Queensland Writers Centre has developed a number of free, downloadable Resource Sheets on our most frequently asked questions.
These Resource Sheets incorporate basic information on the most important aspects of the writing and publishing industry, to help you understand the considerations involved, what you may need to investigate further, as well as options to help you get started.
These documents are available under a Creative Commons Licence Attribution-Non-Commercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 Australia.
You are free to share, copy and distribute this document. If you do, please attribute the work to Queensland Writers Centre, including our phone number +61 7 3839 1243 and website address www.qwc.asn.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions Read this first for a comprehensive overview of the writing and publishing industry.
Just started writing? outlines writing courses to get you started, how you can tell if your writing is promising, and what you can do to improve.
How do I set up a community arts project? ArtsYakka is an online resource of practical tools and templates, information and ideas to take some of the 'hard yakka' out of developing community arts. Not just another weblink site, it's filled with practical ideas, tried and tested templates, made by community arts champs for community arts champs. It's also a place to have a yak yak yak with other like-minded people. Produced by the Queensland Arts Council.
Will QWC come and speak to my writers’ group, school or community? QWC regularly receives requests to make presentations on writing and publishing for writers’ groups, universities and other community events. This service sits separately to our official program and as such not all requests can be met so we consider each request on a case by case basis. QWC doesn’t charge for this service but ask that your group make a donation of at least $20 to the organisation.
Letters of Support
QWC is able to provide a letter of support for current QWC members who are applying for funding grants. We are unable to provide letters of support for non-members.
QWC strongly advises the applicant to contact the grant officer at the relevant funding body before applying for a grant to ensure your project/proposal meets with their criteria and funding priorities.
Requests for letters of support will be fulfilled within 10 working days of the request being lodged (conditions apply). It is strongly recommended that requests are lodged as far ahead of the application deadline as possible. QWC is unable to fulfill requests that give less than 10 working days notice.
QWC reserves the right to request further information regarding the application before providing a letter of support. QWC also reserves the right to refuse a letter of support for an application that could potentially harm QWC’s reputation with the relevant funding body.
Please read QWC's Letters of Support Guidelines.
Editors & Proofreaders
How do I edit & proof my work? outlines whether you need an editor/proofreader, how you should present your work to them, and what you should expect to pay.
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Finding a Publisher
What is a literary agent and how do I get one? outlines what a literary agent does, how to tell if you need one, how much they may charge, and general tips on how to find one.
How do I pitch to publishers? outlines what a publisher does, how to tell if your manuscript is ready, how to approach a publisher to take on your work, and resources to gauge if your publisher is bona fide.
How do I write a synopsis? outlines how long a synopsis should be, why this is different from your cover letter, blurbs, taglines and if you should reveal the ending.
How do I write a cover letter? outlines what not to do, how to make a good first impression and an example cover letter to draw from.
Developing a Manuscript
What does manuscript development/assessment involve? outlines what manuscript development/assessment is, who can help develop your manuscript, and guidelines on how to find someone to help you.
How do I format a manuscript? is an article written by Kate Eltham on what you should know about industry formatting standards before you submit a manuscript.
Self-publishing
What is self-publishing? outlines the basics of what self-publishing entails, points to consider, and more resources you can access to educate yourself to achieve your goals.
What do I need to know about self-publishing? is a comprehensive article written by QWC staff on considerations of self-publishing. A must read!
Getting Published
How much should I get paid? outlines current national rates of pay, determined by the Australian Society of Authors.
How do I submit my work? outlines guidelines on how to submit your work, simultaneous/multiple submissions, story tracking and how to determine different markets for your work.
The Creative Business Toolbox from Arts Queensland gives you information and resources to develop, manage and grow your creative business.
Gaining Feedback
What is a writing mentor and how do I get one? outlines what a mentor can do for you, how to find one, and how much they may charge.
What do writers' groups do? outlines what they can do for your work, and considerations in starting your own.
List of Writers' Groups in Queensland
Legal Advice
What do I need to know about contracts and legal advice? outlines what do do once you've secured a contract, are currently negotiating a contract, and basic records and copyright information.
If you have a copyright question, QWC recommends you seek out Copyright Agency Limited and Creative Commons.
QWC is unable to give indepth legal advice, however you may also wish to visit the Legal Advice section of our website, to gain contacts for arts law practioners in Australia.
Grants & Funding
How do I fund my project? oulines basic information to help you search for funding, a list of major funding bodies in Australia to get you started, and how to obtain a letter of support from QWC.
Genres
Young Adult resource sheet outlines what defines children's and young adult (YA) writing, resources to help you write it, and a comprehensive list of related organisations to guide you on your way.
Poetry resource sheet outlines who will read your poetry, where you can get your work published, and further resources to develop your work/artist profile.
Romance Writing resource sheet outlines what romantic fiction is, sub-genres that work well with it, where you can find out more and publishers specific to that genre.
Speculative Fiction resource sheet outlines what speculative fiction involves, resources for speculative fiction writers to use, and markets for this work.
Indigenous Writing resource sheet outlines protocol surrounding Indigenous writing and publishing, what to do if you're an Indigenous writer, or protocols and legal considerations if you're working with an Indigenous writer, Country/stories or mythology.
Community Development
ArtsYakka is an online resource of practical tools and templates, information and ideas to take some of the 'hard yakka' out of developing community arts. Not just another weblink site, it's filled with practical ideas, tried and tested templates, made by community arts champs for community arts champs. It's also a place to have a yak yak yak with other like-minded people.
More information
If you've read these Resource Sheets and need to find out more about writing and publishing, contact Queensland Writers Centre at qldwriters@qwc.asn.au or by phoning +61 7 3839 1243.