I first decided that my research topic would be 'the history of publishing in Australia' and then realized how broad that topic was. It could involve book, newspaper, internet and zine publishing. So instead, I intend to dip in and out of history and look at aspects of independent Australian book publishing.
Where to start? I listen to The Book Show on Radio National when I can and remembered the names of a few Australian publishers mentioned - Text and Blank Inc. Books for instance. Who are the publishers of Aussie books I have recently read? The Slap - Allen& Unwin. Handmade in Melbourne - Geoff Slattery Publishing. Australia's Quarter Acre - The Miegunyah Press. I have about 20 Lonely Planet guides - I musn't forget them. My bookshelves are testimony to the diversity and strength of Australian publishing.
OK, I have some names. Now what? I wander off to my local library and ask for some information on Australian publishers. I am deliberately vague as this is an exercise in observing customer service for another aspect of this research skills subject. After a bit of clarification, the library technician takes me to the reference section and hands me a copy of The Writer's Marketplace 2009-2010 which includes a list of publishing services in Australia. I'm impressed by her knowledge.
This list gets me thinking about the angle. What aspect of Australian publishing will I look into? There are lots of publishers, but what will be the glue that makes this project stick?
Picture courtesy of Fairfax Digital
