Authors and Writers Guide to Tasmania Publishing and Self-Publishing

Your Complete Guide to Writing Groups, Bookshops, and Publishing in Tasmania

Authors and writers living and publishing in Tasmania have a unique, beautiful place to practice their skills. It offers an inspiring environment as they navigate self-publishing in Tasmania and the publishing world. Welcome to our guide for Tasmanian authors and writers. In this article, we’ll cover popular local writing groups, locations, bookshops, top authors, and more.

Tasmania (Lutruwita) is Australia’s southernmost state. It’s located approximately 240km from the mainland and can be accessed by plane. If you’re travelling by car, the Spirit of Tasmania Ferry is a great option, but book ahead. Tasmania is well known for its pristine natural beauty. Almost 50% of the state is protected by National Parks and World Heritage areas, including pristine forests, mountains, and beaches. Almost 50% of Tasmania is protected by National Parks and World Heritage areas.

With a vibrant arts and cultural scene, Tasmania is a paradise for writers and authors. With a mild, temperate climate and a wide variety of landscapes, Tasmania and its capital city, Hobart, are well worth a visit. If you’re one of the lucky authors self-publishing in Tasmania, lucky you!

In the following article on Tasmania, we’ll cover:

• Writing Groups in Tasmania for Authors and Writers, the most Popular Tasmanian Writing and Author Groups
• Tasmanian State Library and Archives of Tasmania (Legal Deposit Requirements) for Authors
• Australian ISBN Requirements for Tasmanian Authors
• Exploring Writing Locations In Tasmania and Balancing Mental Health and Well-being
• Some of the Many Fantastic Tasmanian Bookshops
• Popular Tasmanian Authors
• Tasmanian Literary Festivals, Awards, and Author Events

Writing Groups In Tasmania for Authors and Writers

Tasmania is home to fantastic writing groups spread across the north, south, east, and west. These groups support both new and experienced authors pursuing traditional publishing or self-publishing.

As a Tasmanian author, you’re spoiled for choice when seeking local publishing support. Professional services in Tasmania include print and eBook formatting, book cover design, editing, and beta reading. For example, Author Services Australia is based right in Brighton, Tasmania.

Are you part of a local Tasmanian writing group? If we haven’t included your group yet, please contact us so we can add it to this guide.

Tasmanian State Library and Archives of Tasmania (Legal Deposit Requirements) for Authors

If you’re an author self-publishing a book in Tasmania, it’s crucial to know your legal requirements. Under the Libraries Act 1984 (Tas) and Australian 1986 copyright Act, all Tasmanian authors and publishers are required to submit a copy of their published work (print or eBook) to Libraries Tasmania Legal Deposit as well as the National Library of Australia.

Depositing your book ensures your work is catalogued, protected, and preserved as part of Tasmania’s literary heritage for future generations. While you can submit physical copies of your book, ebooks are the preferred format.

Beyond your legal deposit requirements, local Tasmanian libraries offer fantastic physical spaces for local authors. If you would like your book added to one of these local author shelves, and it isn’t already, stop into your local library and speak with the librarian about how to make that happen.

The State Library and Archives of Tasmania in Hobart provides dedicated, free-to-book Libraries Tasmania Writers’ Rooms equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, quiet desks, and meeting facilities designed specifically to help local authors focus on their work. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get out of the house or office, while also networking with other local Tasmanian authors and writers.

Australian ISBN Requirements for Tasmanian Authors

Planning to self-publish a paperback, hardcover, or audiobook in Australia? Acquiring an official ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is an essential first step for any Tasmanian author. An ISBN serves as your book’s unique commercial identifier across international library and bookstore databases. If you’re publishing in Tasmania, you will need an ISBN.

To learn more about ISBNs, check out our comprehensive author guide, Do I Need an ISBN in Australia? It covers how to buy an ISBN, costs, author requirements, and more.

In Australia, Thorpe-Bowker Australia manages official ISBNs and barcodes exclusively. Tasmanian authors can purchase individual ISBNs or bulk packages directly through the official Bowker Identifier Services Australia portal.

While platforms like Amazon KDP offer free platform-specific ISBNs (ASINs) for eBooks and paperbacks, buying your own Australian ISBN gives you full publisher control and lets you publish your book on other sites, including IngramSpark Publishing.

