How to Publish a Book in Australia (2026): The Complete Self-Publishing Guide
The short answer
To self-publish a book in Australia, get your ISBN from the Australian ISBN Agency (Thorpe-Bowker), have the book professionally edited and designed, and publish through Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. IngramSpark has its own print facility in Australia. Under the Copyright Act 1968, one copy of everything published in Australia goes to the National Library of Australia. Harmony Publishing handles the process, from $699.
Updated October 2026 · By Harmony Publishing
Self-publishing in Australia in 2026
IngramSpark has its own office and print facility in Australia, and lists Amazon AU, Booktopia, Fishpond and The Nile among its Australian and New Zealand distribution partners. That means an Australian reader can order a print-on-demand title without it being shipped across the world.
Key facts for authors in Australia
ISBN: Thorpe-Bowker runs the Australian ISBN Agency
The National Library of Australia directs authors to apply for an ISBN through the Australian ISBN Agency at Thorpe-Bowker (MyIdentifiers.com.au). Each format (paperback, hardcover, eBook) needs its own ISBN.
Sources: National Library of Australia: ISBN · UNSW Library: ISBNs and legal deposits
Legal deposit: the National Library and your state or territory library
One copy of everything published in Australia is to be given to the National Library of Australia under the legal deposit provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Australia-wide, you also need to deposit with your home state or territory library, and each has its own obligations. Electronic publications can be deposited through the National edeposit (NED) service.
Printing and print-on-demand
IngramSpark prints in Australia, with its own office and print facility there, so Australian orders can be printed locally. Whether KDP prints locally for Australia is unverified.
Distribution partners
IngramSpark lists Amazon AU, Booktopia, Fishpond, The Nile, James Bennett and ALS among its Australia and New Zealand distribution partners.
Royalty and tax basics
Authors outside the US file a W-8BEN form; without it, KDP applies a default 30% US withholding on royalties. Australia and the US have a tax treaty, and a valid W-8BEN can reduce US withholding where a treaty applies. That is withholding relief only, not an Australian tax exemption.
General information, not tax advice. Confirm with an Australian accountant.
Sources: Amazon KDP: tax information · IRS: Form W-8BEN instructions
How Harmony Publishing works with authors in Australia
We're a full-service self-publishing company serving authors worldwide. You keep 100% of your royalties and 100% of your rights, ISBN and files, forever. Every package from Complete ($1,299) up includes printed copies (25, 50 or 100 paperbacks, or 500 books with Legend), so you're not paying twice for your own launch stock. We handle editing, cover design, interior layout, ISBN setup, eBook conversion and global distribution through Amazon and IngramSpark. We don't have an office in Australia; we work with authors there online.
Prices are in US dollars for all authors outside Nigeria. We don't convert currency.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
How do I get an ISBN in Australia?
Apply through the Australian ISBN Agency at Thorpe-Bowker (MyIdentifiers.com.au). Each format needs its own ISBN, and you should keep the ISBNs in your own name.
Do I have to deposit a copy of my book?
Yes. One copy of everything published in Australia goes to the National Library of Australia under the Copyright Act 1968, and you also deposit with your home state or territory library.
Where do Australian books print?
IngramSpark has a print facility in Australia, so Australian orders can print locally. Whether KDP prints locally for Australia is unverified.
How do I reach Booktopia or Amazon AU?
IngramSpark lists Booktopia and Amazon AU among its Australian distribution partners, so publishing through IngramSpark makes your title available to them.
How much does it cost to publish a book in Australia?
Costs depend on editing, cover design, formatting and printing. A full-service package bundles everything for one price; see our packages from $699.