How do I learn to write?
Writing is a process of constant learning and self-improvement, but the good news is, there is a wide range of organisations and and services across the country devoted to helping writers improve their craft.
One of those organisations is the ASA. Our mentorship program is designed to assist and develop writers who have reached an advanced stage with their manuscript. The mentorship service is recommended for unpublished authors, and the manuscript development service is appropriate for writers who have had at least one full-length work published or who have experience working with an editor.
Writers looking for advice on their craft may also like to read this free paper from one of Australia’s most successful authors, romance writer Valerie Parv. Valerie discusses how to be your own editor, polish and draft your manuscript.
Writers who are still at an early stage of their development, or who prefer to take a writing course or join a writers’ group, might investigate the services of their local state writers’ centre or other writers’ organisations in their area.
How do I find an editor?
The Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd) has a "find an editor" resource that is searchable by location, service and type of project.
Please note that the ASA offers no endorsement or recommendation of the information or services that may be provided on the IPED website. Due diligence must always be exercised when entering into any commercial undertaking.
Writers may wish to read this 2014 article The authors’ guide to professional editors which provides useful information on editing options in Australia, factors to consider including affordability, level of service, skill-set, work history, turn-around time and sample edits
How do I find a ghostwriter?
Please search our Author Directory for authors who are available for ghostwriting work.
The ASA recommends that anyone contemplating engaging a ghostwriter purchase the ASA's Ghostwriting Agreement Package. It provides an adaptable template agreement and an article by Libby Harkness, outlining the tips, tricks and truth of ghostwriting.
Those seeking the services of a ghostwriter should note that ghostwriters are professional authors and will expect to charge professional rates. If you are seeking assistance in telling your story but are uncertain of your ability to pay a professional ghostwriter, you might wish to consider the services of a state writers’ centre, which often run courses and groups for beginner or developing writers.
For links to state writers’ centres, see "What other organisations in Australia support writers?" below.
How do I find a writer to speak at my event?
Please note that the ASA does not act as a speaker’s agency and cannot recommend writers to speak at your event. However, many of our members do advertise their services as speakers through our Author Directory.
Not all authors and illustrators are members of the Australian Society of Authors. However, if you have a specific author or illustrator in mind for your event you can check our member portfolios to see if they have chosen to add a listing. You may also contact the ASA office at asa@asauthors.org to enquire about contacting an author or illustrator member if you have a specific person in mind. We may or may not have permission to pass on contact information to you.
Schools might like to contact the speakers’ agencies specialising in authors and illustrators below. Please note that the ASA offers no endorsement or recommendation of the information or services that may be provided on these websites. Due diligence must always be exercised when entering into any commercial undertaking.
How and where do I apply for funding and residencies?
There are a range of grants available for artists in Australia to cover career opportunities, travel, residencies and the development of new work. Here are just a few organisations that offer funding a residencies we know about:
Asialink Arts: Residency and writing programs connecting Australian writers, readers and publishers with their counterparts in Asia
Australia Council for the Arts: grants programs for individuals, groups and organisations working in the arts
Copyright Agency: Career Fund offers grants for individuals working in the publishing and visual art sectors to develop specific skills and progress their careers
The Keesing Studio: Six month residency opportunity in Paris
Varuna, the National Writers House: writing development, residential opportunities and publisher introduction programs in the Blue Mountains, NSW
For three tips on applying for funding, watch our video below featuring Australia Council Program Officer Joanne Simpson.
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