Text Publishing: Advice for would-be authors

Text Publishing began in 1994 based in Melbourneas an off-shoot of the Text Media group set up by former Fairfax executive Eric Beecher. As a book publisher, Text quickly established a reputation for quality fiction and non-fiction, guided by the vision of Michael Heyward. Heyward is a well-known Melbourne literary identity with links to the defunct literary magazine Scripsi and the omnipresent critic of all things literary in Melbourne, Peter Craven. Text has published Shane Maloney, Murray Bail, Anna Funder, Linda Jaivin, Raymond Gaita, Kate Grenville and most recently Nobel Laureate J.M. Coetzee.
When Beecher sold the Text Media magazine and suburban newspaper interests to Fairfax in 2004, the book company separated under Heyward’s ownership. In June 2004, Text Publishing and Canongate Books of Edinburgh announced an “alliance” which meant that Canongate took some equity in the Melbourne firm. This was important as it provided the financial wherewithal for Text to keep its independent character and continue to publish its eclectic list.
Text is broadly interested in publishing fiction and non-fiction, including upper Primary and young adult, but does not accept poetry or playscripts. Text accepts unsolicited manuscripts. Send a synopsis and three sample chapters to: Manuscript Submissions, Text Publishing, Swann House, 22 William Street, Melbourne 3000.
Send a copy, not the original, of your manuscripts in hard copy (rather than electronically or on disk). This copy must be single sided, with numbered pages and double spaced. Text will not receive you if you call in person with your submission, but they will return manuscripts with a self-addressed envelope and sufficient postage. However, rejected manuscripts not accompanied by return postage are “recycled”. If your manuscript is rejected, you will most likely receive a form rejection letter. That’ll be it. As Text receive so many manuscripts they do not have time for any follow-up.
They also do not send out acknowledgement of receipt of manuscripts, but they say they endeavour to respond to all submissions. Be aware though that assessment may take up to four months.
For all manuscript related queries, please email books@textpublishing.com.au rather than telephone.