RMIT student Lauren Connell has received the Institute of Professional Editors Student Prize for 2023 with her insightful essay about the sustainability challenges and possible solutions for Australian publishing, titled “Can Australia’s trade publishing industry go green?”.

A Masters of Writing and Publishing student at RMIT, Connell’s essay acknowledges that many of the major players in Australia’s publishing industry have already begun embracing green initiatives. Her work focuses on the small and independent presses and how to support their implementation of sustainable publishing practice, as more environmentally friendly book production methods can be financially prohibitive for small players.

Her essay draws on industry presentations, reports and articles, and interviews with Australian publishing professionals, including staff at the Australian Publishers Association.

Connell’s upbringing in regional Victoria fuelled her interest in the environment and sustainability, and reading The new climate war by Michael Mann further inspired her, saying: 

'Mann’s book is another level of eye-opening, and it’s nearly impossible to come out the other side without the urge to act. I believe we’re all responsible – every individual, industry, government and corporation. That’s what compelled me to research sustainability in the sector I hope to work in. Writing this report has shown me how much the industry does care about this issue and that progress is finally starting to happen.'

The annual IPEd Student Prize acknowledges excellent work by a student of editing or publishing at an Australian or New Zealand tertiary institution. It is designed to enhance the profession of editing and support student work on issues relevant to the industry.

Learn more and read the report here.