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 100% agree with this. I do notice a lot of Aussie books stores sharing way more international books than Aussie ones - I get they need to make money and are also promoting the big books, but I think we can definitely make these comments too. In the lovely way that you did. I remember seeing your comment and thinking how important it is. I'll continue to comment too! x
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
LOL on I don't remember wriitng that sentence. And yes, PLR is the best!! That's why I said request books at local libraries. I LOVE libraries and they are hugely supportive of Australian authors :) x
Yes, even though I buy too many books and have no hope of finishing them all ( I bought another two yesterday), I am forever going into my local library, Gerringong, NSW, requesting books by Australian authors. Some, my library have already purchased, but many they haven’t. They’re always very agreeable and do order the books. 📚
It's called the Lending Rights Scheme - it's a Federal Government initiative. It's most definitely not regular income as it's paid out every two years but it's a lovely little boost to the bank account when it lands :) x
Yes, yes and yes. The big sales for the international authors are wonderful because bookstores and publishers need those successes to keep going. But it's so important that people keep buying debut Australian authors particularly otherwise, in ten years time, we won't have the next Rachael Johns or the next Holden Sheppard because publishers just can't publish as many debut Aussie authors right now as their books aren't selling. And we need our literary culture to keep going into the future!
The Other Bridget is my current favourite by Aussie author Rachael Johns - a book that was such a pleasant read I kept wanting to go back to it .... and didn't want it to finish!
I'm also a fan of Fiona McIntosh and absolutely loved her latest Crime Fiction - Blood Pact. It was a real page turner which I read in 2 days as I literally couldn't put it down!
I joined the Rachael Johns Online Book Club this year because I wanted to broaden my horizons and explore more Aussie authors. I'm amazed at what's out there and the quality of writing that our homegrown writers produce is fantastic! So thank you to the book club and all it's delightful members - I'm learning so much! 😍
Aw stoked to hear how much you love THE OTHER BRIDGET. I've got the first in Fiona's crime series on my desk and hoping to read it soon. And so thrilled to have you in our fab book club. x
I'm a massive supporter of Aussie Authors, I always have been. My local library is fantastic and extremely responsive when I request new release books of Aussie Authors, I urge you all to do the same. Let's all help keep our Aussie Authors front and centre 🦘 🐨
I love soo many Aussie authors and books I can’t pick a favourite! I love all yours Rach and Anthea’s and Stella’s and people like Colleen McCullough too. There are so many to name!! Try to support local bookshops.. not many left on the Gold Coast!
Thanks for writing about this Rachael, at times it’s hard to know what’s happening across the board and this is so important - we have so many brilliant writers and so many amazing stories that we really don’t want to get lost among the international mega hits. Great to support each other and get the word out as much as we can.
Back in 2016 one of my fave bloggers & writers, Pip Lincoln, ran a challenge called “a year of Australian writers” where we only read books by Aussie authors. It was so great. I read so many new to me books & authors that year.
As for my faves (besides you, I love you & your books!)-
We are spoilt for choice with Aussie authors. I think once you’ve found a few you like it’s easier to find more. And who doesn’t love to read a book set in places you recognise or know.
I refuse to single out a single book by a single author.
There are many authors whose books I love to read across many genres, both Australian and international, traditional and Indie published and I'm always open to discovering a new author, whether debut or one I just haven't read before.
That's why big author book signing events, net galley and better reading are so great, the opportunity to meet new authors face to face and talk to them about their books, or apply to read and review books outside your comfort zone and discover new talent (don't suggest libraries, for personal reasons I will only borrow from a library as an absolute last resort).
I’m sorry I hope I don’t disappoint you… I’ve long given up buying actual physical books! 🫣 I’ve moved too many times to count and don’t have the luxury of space so far too many times my heart has broken as I’ve turfed more books to make more space.
I am still avid reader and have transitioned to downloads! Never ever would I thought I’d be an e-book reader but I love the convenience of being able to buy on demand and not having to find space for another book! I had “The Bad Bridesmaid” preordered and it downloaded the day it was released! 📕
I hope even though I’m not purchasing physical books I’m still supporting Aussie authors! Ever since I joined the Rachael Johns’ Facebook group I’ve loved reading so many books written by Aussie authors. I love the Aussie settings and way of life. Thank you so much for creating and sharing such a great space to promote local authors. 👏🏻
Of course you don't disappoint me. Ebooks and Audio purchases or subscriptions also support authors and I really appreciate that you pre-ordered The Bad Bridesmaid. So glad you're enjoying the Book Club! x
Great post, Rach. I've spoken about visibility before and how I feel it is the number one roadblock for published authors right now (trad or indie). There's just so much out there, it's getting harder and harder to be seen. This is where supporting local indie bookstores and libraries come are so important. They do such a wonderful job of hand-selling books to readers and they also love to support local authors and indie authors too. The more we can support them the better for all Aussie authors. And of course readers, please share the books you love wherever you can - socials, word of mouth, libraries, when you're chatting with your local bookstore - it all helps. 70% of what I read are by Australian authors, not only to support my own, but because there are so many fabulous authors and books out there.