Having your own ISBN lets you register yourself or your publishing imprint as the publisher of record. This makes it much easier to distribute your book through local independent bookshops and libraries. It also enables wider distribution through platforms like IngramSpark Publishing, reaching retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books.

Self-publishing in Tasmania is alive and well, so get writing!

Popular Tasmanian Writing and Author Groups

TasWriters

TasWriters was incorporated in 1997, and rebranded from the Tasmanian Writers Centre to TasWriters in 2018. It has continued to grow in the Tasmanian literary community, helping many local Tasmanian authors navigate publishing and promoting their books.

Thanks to a generous grant from the City of Hobart, TasWriters is now located on Davey Street, Hobart. They maintain regular office hours on Mondays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., but it’s best to arrange your appointment in advance.

They offer programs for new and established writers and authors, along with support, events, and a strong sense of community.

Fellowship of Australian Writers | Tasmanian Branch and Northwest Branch

The Fellowship of Australian Writers was founded in 1928 and is a national body with multiple branches throughout Australia, including two in Tasmania: the FAW Tasmanian Branch and the FAW Northwest Tasmania Branch.

The FAW welcomes writers of all skill levels. They support published authors, novices, and anyone considering entering the writing world.

Both groups, FAW Tasmania and FAW Northwest, provide guidance, support, and mentorship opportunities to Tasmanian authors and writers. They hold regular monthly meetings, often featuring guest speakers. To learn more about joining the FAW, visit their membership page here.

Write Here Hobart and Write Here Launceston

Write Here Hobart (#writehere) is part of a collection of writing groups located throughout Australia. Members of Write Here Hobart typically meet on the first Saturday of the month. Writers meet to support each other through their writing journeys.

If you’re struggling to commit to writing or get easily distracted, a dedicated two-hour writing session with other writers is a great way to do it.

For authors and writers in northern Tasmania, there is also a Write Here Launceston group.

Longford Writers Tasmania

For authors in Longford or nearby, the Longford Writers Tasmania group could be a fantastic choice. This active group meets regularly to share a passion for writing. They warmly welcome both new and experienced members. Regardless of your chosen genre, poetry, fiction, or non-fiction- all literature enthusiasts are welcome.

Society of Women Writers Tasmania (SWWT)

The Society of Women Writers Tasmania (SWWT) brings together authors and writers with a shared interest in all forms of writing. They promote and encourage writers’ knowledge of literature and the art of writing through regular meetings, competitions, and support. All new writers and authors are welcome.

Shut Up & Write! Hobart

Shut Up & Write! Hobart is a global organization dedicated to empowering writers to overcome procrastination, make consistent progress on their WIP, and meet fellow authors in a relaxed social setting.

Their meetings start with a few minutes to cover introductions, a set writing period, and end with a final check-in to share progress. At the end of the event, participants can chat and get to know one another during an optional period. If you’re an author publishing in Tasmania, it’s a great place to start.

Exploring Writing Locations In Tasmania and Balancing Mental Health and Well-being

From sandy white coastal beaches, rolling plains, deep and dark forests, and high mountain ranges, Tasmania is truly a writer’s paradise, with a landscape or location to suit everyone, regardless of where you enjoy writing. There are a lot of opportunities for authors publishing in Tasmania.

For most authors, writing is a solitary occupation. It typically involves finding a peaceful place with limited interruptions and spending long hours in front of a computer or laptop.

While the majority of your writing time is typically spent at home, getting out and about, especially when the unpredictable Tasmanian weather allows it, can be not only productive but also great for your mental health and well-being.

If you have a favourite writing spot and don’t mind sharing it, please drop a comment below. We’re sure fellow Tasmanian authors and writers would love to know.

Writing Locations In Hobart

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – With a gold coin donation as the entry fee, and multiple locations across almost 35 acres, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens offers authors and writers hundreds of fantastic writing locations throughout the grounds.

The Hobart Waterfront Area – Salamanca and the surrounding waterfront areas are a fantastic spot for classic brainstorming and people-watching. Stuck for ideas for characters? Perfect. Is your book based around the ocean? Perfect. You can always stop at one of the many fish and chip shops and punts or call into Mures for a delicious ice cream cone as a reward for your hard work.

Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery – If you’re looking for something a little outside the box, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, with modern and historical displays and artwork, is a writer’s dream.

Hobart Cafés, Bakeries, and Restaurants – For writers like me, who love a little atmosphere and, more importantly, coffee and snacks, dozens of cafés, bakeries, and bars are spread across the Hobart CBD, Salamanca, and the waterfront areas, including Sandy Bay.

Writing Locations In Launceston

The Cataract Gorge – If you’re looking for somewhere scenic near Launceston to relax, write, or unwind after a long day of writing, the Cataract Gorge is a great place to start. It’s only a couple of kilometres from the CBD, and features an outdoor pool, chairlift, suspension bridge and a 5km walking track. It’s a great place to spend a few hours, and Cataract Gorge has been around for approximately 65 million years.

City Park Launceston – Rated as one of the top 10 parks in Australia, City Park Launceston features large open spaces to explore, walk, or just relax, together with a monkey enclosure, duck ponds, BBQ facilities, and the John Hart Conservatory.

The Launceston Library – What better place to find inspiration as an author or writer than a location filled with thousands of books? The Launceston Library is open 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and has reduced hours. It is the perfect place to find a little quiet time to write.

Cafés, Bakeries, and Restaurants – If all else fails, Launceston is home to some fantastic small eateries, bakeries, and cafés. If you love writing in a public space, with a cappuccino or cup of tea close at hand, we’re sure you’ll find a great spot.

Just Some of the Many Fantastic Tasmanian Bookshops

While we’d love to list every bookshop in Tasmania, there just aren’t enough hours in the day, so we’ll do our best to give as many bookshops as possible an honourable mention. For Tasmanian authors looking at publishing in Tasmania, it’s a land of golden opportunity!

In the age of ordering books online, it’s easy to forget about bookshops, but whether new or second-hand, there’s something cool about wandering through a bookshop, breathing in the scent of books, and choosing your next adventure.

If you haven’t been to your local bookstore for a while, why not? Take an hour and visit your local bookshop! I’m sure they’d love to see you. It’s a great way to support indie authors and the self-publishing scene in Tasmania.

Hobart Bookshops

Fullers Bookshop – Established in 1920 by W.E. Fuller, the bookshop has moved through a variety of owners and locations in Hobart throughout its rich history. Currently, you’ll find them at 131 Collins Street, Hobart, and they’re open 7 days a week.

The Hobart Bookshop – Located at 22 Salamanca Square, in the heart of Hobart’s scenic waterfront district.

Déjà Vu Books – Located at 77 Salamanca Place, right in Hobart’s bustling, historic waterfront area. They’re open 7 days a week and have an amazing selection of second-hand books, including vintage books and rare editions.

Cracked and Spineless – If you’re looking for used and new books, especially rare and collectible editions, then Cracked and Spineless New and Used Books in Hobart is well worth a closer look! They’re located at 138 Collins St, Shop 9, if you want to drop in. You can also follow them on Facebook or Instagram if you don’t want to miss any of the rare and interesting books they post.

Launceston Bookshops

Petrarch’s Bookshop – Petrarch’s Bookshop in Launceston has proudly supported authors and customers for over 40 years, opening its doors in 1985. Originally owned and operated by Peter and Rhonda Durkin, Marcus and Andy Durkin now continue Petrarch’s proud legacy. You can find them at 89 Brisbane Street, and they’re open 7 days a week.

Quixotic Books – Quixotic Books is the perfect balance between new and old books. They offer classic pre-loved books and rare editions, along with some of the latest and most popular new releases. It’s been operating since 2021, and you can visit it at 109 Brisbane Street, Launceston, Tuesday to Saturday.

Statewide Bookshops

The Book Cellar – Located in the Historic Tasmanian town of Campbell Town, midway between Hobart and Launceston – is housed in Foxhunter’s Return, a 180-year-old building and landmark. During the early stages of Van Diemen’s colony, the basement cellars at Foxhunter’s Return were believed to have held convicts while they built local buildings and roads. The Book Cellar aims to stock a diverse range of quality new and used books. They’re located at 132 High Street, Campbell Town, and open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

St Helens Books – If you’re looking for a quaint little bookshop in the seaside town of St Helens, Tasmania, drop into St Helens Books at 15 Pendrigh Place.

