Uncovering demand for Australian books overseas

Impact: Culture impacts, Economy impacts, Policy impacts

Description of impact *

Over many years Australian book publishers, literary agents and authors reported success with their titles in overseas territories. Despite the important commercial and cultural contribution of these exports, there has been a lack of unified research that examines the patterns of growth and nature of demand for Australian books overseas systematically.

This project, conducted between 2018 and 2021, represents the first time that international demand for Australian books has been mapped and quantified, revealing an important market that can be leveraged for further success.

Results are being used by the Australian Government’s Australia Council for the Arts and other industry stakeholders to inform policy decisions and support the Australian book industry. Findings were presented to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and several industry conferences. Results were featured in The Age/SMH and discussed on ABC Radio.

Australia Council Head of Literature Wenona Byrne: “This is an important industry that hasn’t been properly understood or featured before, earning up to $10million/year. The research provides timely insights about how we can build on these achievements and support Australian authors, literary agents and publishers to promote their work overseas. This will be more important than ever as we re-establish connections following the disruption of COVID-19.”

Adam Suckling, CEO, Copyright Agency: “For the first time we have actual data to support our industry and writers. This research will be extremely valuable to policy makers and Government, and also to the Copyright Agency, as we consider further ways to support Australian writers.”
Impact date2018 → 2022
Category of impactCulture impacts, Economy impacts, Policy impacts
Impact levelAdoption (early)

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