The Australian process at a glance
- Edit your manuscript using Australian style if your readers are local.
- Buy ISBNs from Thorpe-Bowker, one per format.
- Design and format the book; add the ISBN to the copyright page and barcode.
- Set up KDP and IngramSpark, completing the W-8BEN for US platforms.
- Publish, then complete legal deposit nationally and in your state or territory.
- Lodge PLR/ELR claims for each eligible title.
ISBNs from Thorpe-Bowker
Thorpe-Bowker is Australia's ISBN agency. Single ISBNs start from roughly AU$44, and blocks of ten are cheaper per number. Your ISBN record also feeds Australian book-trade databases used by retailers and libraries.
Legal deposit: national and state
The Copyright Act 1968 requires publishers — including self-publishers — to deposit a copy of each new book with the National Library of Australia. Most states and the Northern Territory also have their own legal deposit laws. Digital publications can be deposited once through National edeposit (NED), which shares them with the National Library and participating state libraries.
Legal deposit by state and territory
| Where you publish | Print deposit (in addition to the National Library) |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | State Library of NSW, plus the NSW Parliamentary Library and the University of Sydney Library |
| Victoria | State Library Victoria |
| Queensland | State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Parliamentary Library |
| South Australia | State Library of South Australia and the SA Parliamentary Library |
| Western Australia | State Library of Western Australia |
| Tasmania | Libraries Tasmania |
| Northern Territory | Library & Archives NT |
| ACT | National Library deposit; check with Libraries ACT for local collections |
Requirements can change, so confirm with your state library before sending copies. For eBooks, NED usually covers national and state obligations in one step.
PLR, ELR and Copyright Agency
Australia's Public Lending Right (PLR) and Educational Lending Right (ELR) schemes pay eligible creators and publishers based on estimated copies of their books held in public and educational libraries. You need to lodge a claim for each title during the claim period. Copyright Agency separately distributes licence fees from copying in schools, universities and businesses.
The W-8BEN and US royalties
US platforms withhold 30% from non-US authors by default. The Australia–US tax treaty generally reduces withholding on royalties to 5% when you complete the W-8BEN with your tax file details. You may be able to claim a foreign income tax offset in Australia for tax withheld — ask your accountant.
ATO, ABN and GST
- Income tax: royalty income is declared on your Australian tax return.
- ABN: useful if you are running a writing business; some suppliers and platforms ask for one.
- GST: registration is required only when turnover reaches the GST threshold (currently AU$75,000).
- Business name: an imprint name that isn't your own usually needs registration with ASIC.
General information only — speak to a registered tax agent about your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Where do Australian authors get ISBNs?
From Thorpe-Bowker, the Australian ISBN agency, via its MyIdentifiers website. Single ISBNs and discounted blocks are available.
Do I really have to send my book to a state library too?
In most states and the Northern Territory, yes — state legal deposit laws apply as well as the national one. Digital publications can usually be deposited once through National edeposit (NED).
What are PLR and ELR?
Public Lending Right and Educational Lending Right are Australian Government programs that pay creators when their books are held in public and educational libraries. You must lodge a claim for each title.
What rate of US tax will be withheld?
Under the Australia–US tax treaty, royalties are generally subject to a reduced 5% US withholding rate when you complete the W-8BEN correctly, instead of 30%.
Do I need an ABN to self-publish?
Not always, but if you are carrying on a business of writing and publishing, an ABN is useful and some platforms or suppliers may ask for one. Speak to an accountant if unsure.
Sources
- Thorpe-Bowker — Australian ISBN agency
- National Library of Australia — Legal deposit
- National edeposit (NED)
- Office for the Arts — Lending Rights
- Copyright Agency
- Australian Taxation Office
- IRS — Form W-8BEN
Rules and prices change. We review this guide regularly, but always confirm with the official source before you act. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Publishing from Australia?
We handle Thorpe-Bowker ISBNs, legal deposit, KDP and IngramSpark — in your name.