Apply Now: Australian Publishing and Promotion Fund 2026-2027

Deadline: 17-Mar-2026

The Australian Publishing and Promotion Fund 2026–27 supports independent publishers to strengthen the Australian literature ecosystem, expand markets, and promote diverse voices. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 help publishers invest in quality books, with additional top-up payments for authors, including First Nations and underrepresented creators. Eligible publishers must be Australian-owned, operational for at least three years, and actively producing trade books.

Overview

The Australian Publishing and Promotion Fund, established under the government’s National Cultural Policy Revive and managed by Writing Australia, aims to foster a competitive and sustainable publishing sector that contributes to the richness and diversity of Australian literature.

Objectives of the Fund

The initiative seeks to:

• Support a viable and competitive publishing ecosystem in Australia.

• Ensure local and international access to Australian-authored books.

• Strengthen the literature sector and develop both local and global markets.

• Encourage innovation and creative risk-taking in discovering and promoting Australian writers.

• Provide bonus author payments prioritizing:

  • Niche titles with limited commercial potential

  • Projects with extended editorial timelines

  • Children’s picture books with shared advances

  • First Nations authors and creators from underrepresented communities

Grant and Funding Details

• Total Investment: $2 million in 2026

• Grant Range: $50,000 – $200,000 per eligible publisher

• Author Top-Up: 10% of the grant allocated toward bonus author payments

  • Non-recoupable and independent of royalties

  • Intended to cover the costs of writing, illustrating, and creative contributions

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Australian Publishing and Promotion Fund 2026–27, organisations must meet the following:

Publisher Requirements

1. Book Production: Primarily produce physical trade books (fiction, poetry, non-fiction, children’s).

2. Ownership & Location: Majority Australian-owned and controlled, physically located in Australia.

3. Operational History: Minimum of three financial years in operation prior to application.

4. Publishing Track Record:

   • Published at least six trade titles in the last year

   • Titles must include at least four unique living Australian authors

   • Must publish works by authors outside the organisation’s principals or stakeholders

5. Revenue: At least 51% of operating revenue derived from book publishing.

6. Financial Practices: Proven record of paying advances and royalties to authors and illustrators.

7. Editorial Independence: Demonstrated autonomy in publishing decisions.

8. University Presses: Eligible if recognised as separate departments under a single ABN entity.

Author Payment Eligibility

• Focused on authors with limited commercial potential or long editorial timelines

• Supports shared advances in collaborative works

• Prioritizes First Nations authors and creators from underrepresented communities

Why It Matters

This fund strengthens Australia’s publishing ecosystem by:

• Supporting independent publishers to remain competitive.

• Expanding access to Australian-authored books globally.

• Promoting diverse voices, including First Nations and underrepresented authors.

• Encouraging publishers to take creative risks with new and experimental projects.

• Providing financial security to authors through non-recoupable payments.

How to Apply / Process

1. Check Eligibility: Confirm your organisation meets all ownership, operational, and publishing criteria.

2. Prepare Documentation: Include company ABN, operational history, revenue proof, and publishing records.

3. Submit Application: Provide details of proposed projects, author engagement, and anticipated impact.

4. Funding Review: Applications assessed for alignment with fund objectives, sustainability, and author support.

5. Grant Allocation: Successful publishers receive grant plus 10% top-up for bonus author payments.

6. Reporting & Accountability: Organisations must demonstrate proper use of funds and compliance with publishing standards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying if the organisation is not majority Australian-owned.

• Publishing fewer than six trade titles or fewer than four unique authors in the past year.

• Including only internal stakeholders as authors.

• Failing to demonstrate editorial independence or revenue from book publishing.

• Misallocating the 10% top-up intended for bonus author payments.

FAQs

1. Who can apply for the fund?
Independent Australian publishers, including commercial or not-for-profit entities, meeting all eligibility criteria.

2. What types of books are eligible?
Trade books across fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and children’s literature published for bookshops.

3. How much funding is available?
Grants range from $50,000 to $200,000, with an additional 10% top-up for author payments.

4. Can university presses apply?
Yes, if recognised as separate departments under a single parent entity ABN.

5. Who benefits from bonus author payments?
Authors of niche titles, First Nations creators, projects with long editorial timelines, and children’s picture book collaborators.

6. Are funds recoupable?
No, bonus author payments are non-recoupable and independent of royalties.

7. How long must the publisher have operated?
At least three financial years prior to application.

Conclusion

The Australian Publishing and Promotion Fund 2026–27 is a strategic investment in Australia’s literature sector. By supporting independent publishers and prioritizing underrepresented authors, the fund strengthens the publishing ecosystem, encourages creative risk-taking, and ensures high-quality Australian literature reaches both local and international audiences.

For more information, visit Creative Australia.