PUBLISHING FELLOWSHIPS

The Copyright Agency’s Publishing Fellowships provide timely support for professionals in the Australian book publishing industry by funding career-enhancing opportunities and projects that contribute to the broader publishing sector.

Targeted specifically for mid-career professionals, these fellowships support individuals to think creatively about new opportunities to build their publishing skills and knowledge. Eligible applicants include:

• Individuals working in trade and educational book and resource publishing
• Literary agents
• Freelance editors and book designers
• Editors at Australian literary journals

Fellowship funds can be used to expand skills, pursue innovative projects, engage in professional development, and explore new collaborations. Potential projects could include:

• Industry research into issues such as leadership in publishing, diversity, First Nations publishing, AI, developing editorial/sales/marketing skills, etc;
• Mentorships with other publishers to gain new skills and insights;
• International market exploratory visits (excluding business related meetings at bookfairs);
• Sales/marketing intensives;
• Upskilling in online publishing and accessible publishing models;
• Attendance at a significant national or international leadership program;
• Digital transformation/new models and upskilling.

Ineligible projects

• Projects aimed primarily at business development, including rights’ selling/buying
• Projects for academic study/purposes
• Projects for and towards a degree or tertiary qualification

Amount of grant

• Up to $15,000
• Projects should start after 2 January 2026 and must be completed by 31 December 2026

The grant may be used for living expenses, travel and accommodation costs, payments to mentors, or for skills development workshop costs.

WHO CAN APPLY

• Applicants must have a minimum of five years’ experience working in-house or freelance for a publishing company or the equivalent at an Australian literary agency
• Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents
• Applicants must have acquitted any overdue Cultural Fund grants

HOW TO APPLY

• Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time via the SmartyGrants online system
• Applicants may submit only one application per round
• Incomplete or late applications will not be considered

YOUR APPLICATION

ASSESSMENT

• Applications are assessed by a panel of independent peers from the book publishing industry

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND GRANT OBLIGATIONS

• Successful applicants must submit an acquittal report on their funded activities within eight weeks of the completion of the project via the SmartyGrants online system
• This report should include a description of the funded activities and detail the success or otherwise of the activity

More information and contact

For further information, see our Frequently Asked Questions.

Please contact us before the application closing date if you’re unsure about your eligibility to apply for a Publishing Fellowship. Our email is culturalfund@copyright.com.au

Past projects supported

The Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund has supported many publishers with grants for professional development and career development opportunities. Below are links to some past projects:

2021 Brigid Mullane Publishing Industry Career Development Grant

2019 Justin Ractliffe Publisher Fellow report

2018 Bronwyn Mehan (report) and Nathan Hollier (report), Publisher Fellows

2016 Louise Cornege Publisher Fellow report