Aussie Authors Need Your Support 🙏
Here's how you can help 🫶
As some of you may have noticed, I released a new book a couple of weeks ago and have been on a book tour, meeting so many lovely readers at events across WA, SA, NSW, and QLD. Releasing a book is always a mix of excitement and nerves. There’s so much love and hard work poured into every story, you never quite know how it will land with readers.
The Challenges Aussie Authors are Facing…
After 27 years of writing and 13 years of those published, I’ve seen this industry evolve in fascinating ways. One of the biggest shifts has been international bestsellers dominating the market again, particularly in the Romantasy genre and BookTok favourites. The appetite for these books is massive (almost incomparable to anything that has come before), which is fantastic for the industry as a whole. But it also means Aussie authors, especially mid-list and emerging writers, are facing increasing challenges when it comes to visibility.
For example, the week of my release, the fiction charts were dominated by the phenomenal Rebecca Yarros, who had SIX books in the Top Ten. No Australian author made it into the OVERALL Top Ten, though Liane Moriarty was in the Top Ten for Fiction. She was the #1 selling Aussie fiction author in Australia that week, and I was #2—which I’m absolutely thrilled about!
However, my sales were lower than with my previous release.
This is the reality many Aussie authors are facing right now. Readers, media, and major retailers are increasingly gravitating towards international titles. With limited shelf space in department stores like Big W, Kmart, and Target, it’s becoming harder for local books to find their place. It’s not that Australian stories aren’t loved; discoverability is just an ongoing challenge.
What YOU Can Do to Help!
That’s why supporting local authors is more important than ever. If you love Aussie fiction, some of the best ways to champion the authors are by requesting their books at your local bookstore or library, sharing recommendations with friends, and spreading the word about books you enjoy. Every little bit helps keep our local literary scene thriving!
What is your favourite novel by an Australian author?
I’m endlessly grateful to my readers for being part of this journey with me. Your support truly makes all the difference.
Want to learn more about the Australian Book Industry?
I recommend this article from the ABC: Our love of cheap books is hurting independent bookstores and writers. But there may be a solution.
And now, because I always like to balance the light with the dark, the fun with the serious, here’s a little entertainment…
Things authors say to themselves:
Why won’t this book write itself?
This book is going to be too long.
This book is going to be too short.
I’ll just quickly check my emails.
This book is taking FOREVER.
I’m throwing it all out and starting again.
Have I used this character name before?
My book sucks.
I’m obsessed with these characters.
Why on earth did I think this was a good idea?
My editor doesn’t understand.
I’ll just quickly check Facebook.
My editor is a genius.
I am a genius.
Why did I think I could do this?
I must be insane.
I need a drink!
WHAT is that word?
Does this sound too contrived?
Did this character have blue or green eyes in chapter one?
This book has so many plot holes it rivals Goldie Hawn in Death Becomes Her.
Is it too early for a drink?
I’ll just quickly check Instagram.
Just get something down, you can make it better later.
I killed him for a reason.
I’m losing sleep over this book.
A second-grader could write better than this!
I wonder what’s in the fridge…
What do you think of this cover?
Right now I’d rather clean my house than write.
This book is about nothing.
Whoops - there goes my deadline.
I think I’m in love with my hero.
Who rates a book they love three stars? What happened to the other two stars?
Just write the shit out of it!
Fellow writers, what have I missed?
I think another thing readers can do (and I've done this myself as a reader) is follow our local book stores on social media and remind them we like a little Aussie content. EG one of the bookstore chains here in Qld was promoting international titles in a post and I commented something like 'love this and can we have some aussie authors celebrated too' (positive language only) and I have noticed that bookstore chain posting 'our fave NSW authors this month' or 'SA books released this month' etc. Do i think I was responsible for this not at all. But something made them come up with this idea, and their social media people will be responsive to reader feedback, so this might be a small way for us readers to let the booksellers know we still love our Aussie content. Wow this has turned into an essay. Wishing you great book sales Rachael.
“I don’t remember writing that sentence.”
I always remind my readers that Aussie authors get paid a commission for library loans. So many library borrowers feel guilty that they’re not purchasing the book but every loan is very tangible support! x