List of Self-Publishers in Australia: Self-Publishing Companies

Before you choose a self-publishing platform, it’s worth asking a more important question: is self-publishing the right path for your book?

As someone who has written multiple books and guided over 130 clients through the publishing process, I’ve seen both the freedom and the friction that come with self-publishing. On the one hand, you retain creative control, set your own deadlines, and earn higher royalties. On the other, you carry the full responsibility of the publishing journey—including editing, design, and marketing.

Some authors thrive with that level of control. Others feel overwhelmed by the learning curve and the upfront decisions required. It’s not just about putting words on the page—it’s about owning the publishing process from start to finish.

If you’re still unsure whether self-publishing is right for you, read this comparison of traditional vs. self-publishing. It breaks down the pros and cons of each model so you can choose the publishing path that aligns with your goals, personality, and resources.

Understanding the Self-Publishing Journey

Self-publishing isn't just a transaction. It's a journey—and one that requires a shift in mindset. You're not just an author; you're also the publisher, strategist, and project manager. From the moment you decide to self-publish, you’re stepping into a new role: someone responsible for guiding a book from idea to finished product.

This journey typically involves five stages:

1. Manuscript development – Writing and refining your draft with or without support from a writing coach or editor.

2. Production – Editing, cover design, interior formatting, and obtaining an ISBN.

3. Publishing – Choosing between print, eBook, or both formats; working with print-on-demand or full-service platforms.

4. Distribution – Deciding how and where to make your book available, from Amazon KDP to global distribution via IngramSpark.

5. Marketing and promotion – Building visibility through author branding, launch strategies, and digital promotion.

Authors often underestimate how much coordination this process requires. Many reach out to me mid-way through the journey—overwhelmed, behind schedule, or unsure what to do next. That’s why it helps to approach self-publishing like a professional project, even if you’re publishing your first book.

Terms like self-publishing journey, copyright ownership, and book’s journey aren’t just buzzwords—they represent the stages of authorship most new writers overlook. Understanding them upfront makes you more likely to succeed.

How to Self-Publish a Book in Australia: A Step-by-Step Overview

Once you’ve decided that self-publishing is the right fit, the next step is execution. This is where many aspiring authors get stuck—not because they lack talent, but because the publishing process feels vague or overwhelming.

Below is a high-level overview of how to self-publish your book professionally in the Australian market. These steps apply whether you're writing self-help, narrative nonfiction, science fiction, or children’s books.

1. Finish and Polish Your Manuscript

Before you think about design or distribution, your manuscript needs to be complete. Work with a writing coach or editor to ensure your ideas are clear, your structure is solid, and your content is compelling. If you're unsure where to start, consider these questions:

• Does my book serve a clear audience?

• Is the structure easy to follow?

• Does each chapter build toward the book’s overall goal?

2. Choose Your Publishing Format

Most self-publishing authors today release their books in at least two formats: print and eBook. Some also publish audiobooks, especially for nonfiction. In Australia, you can access global print-on-demand platforms like IngramSpark and Amazon KDP, which eliminate the need for large print runs.

3. Hire Professional Services

While DIY publishing is possible, poor design or formatting can damage your credibility. Here’s what to outsource:

• Editing (developmental, copyediting, proofreading)

• Cover design (especially for eBooks and children’s books)

• Interior formatting (print and digital)

• ISBN registration (available through Thorpe-Bowker in Australia)

4. Set Up Your Distribution Channels

Depending on your goals, you may choose one or more of the following:

• Amazon KDP for global reach and Kindle readers

• IngramSpark for expanded bookstore and library distribution

• Blurb for visual or photo-heavy books

• Smashwords or Apple Books for broader eBook sales

5. Plan Your Book Launch

Publishing your book is just the beginning. Create a marketing plan that includes:

• Social media promotion

• Email campaigns

• Launch team outreach

• Ongoing book marketing strategies (such as podcast interviews, articles, or speaking gigs)

At Trivium Writing, we guide authors through every stage of this process. If you're navigating self-publishing in Australia and want expert feedback on your book’s concept, positioning, or publishing strategy, book a consultation with us.

Full-Service Self-Publishing Companies

Full-service self-publishing companies are ideal for authors who want professional publishing outcomes without managing every step themselves. These companies provide editing, design, formatting, and distribution—often in structured packages tailored to new authors, subject-matter experts, or business professionals.

Having worked with more than 130 authors myself, I often recommend full-service options to writers who want to avoid the complexity of sourcing freelancers or coordinating multiple vendors. Below is a curated list of self-publishing companies in Australia that provide comprehensive, hands-on support.

