Publishing on campus

I understand at least one author who bravely fell in with tyro press Curtin University Books last year is still waiting for their first royalty cheque, and may be waiting indefinitely. Meanwhile, Ian Templeman’s brave attempt to create a de facto ANU Press at Pandanus had the rug pulled from beneath it by the university, just as the program was starting to take off. Par for the course among our academies, you might think. For all the controversy surrounding the establishment of the new MUP back in late 2002, at least the university has been prepared to back the press for a decent period of time. I note the universities of Tasmania and Central Queensland are also now dabbling in the publishing game. It’s best to stay clear of books entirely, vice-chancellors, unless you’re willing to do take a long-term view.