Lots of writers don’t realise there’s a whole world of resources out there that can provide information, guidance, and opportunities.
For example, every state has a writer’s centre, and some might have writers centres in more remote regions.
Writers centres will usually send out a regular hardcopy magazine containing lots of invaluable information (such as articles from authors, publishers, agents, etc.), workshops, and submission opportunties. They’ll also have an e-newsletter that spruik their workshops and submissions opportunities. Membership is inexpensive,with discounts for seniors and students. Some – such as Writers Victoria and the Queensland Writers Centre – don’t require membership to sign up for their e-newsletter.
| Australian Writers Centre | NSW | https://www.writerscentre.com.au |
| New South Wales Writers’ Centre | NSW | http://www.nswwc.org.au |
| Writers Victoria | VIC | https://writersvictoria.org.au |
| Writing WA | WA | https://www.writingwa.org |
| Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers’ Centre | WA | http://www.kspwriterscentre.com |
| The Literature Centre | WA | http://www.thelitcentre.org.au |
| Peter Cowan Writers Centre | WA | http://pcwc.org.au |
| Rockingham Writers Centre (Component of FoRAC) | WA | https://rockinghamwriterscentre.org.au/ |
| Fellowship of Australian Writers Vic | VIC | http://www.fawvic.com.au |
| Queensland Writers Centre | QLD | https://qldwriters.org.au |
| Writers SA | SA | https://writerssa.org.au |
| The Tasmanian Writers Centre | TAS | https://www.taswriters.org |
| Northern Territory Writers’ Centre | NT | https://www.ntwriters.com.au |
| ACT Writers Centre | ACT | https://www.actwriters.org.au |
| Booranga Writers Centre | Wagga Wagga | https://arts-ed.csu.edu.au/booranga |
| Hunter Writers Centre | NSW | https://www.hunterwriterscentre.org/ |
Writers centres are fantastic regardless of where you are in your writing life – just starting out, or experienced with books published. It’s worth subscribing to those free e-newsletters to remain aware of submission opportunities. They inform you of what’s out there, and also give you deadlines to aim for.
For the more experienced authors, there’s …
| ASA (Australian Society of Authors) | NSW | https://www.asauthors.org |
Again, there’s a hardcopy magazine and e-newsletters that are sent out. They have brilliant (downloadable pdf) articles available to members relating to writing and publishing. They also have a contract evaluation service that’s open to everybody for a fee, but discounted for members.
If screenwriting is your thing, then look no further than …
| AWG (Australian Writers’ Guild) | https://awg.com.au/ |
There’s two different membership rates – for screenwriters who are just starting out (associates) or screenwriters working in the industry. They offer the same sort of services as the ASA, and you can consult both on legal issues.
Then there’s …
| Australian Publishers Association | NSW | https://www.publishers.asn.au |
| SPN (Small Press Network) | http://smallpressnetwork.com.au |
… which should be self-explanatory, with the Small Press Network covering smaller publishers.
And, finally …
| Australian Copyright Council | https://www.copyright.org.au/ |
… if you have any questions relating to copyright, then drop the ACC a line.
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but should give you an idea of the landscape.
There are worlds out there dedicated to writing. Make sure you touch base with them.