My favourite so far is The Other Bridget followed closely by The Chocolate Factory by Mary Lou Stephens. I am also very much looking forward to reading Stella Quinn’s new novel A Snowy River Summer which I have preordered.
Rachael, after our brief chat regarding independent bookstores, I will be trying to support them more as yourself and other Australian Authors will be much more rewarded for the amazing books you write.
Whilst there is a place for international authors, I do believe that Australian Authors need to be showcased more. I wonder if this can begin in High School Libraries?
I absolutely love the effort that Australian Authors put in to connect with their readers, being active on many different social media platforms, author talks and more… It makes me feel like I have been a part of the journey. Like Stella mentioned, I have also recently started following independent bookstores. Some not even in my state. I’ll have to make sure I visit one or two when I visit WA for the book club retreat. Sooooo looking forward to this!
Finding my reading mojo again is really giving me a sense of peace and calm.
Thank you to all Australian Authors, you absolutely deserve front and centre in all bookstores.
Aw so glad you enjoyed THE OTHER BRIDGET and really appreciate you being so caring and thoughtful towards Aussie authors. I defintely agree there's a place for International authors (I read a lot of them) and I think even some of them are probably struggling getting shelf space in their countries atm due to the Book Tok phenonomen. Reading is so important for mental health - glad you've found your mojo again. x
Favourite book by an Australian author? Waaaay too hard to pick, and depends on my mood. The one that touched my heart the most last year was The Heart is a Star by Megan Rogers (hoping the spelling is correct!) and EVERYBODY needs to read it
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 100% agree with this. I do notice a lot of Aussie books stores sharing way more international books than Aussie ones - I get they need to make money and are also promoting the big books, but I think we can definitely make these comments too. In the lovely way that you did. I remember seeing your comment and thinking how important it is. I'll continue to comment too! x
“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
LOL on I don't remember wriitng that sentence. And yes, PLR is the best!! That's why I said request books at local libraries. I LOVE libraries and they are hugely supportive of Australian authors :) x
Yes, even though I buy too many books and have no hope of finishing them all ( I bought another two yesterday), I am forever going into my local library, Gerringong, NSW, requesting books by Australian authors. Some, my library have already purchased, but many they haven’t. They’re always very agreeable and do order the books. 📚
That’s good to know as I borrow a lot of library books!! And I do feel bad that I can’t afford to buy all the books 😄
Definitely don't feel guilty!! Using your local library is great for all! x
It's called the Lending Rights Scheme - it's a Federal Government initiative. It's most definitely not regular income as it's paid out every two years but it's a lovely little boost to the bank account when it lands :) x
Yes, yes and yes. The big sales for the international authors are wonderful because bookstores and publishers need those successes to keep going. But it's so important that people keep buying debut Australian authors particularly otherwise, in ten years time, we won't have the next Rachael Johns or the next Holden Sheppard because publishers just can't publish as many debut Aussie authors right now as their books aren't selling. And we need our literary culture to keep going into the future!
And also agree that big sales for international authors are good for bookstores and publishers! x
So true - there are so many important Aussie stories told by Aussie authors and we want this to keep going for generations! x
The Other Bridget is my current favourite by Aussie author Rachael Johns - a book that was such a pleasant read I kept wanting to go back to it .... and didn't want it to finish!
I'm also a fan of Fiona McIntosh and absolutely loved her latest Crime Fiction - Blood Pact. It was a real page turner which I read in 2 days as I literally couldn't put it down!
I joined the Rachael Johns Online Book Club this year because I wanted to broaden my horizons and explore more Aussie authors. I'm amazed at what's out there and the quality of writing that our homegrown writers produce is fantastic! So thank you to the book club and all it's delightful members - I'm learning so much! 😍
Aw stoked to hear how much you love THE OTHER BRIDGET. I've got the first in Fiona's crime series on my desk and hoping to read it soon. And so thrilled to have you in our fab book club. x
I'm a massive supporter of Aussie Authors, I always have been. My local library is fantastic and extremely responsive when I request new release books of Aussie Authors, I urge you all to do the same. Let's all help keep our Aussie Authors front and centre 🦘 🐨
You are a gem Kathy. x
I love soo many Aussie authors and books I can’t pick a favourite! I love all yours Rach and Anthea’s and Stella’s and people like Colleen McCullough too. There are so many to name!! Try to support local bookshops.. not many left on the Gold Coast!
Fair enough! I can never pick my fave authors when I'm asked either. So sad re not many indie bookshops left on the Gold Coast. x
Yes it really is… I always wanted to open a book and yarn shop but I think it is too expensive to do this now
My dream is to open a cat cafe and bookshop! 🐱😻🐈⬛🐈📚📖
OMG love the cat book cafe!! Please do it! x
Such an important message, thank you Rach! And congrats on the success of The Bad Bridesmaid!
Thank you. x
Thanks for writing about this Rachael, at times it’s hard to know what’s happening across the board and this is so important - we have so many brilliant writers and so many amazing stories that we really don’t want to get lost among the international mega hits. Great to support each other and get the word out as much as we can.
