AustLit

‘The decades since the war have seen the increased professionalisation of the business of writing, including the formation of the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) in 1963 and the advent of state-based writers centres. The exponential growth in literary awards, the study of Australian literature in universities the growth of festivals and tours celebrating Australian writing, and the increase in the number of writing workshops and mentorships have all led to a much livelier and more diversified market for Australian writers and their books. Yet the average income of a full-time writer has not really increased, hovering in the vicinity of $12000 per year. While some writers achieve wealth, acclaim and even notoriety, most rely on other income (often teaching) in order to continue writing. ’ (Introduction 139)