Black Swan Bookshop – If you’re touring the Derwent Valley, stop in and visit the team at the Black Swan Bookshop. Located at 11 Stephen Street, New Norfolk, and open Thursday to Monday, we’re sure you’ll find your next favourite book.

Devonport Bookshop – If you’re touring around the north of Tasmania, the Devonport Bookshop is well worth a visit. It’s located at the Rooke Street Mall, 83 Rooke Street, Devonport, and is open Monday to Saturday. The co-owners, Tim and Anne Gott, recently celebrated 30 years of ownership.

If you have a favourite bookshop in Tasmania and we didn’t cover it, please drop a comment below. Please include the bookshop name and give them a shoutout. Bookshop owners, feel free to email me your bookshop name, address, and website.

Popular Tasmanian Authors | Publishing In Tasmania

Tasmania is home to some fantastic writers and authors, including both fiction and non-fiction writers. There must be something in the water or the air that helps get your creative juices flowing. Below are some of Tasmania’s popular authors. if you plan on self-publishing in Tasmania, you could be joining them!

Contemporary Tasmanian Authors and Writers

• Richard Flanagan – Richard Flanagan, a novelist, historian, and film director, was born in Tasmania in 1961. He left school at sixteen before winning a Rhodes Scholarship to Worcester College, Oxford University. Some of his popular books include Death of a River Guide, The Unknown Terrorist, and The Sound of One Hand Clapping, which he later adapted into a film and directed himself.
• Robbie Arnott – Robbie Arnott is a Tasmanian author born in Launceston in 1989. He’s a two-time winner of The Age Book of the Year Award and has also won the Voss Literary Prize. Named one of the Sydney Morning Herald’s Best Young Novelists, his most popular books include The Rain Heron, Flames, and Limberlost.
• Heather Rose – Born in Hobart in 1964, Heather Rose draws deep inspiration from Tasmania. She frequently credits the island’s beauty as a primary influence on her creative work. Some of her most popular works include The Museum of Modern Love, which won the 2017 Stella Prize, along with Bruny, which won the 2020 ABIA Fiction Book of the Year. Heather also publishes children’s books under the pen name Angelica Banks.

Tasmanian Literary Festivals, Awards, and Author Events

Winning awards is fantastic, but just engaging with regional literary festivals and state book awards is one of the best ways for Tasmanian authors to network, gain industry exposure, and build local credibility. Self-publishing in Tasmania is a rich and rewarding experience.

Tasmania hosts several prominent literary events and honours that celebrate local storytellers:

• Tamar Valley Writers Festival: This biennial festival is held in northern Tasmania. It brings together local and national writers, poets, and readers for workshops, panel discussions, and networking events. It’s an excellent venue for Tasmanian self-published authors to connect directly with the regional writing community.
• Tasmanian Literary Awards: Managed through Arts Tasmania, the state’s official literary awards recognize outstanding achievements by local writers across fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and emerging author categories.
• Local Writers’ Retreats & Fairs: Regional hubs across Hobart, Launceston, and the North-West coast regularly host local author expos and independent book fairs, providing valuable opportunities to market your print books directly to local readers.

Authors and Writers Guide to Tasmania Publishing and Self-Publishing | Publishing in Tasmania

Tasmanian authors and writers already know how fantastic Tasmania is and what a great place it can be for writing and inspiration. If I could only work and write in one state, I would be publishing in Tasmania!

If you have been searching for self-publishing services in Hobart, Tasmania, including ghostwriting, copyediting, developmental editing, proofreading, ebook and paperback formatting, book cover design, children’s book illustrations, graphic design services, Amazon KDP Keyword and Category Research, animated book cover reveal videos, and beta reading, Author Services Australia is here to help.

If you have any questions about the self-publishing process or the self-publishing services we offer Tasmanian authors and writers, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We specialize in self-publishing in Tasmania.

Clayton Hobbs, owner of Author Services Australia. He has over a decade of experience in the self-publishing industry, assisting Australian authors with self-publishing services such as editing, cover design, formatting, and ghostwriting. Starting out as a freelance writer specializing in website content, articles, and guides, before switching to children’s picture and chapter books, Clayton is the author of the best-selling books Hockey Wars, Softball Strikeout, and The Day My Fart Followed Me To Hockey, writing under the pen name Ben Jackson, along with many other children’s books.