Thanks! Just felt I had to say something, cos it's so tough for new and emerging authors especially right now! x
Back in 2016 one of my fave bloggers & writers, Pip Lincoln, ran a challenge called “a year of Australian writers” where we only read books by Aussie authors. It was so great. I read so many new to me books & authors that year.
As for my faves (besides you, I love you & your books!)-
Trent Dalton - everything he writes
Marlina Marchetta- looking for alibrandi
Colleen McCullough- the thorn birds
Eva Ramsey- The Morbids
Emily Bitto- the strays
Jessie Stephens- something bad is going to happen
Holly Throsby- all of her books
Other Aussie authors I really enjoy-
Claire Christian
Nina Kenwood
Karina May
Claire Fletcher
Vanessa McCausland
Inga Simpson
Joy Dettman
Kate Solly
Fiona Lowe
Sally Hepworth
What a great challenge! And LOVED this list - shows how lucky we are with Aussie authors! x
We are spoilt for choice with Aussie authors. I think once you’ve found a few you like it’s easier to find more. And who doesn’t love to read a book set in places you recognise or know.
I refuse to single out a single book by a single author.
There are many authors whose books I love to read across many genres, both Australian and international, traditional and Indie published and I'm always open to discovering a new author, whether debut or one I just haven't read before.
That's why big author book signing events, net galley and better reading are so great, the opportunity to meet new authors face to face and talk to them about their books, or apply to read and review books outside your comfort zone and discover new talent (don't suggest libraries, for personal reasons I will only borrow from a library as an absolute last resort).
It was my lovely assistant who added the fave book question lol!
Hey Rachael,
I’m sorry I hope I don’t disappoint you… I’ve long given up buying actual physical books! 🫣 I’ve moved too many times to count and don’t have the luxury of space so far too many times my heart has broken as I’ve turfed more books to make more space.
I am still avid reader and have transitioned to downloads! Never ever would I thought I’d be an e-book reader but I love the convenience of being able to buy on demand and not having to find space for another book! I had “The Bad Bridesmaid” preordered and it downloaded the day it was released! 📕
I hope even though I’m not purchasing physical books I’m still supporting Aussie authors! Ever since I joined the Rachael Johns’ Facebook group I’ve loved reading so many books written by Aussie authors. I love the Aussie settings and way of life. Thank you so much for creating and sharing such a great space to promote local authors. 👏🏻
Of course you don't disappoint me. Ebooks and Audio purchases or subscriptions also support authors and I really appreciate that you pre-ordered The Bad Bridesmaid. So glad you're enjoying the Book Club! x
My favourite book is THE GREATEST GIFT by Rachael Johns. Am starting to love Mandy Magro's books also. Love the Aussie authors of outback romances
Aw that was a special book to write. Glad you're enjoying Aussie authors! x
Great post, Rach. I've spoken about visibility before and how I feel it is the number one roadblock for published authors right now (trad or indie). There's just so much out there, it's getting harder and harder to be seen. This is where supporting local indie bookstores and libraries come are so important. They do such a wonderful job of hand-selling books to readers and they also love to support local authors and indie authors too. The more we can support them the better for all Aussie authors. And of course readers, please share the books you love wherever you can - socials, word of mouth, libraries, when you're chatting with your local bookstore - it all helps. 70% of what I read are by Australian authors, not only to support my own, but because there are so many fabulous authors and books out there.
You're absolutely right - it's tough for trad AND indie. You're so right re libraries and bookstores supporting their local authors. x
My favourite so far is The Other Bridget followed closely by The Chocolate Factory by Mary Lou Stephens. I am also very much looking forward to reading Stella Quinn’s new novel A Snowy River Summer which I have preordered.
Rachael, after our brief chat regarding independent bookstores, I will be trying to support them more as yourself and other Australian Authors will be much more rewarded for the amazing books you write.
Whilst there is a place for international authors, I do believe that Australian Authors need to be showcased more. I wonder if this can begin in High School Libraries?
I absolutely love the effort that Australian Authors put in to connect with their readers, being active on many different social media platforms, author talks and more… It makes me feel like I have been a part of the journey. Like Stella mentioned, I have also recently started following independent bookstores. Some not even in my state. I’ll have to make sure I visit one or two when I visit WA for the book club retreat. Sooooo looking forward to this!
Finding my reading mojo again is really giving me a sense of peace and calm.
Thank you to all Australian Authors, you absolutely deserve front and centre in all bookstores.
Aw so glad you enjoyed THE OTHER BRIDGET and really appreciate you being so caring and thoughtful towards Aussie authors. I defintely agree there's a place for International authors (I read a lot of them) and I think even some of them are probably struggling getting shelf space in their countries atm due to the Book Tok phenonomen. Reading is so important for mental health - glad you've found your mojo again. x
Favourite book by an Australian author? Waaaay too hard to pick, and depends on my mood. The one that touched my heart the most last year was The Heart is a Star by Megan Rogers (hoping the spelling is correct!) and EVERYBODY needs to read it
I've heard only good things about that book but haven't read it yet! x
Not enough hours to read it all! 🤣
‘A second-grader could write better than this!’ That’s me!
We're so cruel to ourselves, aren't we?! x