InHouse Publishing

Who it’s for: Authors looking for professional guidance through every step of the self-publishing process.
About: InHouse Publishing offers a full-service self-publishing experience, including editing, book design, and global distribution. Their services cater to authors who want high-quality support throughout the process, ensuring their book is market-ready for both print and digital formats.
Visit their site

Ocean Reeve Publishing

Who it’s for: Writers seeking a personalized self-publishing experience with a strong focus on marketing.
About: Ocean Reeve Publishing provides end-to-end publishing services, including editing, design, marketing, and distribution. Known for their personalized approach, they help authors publish in both print and digital formats, with a focus on building an author’s brand and marketing strategy.
Visit their site

Publicious

Who it’s for: Authors looking for affordable and comprehensive publishing services.
About: Publicious offers a range of self-publishing services, from editing and design to marketing and distribution. They provide flexible packages based on the author’s needs and budget, including options for global distribution through Amazon, IngramSpark, and other major retailers. Publicious also assists authors with personalized marketing plans.
Visit their site

Book Whispers

Who it’s for: Writers looking for a boutique publishing service with a hands-on approach.
About: Book Whispers provides tailored self-publishing services, including editing, formatting, cover design, and distribution. They focus on working closely with authors to bring their vision to life, offering a more personalized publishing experience. They also assist with digital marketing and online book promotions.
Visit their site

IndieMosh (Part of Mosher’s Business Support)

Who it’s for: Indie authors looking for a supportive and cost-effective way to self-publish.
About: IndieMosh specializes in helping Australian indie authors self-publish professionally without breaking the bank. They provide services like manuscript preparation, formatting, cover design, and distribution, along with access to international markets through Amazon, IngramSpark, and other retailers.
Visit their site

Australian Self-Publishing Group

Who it’s for: Authors who want a step-by-step guide to publishing and promoting their book.
About: The Australian Self-Publishing Group offers full-service packages that include editing, formatting, cover design, printing, and distribution. They also help with promotional campaigns, providing access to book fairs and publicity services to increase visibility.
Visit their site

Print-On-Demand (POD) and Distribution Platforms

If you're publishing independently in Australia, print-on-demand (POD) offers one of the most accessible and cost-effective ways to distribute physical books. Instead of printing hundreds of copies upfront, POD services print each book only when it’s ordered—saving you money and storage space.

POD platforms also handle fulfillment, shipping, and often global distribution, which means you can sell your book worldwide without dealing with logistics. For authors publishing their first book, or for those writing niche genres like narrative nonfiction, self-help, or middle grade fiction, POD is often the smartest option.

Here are the top POD and distribution platforms available to Australian authors:

IngramSpark

IngramSpark is a global print-on-demand platform that offers authors access to worldwide distribution, including bookstores and online retailers. They are ideal for authors looking to publish both print and eBooks.
Visit their site

Blurb

Blurb is a platform known for its high-quality print-on-demand services, especially for photo books and art-focused publications. It’s ideal for authors looking for flexibility in both print and digital formats.
Visit their site

Whether you’re publishing literary fiction, children’s books, or your first nonfiction book, POD lets you test your market and expand reach without financial risk. It also gives you more control over pricing, updates, and inventory than working with major publishers.

E-Book Publishing Platforms

Publishing your book in digital format isn’t optional—it’s essential. eBooks allow you to reach a global audience instantly, with no printing costs and minimal technical barriers. For first-time authors, nonfiction experts, and writers of science fiction, self-help, and young adult fiction, digital publishing offers a fast and cost-effective way to enter the market.

The platforms below give Australian authors direct access to major online retailers, including Amazon, Apple Books, and Kobo. Some even support distribution to hundreds of smaller outlets.

Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)

Amazon KDP is one of the most popular self-publishing platforms for eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks. It offers global distribution through Amazon, giving authors a large potential audience.
Visit their site

Smashwords

Smashwords offers a straightforward way to publish eBooks and distribute them across major online retailers like Apple Books and Kobo. It’s a great option for authors looking to maximize their eBook reach.
Visit their site

Publishing an eBook allows you to iterate quickly, test pricing models, and reach mobile-first readers. For nonfiction authors, it’s also a strategic lead-generation tool—especially if you tie your book into a broader business, coaching service, or online program.

Hybrid Publishing Options

For many authors, hybrid publishing offers the best of both worlds. It combines the professional polish of traditional publishing with the creative control and ownership of self-publishing. You pay for services upfront—but you retain your rights and earn a larger share of royalties.

As a writing coach and publishing strategist, I often recommend the hybrid model to authors who want high production value without waiting for a traditional book deal. Hybrid publishers are especially valuable for nonfiction authors, thought leaders, and professionals who view their book as part of a broader platform.

That said, it’s important to distinguish hybrid publishing from vanity publishing. A legitimate hybrid publisher is selective, transparent, and focused on producing a market-ready book. A vanity press will often accept any manuscript and charge inflated fees without delivering value.

