As demand for First Nations stories grows, the APA has compiled this collection of resources to help publishers and others engage respectfully with Indigenous creators, communities and stories.
For over six decades, First Nations writing has deeply influenced Australia’s literary landscape and cultural identity, sharing Indigenous voices, knowledge and perspectives with a wider readership.
These resources provide guidance on cultural protocols, contemporary editing practices, building meaningful relationships with Indigenous authors and communities, and respectful approaches to production, promotion and distribution.
Created with input from First Nations creators, knowledge-holders and publishing professionals, this collection of resources reflects current recommended practices and will evolve through ongoing consultation. We will update these pages as new information is released, but please contact us with any suggestions for additions or changes.
This collection has been developed by the Australian Publishing Association with input from our Diversity & Inclusion Working Group and Magabala Books.
The APA is sharing this collection of resources to support Australian publishers who are working on projects with First Nations creators, communities and stories. We emphasise that it is the responsibility of all publishing staff to ensure they take the greatest care as they bring these stories to publication.
Commitments and Acknowledgements
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first Australians and as the traditional custodians of this land. The APA is committed to sharing First Nations stories in culturally informed ways. We seek to foster an industry that respects Indigenous contributions to Australian life and to publish Indigenous works that capture the imagination of Australians and the world.
'These First Nations resources are a start in the right direction. They will grow, change and evolve with care from individuals and organisations who embody integrity, equity and a passion for storytelling in all its forms.
Whether First Nations individuals and organisations are the creators of works or if we are a part of the framework in publishing, there needs to be a deep understanding of the cultural, historical, and spiritual contexts that shape our stories and who we are. This is where we start.
This relationship requires listening at many different levels – culture is engrained in what we say and, ironically, what we don’t. As David Mowaljarlai says in 'Yorro Yorro', “We are all interconnected. It’s the pattern of the Sharing system … the people and their imprint is still there … on the land.” To see without sight and to listen with heart. Our bodies know our truths. With the ever-growing body of works by the industry and publications for it, it is only right that Australia is now listening.’
– Rachel Bin Salleh OAM, publisher, Magabala Books