For paid subscription click here!
I’m planning to self-publish my first novel by December, and like many of you, I started this journey with more questions than answers. Over the past few months, I’ve read, researched, and explored every step of the process, specifically for authors living in Australia.
So I decided to put everything I’ve learned into this guide, hoping it can help others walking the same path. Whether you’re writing fiction, nonfiction, a children’s book, or a memoir, this guide covers the essentials to get your work out into the world, from manuscript to marketplace.
1. Finish Your Manuscript
Before anything else, make sure your book is fully edited and proofread. You can:
Hire a professional editor (structural + copy editing)
Use beta readers for early feedback
Consider a final proofreader before publishing
2. Get an ISBN (International Standard Book Number)
In Australia, ISBNs are purchased through Thorpe-Bowker:
👉 https://www.myidentifiers.com.au
Each format (eBook, paperback, hardcover) needs its own ISBN.
You’ll also get a barcode for your print edition.
Cost: Starts at $44 for 1 ISBN, bundles available.