Here are Australia’s top hybrid publishing options:

Ventura Press

Who it’s for: Authors who want professional publishing services with more creative and financial control.
About: Ventura Press provides hybrid publishing services, offering professional editing, design, marketing, and distribution, while allowing authors to retain control over their book’s rights and royalties. Their model provides the quality of traditional publishing with the flexibility of self-publishing.
Visit their site

Austin Macauley Publishers

Who it’s for: Writers looking for a blend of traditional publishing quality and self-publishing control.
About: Austin Macauley operates a hybrid publishing model that gives authors access to professional services such as editing, design, and marketing, while still allowing them to retain more control over their rights and earnings. They are a well-known publisher that offers global distribution and marketing support.
Visit their site

Olympia Publishers

Who it’s for: Authors seeking global exposure with professional publishing services.
About: Olympia Publishers is a hybrid publisher that offers editorial support, cover design, marketing, and distribution while allowing authors to retain a significant amount of control over their work. They provide a wide range of publishing services and support authors with international distribution.
Visit their site

Vivid Publishing

Who it’s for: Writers who want a customized publishing experience with extensive distribution options.
About: Vivid Publishing, a division of Fontaine Press, offers a hybrid publishing model that includes editing, design, printing, and marketing services. They allow authors to maintain creative control while benefiting from professional publishing services, and they also offer access to a global distribution network.
Visit their site

Sid Harta Publishers

Who it’s for: Authors looking for flexible publishing packages with the support of a traditional publishing infrastructure.
About: Sid Harta offers a hybrid model that allows authors to choose from a variety of publishing packages, including editing, design, marketing, and distribution services. They cater to both fiction and nonfiction authors, helping them publish with a professional finish while retaining control over their rights and royalties.
Visit their site

Grosvenor House Publishing

Who it’s for: Writers who want professional publishing services combined with independent control.
About: Grosvenor House Publishing offers a hybrid publishing solution, providing authors with professional editing, design, marketing, and distribution services while allowing them to maintain control over their rights. They offer global distribution through major retailers, ensuring that books reach a wide audience.
Visit their site

Hybrid publishers are a strong choice for authors serious about quality, visibility, and return on investment. If you want a hands-on team but prefer to retain control over your content, this model might be the right fit for your publishing journey.

How to Choose the Right Self-Publishing Path

Self-publishing is not a one-size-fits-all model. Your ideal publishing path depends on your goals, budget, experience, and the kind of book you're writing. After working with more than 130 authors across genres—from literary fiction and narrative nonfiction to children’s books and self-help—I’ve learned that clarity comes from asking the right questions.

Here’s how to choose the right publishing model for your book:

1. What are your goals for this book?

• If your goal is credibility or thought leadership, a hybrid publisher can offer professional quality without the long delays of traditional publishing.

• If you're focused on creative freedom, speed to market, and higher royalties, self-publishing directly through platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark may be the best route.

• If this is your first book, and you're unsure about managing the publishing process alone, a full-service self-publishing company offers structure and support.

2. What kind of book are you publishing?

• Visual books (e.g. children’s books, cookbooks, art books) may benefit from POD platforms like Blurb or Lulu due to high-quality print options.

• Genre fiction or young adult books often perform well in digital markets, so prioritizing eBook distribution through Kindle, Apple Books, and Kobo can help.

• Nonfiction books, particularly those tied to a business or personal brand, should be formatted for both print and digital, with a strong launch plan.

3. How much time and budget are you working with?

• If you’re investing time but not money, platforms like Amazon KDP and Draft2Digital allow you to self-publish at low cost—if you're willing to learn every step.

• If you prefer to focus on writing and outsource the rest, full-service or hybrid publishing models can save you time and deliver stronger results—especially if this is part of your business or marketing strategy.

4. Do you want full ownership and control?

• With direct self-publishing (POD or eBook), you keep all rights and have full pricing control.

• Hybrid models also allow you to retain rights—but you’ll need to vet publishers carefully to avoid vanity publishing traps.

• Traditional publishing typically means giving up rights and royalty percentages in exchange for distribution and prestige.

Decision Tip:

If you’re still unsure which path suits you, compare your situation to other authors in your niche. What worked for them? Who’s publishing similar books? More importantly, what kind of publishing experience do you want to have?

Ready to Publish Your Book?

Self-publishing in Australia has never been more accessible—or more empowering. Whether you’re a first-time author or a seasoned professional, the tools, platforms, and support you need are at your fingertips.

The real challenge isn’t access—it’s making the right decisions. From choosing between self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or print-on-demand, to deciding how much control you want over your book’s journey, clarity is critical.

I’ve helped more than 130 authors write, structure, and publish their books—many of them through the exact options we’ve explored in this guide. Whether you’re working on narrative nonfiction, children’s books, literary fiction, or a self-help title, I can help you avoid missteps and publish with confidence.

Not sure where to start?

You don’t need to figure this out alone. With the right strategy, your book can reach the audience it deserves—and you can move forward as the published author you’re meant to be.