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Welcome to the writing centre

If you're a writer, or aspire to be one, then you've come to the right place. We've taken extracts from our bestselling writing guides (including those written by acclaimed authors like Kate Grenville and Garry Disher) and put them online for you to access whenever you feel the need for some writerly wisdom.

From getting started to getting published, the Writing Centre is full of practical advice to help you refine your craft, quotations to inspire you, and tips on how to make the best impression when you're ready to show your work to publishers (unless you're writing purely for your own pleasure, of course!). You'll also find author interviews,  a list of useful links, and information about how to submit manuscripts to Allen & Unwin.

The Australian/Vogel's Literary Award

Entries for the Australian/Vogel's Literary Award 2013 are now open!

Visit our Awards page for more details.

The Voiceless Writing Prize, sponsored by Australian Ethical Investment

The Voiceless Writing Prize sponsored by Australian Ethical Investment is given to a piece of writing which advances the understanding of animal sentience, human – animal relationships and the ethical treatment of animals, with a focus on food animals and animals found in the Australian landscape. Find out more


 Since launching its first course at Shakespeare & Co bookshop in Paris in 2008, Faber Academy has tutored more than 700 students in courses ranging from a one day workshop, The Art of Publication to a six month course, Writing a Novel.

Faber Academy at Allen & Unwin launched in March 2011 with a six month selective course Writing a Novel directed by acclaimed authors Kathryn Heyman and James Bradley.

Find out more about Faber Academy at Allen & Unwin

Read student testimonials


Recent books on writing

Spotlight:

The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook Guide to Getting Published

by Harry Bingham

Written from the author's point of view, this is an expert guide to the process of getting published - from submitting your work and finding an agent, to working with a publishing house and understanding the book trade.

Spotlight:

Writing Screenplays That Sell

by Michael Hauge

A bestseller for 20 years, Hauge's engaging and inspiring book takes you on a journey through story concept, character development, theme, structure and scenes.

Spotlight:

Good Word Guide

by Martin Manser

This fully updated edition of the bestselling Good Word Guide offers information and advice on spelling, grammar, punctuation, pronunciation, confusables and the latest buzzwords, and provides clear, straightforward answers to everyday language problems.

Meet our authors

We have author events happening around the country all the time. If you want meet one of our authors or hear them talk about their books, check out our events page - there's information on festivals, author tours, book launches and signings. 

Sign up for Writing Centre updates

Sign up for our writing centre eNewsletter and get updates about new writing books, author interviews, events, writing workshops and competitions. Subscribe now.