Australian literature in international markets
For many years Australian writers have been leaders in promoting our culture internationally through sales and performances of their works (in English and in translation), appearance at festivals and by their regular winning of, and shortlisting for, major international literary awards.
This success is due, in part, to the behind the scenes support of the Australia Council for the Arts. The literature board funds the translation and publication of our writing in other languages and supports author appearances at festivals and promotional tours. It supports writers’ residencies at a number of international studios.
The community partnerships and market development division focuses on export and rights sales through the visiting international publishers program and literature international market development program. Funds are also available to support publishers at international book fairs when they go to sell the rights in their Australian lists.
Literature board
The literature board, though the Beatrice Davis Editorial Fellowship, actively supports Australian editors to further their training at major New York publishing houses and has run export skills workshops for publishers.
Grants to overseas book publishers to publish Australian literature (publishing and promotion grants)
Overseas book publishers may apply to the literature board of the Australia Council for assistance to translate and publish the work of living Australian writers. An overseas book publisher may apply for up to AUD$10,000 per title to assist with writers' and translators' fees, and publication costs. If the work is published in English, a publisher can apply for up to AUD$4,000 per title.
The literature board assists the following genres: fiction, literary non-fiction (defined as autobiography, biography, essays, histories, literary criticism or analytical prose), poetry, drama, books for children and young people, anthologies of Australian creative writing, along with books of general cultural significance that are substantially by, or about, living Australian writers.
The literature board encourages applications from overseas publishers who are establishing an Australian list. For 2008, the closing dates for applications under this category are 15 March and 1 October. Applications must be submitted on a current application form.
Community partnerships and market development
Literature programs managed by community partnerships and market development are focused on the export and rights sales of Australian literary titles overseas, and on providing professional development and networking opportunities for the Australian publishing industry and for literary agents.
Visiting international publishers (VIP) program
The visiting international publishers (VIP) program is an industry-focused program which aims to promote rights sales of Australian titles to overseas markets and to strengthen the links between Australian and overseas publishing houses and literary agencies. The program is annual and involves eight to twelve overseas guests each year. Since the program commenced in 1998, over 90 visiting fellows from Europe, the UK, USA, Japan, Korea and India have been hosted in Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.
VIP guests are prominent members of their respective fields, and include publishers, editors and literary agents who have the capability to acquire new titles and clients. Whilst in Australia VIP guests meet with a wide selection of Australian publishers and agents over an intensive short visit against the background of a writers' festival or industry-related event. Find out more about the VIP Program.
Literature international market development program 2007-8
The literature international market development program supports Australian publishers and literary agents to promote Australian literary works and authors overseas, to establish a market presence in key overseas markets such as the USA and Europe, and to build international market development skills and experience.
International market development activities supported through the program include attendance at key international book fairs such as London Book Fair, Frankfurt Book Fair, Bologna Children's Book Fair, and Book Expo America (BEA), extension visits coinciding with attendance at an international book fair specifically designed to sell rights and pursue market contacts, and the production of catalogues and promotional materials to use at international book fairs or overseas promotional events.
In 2006-07, the program provided $135,000 to assist 29 Australian publishers and literary agents to pursue opportunities to sell Australian titles through attendance at major international book fairs, and build a strong presence for Australian literary works and authors in key international markets.