian Irvine. In this humourous article, Irvine talks about how to make it in the writing world. The rest of his website is also worth browsing, and contains many useful links to other writing sites.

Posted by Marie at 08:42 PM | Permalink

Many self-published authors use this website to promote and sell their works. It's free to list items, and their charges (which are based on selling price) only commence when the article or service is sold. They take care of all the merchant details, such as money transfers, and leave you to get on with writing the next book! Click here if you want to see what they offer.

Posted by Marie at 08:47 PM | Permalink

This delightful little inspirational book by Susan Shaughnessy is full of quotes, discussions and affirmations. Its value comes from its uncanny ability to connect with what writers need to do. No matter what page you open it on, you will find gentle discourse and uplifting meditations. From Aquarian/Thorson – an imprint of HarperCollins. Expensive for such a small book, but worth it.

Posted by Marie at 11:28 PM | Permalink

Writers' Bookcase is an Australian online bookshop dedicated exclusively to books about writing and editing.

Posted by Marie at 05:40 PM | Permalink