The Australian Publishers Association (APA) is the national representative body for the Australian publishing industry.

We champion the interests of Australian publishers, support industry development and learning, and promote the value of books and reading to Australian society.

Our purpose is to make the business of publishing easier – delivering key programs, initiatives and advocacy work on behalf of our members to enhance and enrich the sector.

We represent and advance the industry through our advocacy work, building trusted relationships with politicians, government bodies and key industry stakeholders.

Our members participate in and direct our work, helping to shape the future of publishing – a creative industry worth $2bn annually.

To grow the industry, we provide insights, data and services to support Australian publishers in enhancing their business, both locally and internationally.

About our members

The APA represents over 200 publishers from across Australia. 

Our membership is made up of companies and individuals from across the entire publishing spectrum, producing books and educational resources in a wide variety of formats.

Our members include trade, educational, scholarly, independent and children’s publishers, ranging from sole traders to large multinationals. Associate membership is also available to individuals, organisations and service providers who support the work of publishers.

Our members guide our activity, represented through the APA’s board and committees.

Being an APA member connects you to others in the Australian book industry and reflects a commitment to developing a thriving publishing community. Members also benefit from exclusive access to industry insights and support services, as well as events, training and professional development opportunities. 

We offer memberships to publishing companies of all sizes, along with options for individuals, students and graduates.

Find out about membershipBrowse our member directory

 

 

Our programs, events and initiatives 

Throughout the year, the APA facilitates a range of programs, events and initiatives to support and celebrate the Australian publishing industry. 

Key projects include: 

Industry support:

  • Advocacy and work on policy development
  • Development of the industry supply chain service, TitlePage

Training and development opportunities:

  • Industry conferences and seminars
  • Professional development programs, including the Residential Editorial Program and Beatrice Davis Editorial Fellowship

Promotional and celebratory events:

  • International Book Fair attendance and networking opportunities
  • The Indies Roadshow
  • Australian Book Industry Awards
  • Educational Publishing Awards Australia

The APA also plays an active role in joint industry initiatives such as Books Create Australia, Parliamentary Friends of Australian Books and Writers, and Australia Reads.  

Browse our work for more projects and further details on what we do, or take a look at our news pages for all the latest updates.

Our history

The Australian Book Publishers Association was established in 1948 after a merger between the NSW and Victorian Publishers Associations.  Originally open to traditional book publishers, the Association amended its name in 1996 to reflect the changing publishing landscape, and opened its doors to any individual or organisation engaged in publishing activities in Australia.

From a modest membership of 20, the APA has since grown to represent over 200 publishers in the country as is the national body for the Australian publishing industry.