Shawline Publishing

We at The Rural Publishing Company were saddened to learn that Shawline Publishing, a local publishing business, recently went into liquidation, leaving numerous authors in a challenging situation. This news first broke on August 25 in The Sydney Morning Herald and was covered again this week by The Courier (Ballarat), highlighting the local authors affected.

While The Rural Publishing Company is also based near Ballarat, we are an entirely separate business, located in Berringa, and have had no involvement or connection with Shawline Publishing’s practices, contracts, or processes. However, Shawline’s recent closure raises important issues about transparency in the publishing industry, and we’d like to offer our perspective.

Understanding Today’s Publishing Options

Publishing can be daunting, especially as traditional publishing often favours established authors with significant followings. Thankfully, there are now multiple publishing avenues available to new and emerging authors, including self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and fee-for-service models. Each has unique benefits, allowing authors to find the best fit for their goals and resources.

However, navigating these options requires caution. As in any industry, publishing has both reputable companies and those that operate less transparently. We urge authors to thoroughly understand any contracts they sign—whether with traditional publishers or alternative publishing services—to protect their interests and avoid pitfalls.

What to Look for in a Reliable Publisher

To assist authors in making informed choices, we believe that any reputable independent or assisted self-publishing company should follow these key principles:

• Retain Author Rights: Authors should always retain legal rights and copyright to their work.
• Clear Fee Structure: All fees should be fully transparent, with no hidden costs, and laid out in a contract or service agreement.
• Author Control: Authors should maintain control over the production process, with guidance from the publisher.
• No Double-Dipping: If a publisher charges an upfront fee, they should not also take commissions on book sales, unless otherwise agreed in a balanced partnership.
• Realistic Expectations: Reputable publishers set realistic expectations, educating authors about the challenges of book sales and the effort required.
• Optional Ongoing Services: Authors should only be charged ongoing fees if they actively engage in additional services, like extended marketing.

The right publisher is open, transparent, and operates in partnership with the author, helping them understand both the services provided and their responsibilities throughout the process.

Transparency as the Standard

At The Rural Publishing Company, we hold ourselves to high standards of transparency, which is why we display clear, accessible information on our website, including:

• Who We Are: Information about our team and background.
• Service Offerings and Costs: Detailed descriptions of our services and associated costs.
• Publishing Model: An explanation of our publishing model and contract terms.
• Submission Guidelines: How to submit work for consideration and an overview of our selection process.
• Past Publications: Examples of our published work, demonstrating the quality authors can expect.

In contrast, certain red flags can indicate an untrustworthy publisher, such as:

• An Unprofessional Website: Spelling errors, unclear terminology, and a lack of team transparency.
• Hidden Fees: Vague or omitted pricing information.
• Outlandish Claims: Promises of guaranteed high sales or other unrealistic assurances.

A Message for Shawline Authors

Getting published is a complex journey, and many authors turn to independent publishers to bring their work to life when traditional publishers aren’t an option. While there are fees involved, these are often outweighed by the publisher’s industry knowledge and expertise.

For the local authors affected by Shawline Publishing’s liquidation, we sympathise deeply. If any of these authors would like assistance, we’re here to help with guidance and support.

We can provide advice free of charge and, where feasible, assist with completing the publishing process at a reduced cost.