The Australian Society of Authors
The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) is the professional organisation, community and voice of Australia’s writers and illustrators. Established in 1963 as the peak national association for Australian authors, our purpose is to support writers and illustrators to pursue sustainable creative careers through advocacy, support and advice.
The ASA’s advocacy work includes:
campaigning at industry and government levels for author and illustrator rights including fair pay, fair contracts, and robust copyright protections
setting minimum recommended rates of pay for authors and illustrators
representing members’ interests to relevant policy making bodies
The ASA supports its members by providing:
standard contract templates for writers and illustrators, FAQs and detailed resources for authors and illustrators on professional matters including publishing, copyright, First Nations intellectual and cultural property, marketing and more
professional development training and events, as well as mentorships to support its members’ writing and illustrating practice and professional careers;
awards, residencies and other selective opportunities
individual advice for members across a wide range of book industry and publishing matters via its free industry advice service
The ASA exists thanks to the support of its members, over 3500 professional and aspiring authors and illustrators. The ASA represents everyone who writes or illustrates for publication and its members includes novelists, biographers, illustrators, academics, cartoonists, scientists, food and wine writers, historians, graphic novelists, children’s writers, ghostwriters, travel writers, romance writers, crime writers, science fiction writers, editors, bloggers, journalists, poets, and more.
If you need support or advice, or you’d like to support the ASA’s advocacy initiatives, consider becoming a member