Publishing Technologies Create Global Opportunities for Entrepreneurial Australian Publishers

Whether becoming eBooks, iPhone Apps or digital media, books are changing and few could argue against the idea that publishing in Australia, and throughout the world, is now undergoing a revolution of sorts. While Australian publishers and writers are only now starting to adjust to the digital trends shaping the publishing industry internationally, with many deliberating over whether to adapt and capitalise or to continue with traditional methods, in the US and the UK “new publishing” is already booming.

Digitisation of the book industry has increased exponentially after the release of eReaders & tablets, specifically the iPad in April 2010. Ultimately, readers now have a cheap and easily accessible alternative to traditional books, a fact that has thrown many publishers and authors into unfamiliar waters. However, several canny publishers are now opening their doors to the surge of new technology and providing greater opportunities for authors, illustrators and media makers in today’s competitive industry, and more affordable ways to access a range of book products.

Steve Parish Publishing – an Australian icon recognised as a market leader within the natural history, children’s publishing and Australian book markets – and BrisWare Pty Ltd. today announced the formation of a collaborative partnership to launch a soon-to-be-available range of Australian-made iPad, iPhone and iPod applications and eBooks.

Connecting a publisher of high-quality all-Australian paperback and hardback books with effective technology developed by an emerging software company will provide local and international eBook and iPad App consumers with a long-awaited source for Australian-themed content, as well as make the work of Australian authors, photographers and App makers available on a world stage for relatively little cost.

“The partnership is beneficial for both parties, as Steve Parish Publishing will have an opportunity to reach a worldwide market leveraging today’s mass electronic distribution technology,” said Chief Executive Officer of Brisware, Mr Para Segaram.

“We are delighted to be able to find new, more sustainable ways to connect the entire world with Australian nature, and our collaboration with BrisWare provides us a further avenue to reach nature lovers and bring wildlife and conservation directly to them,” enthuses, Steve Parish – the Creative Director of Steve Parish Publishing, a company he runs with wife and business partner Catherine Prentice. “It means that this Christmas, readers can expect to see Steve Parish Apps available on the iPad, not just in Australia but around the world, and we can start to showcase our books and promote our authors to a much wider international audience.”

The first release of Steve Parish Apps will be available in the lead up to Christmas, followed by the release of additional electronic media in 2011.