The Australian publishing industryhas transformed itself from a colonial outpost of British publishing to acentral node in a truly global publishing industry. Despite challenges,including reduced government support for home-grown authors and the arts, smallpresses thrive and Australian consumers have access to an unprecedented rangeof foreign and domestic titles. Social media, big data, print on demand,subscription, and new compensation models, are subtly reshaping an industry thatnow also relies on more freelance labour than ever before.

Publishing Means Business examines the current stateof this exciting and unpredictable industry, while also asking questions aboutthe broader role of publishing within our culture.