ASA to wind up print magazine after 50 years

The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) has announced it will no longer produce its biannual print magazine, Australian Author, and will transition to digital publishing.

‘The financial argument is now impossible to ignore or overcome,’ writes ASA CEO Juliet Rogers. ‘The magazine has become the largest single expense for the organisation, yet nearly 70% of that expenditure goes to print, mail house costs and postage, rather than to writers.’ Rogers adds: ‘From an editorial perspective it has also become increasingly challenging to create a lively and topical magazine, which releases only twice a year.’

The magazine, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, will conclude with a ‘special commemorative edition’ incorporating a selection of articles from the last 50 years that best reflects the spirit of the magazine. The final issue will be released in November this year.

Rogers says the ASA will be able to commission and publish more writing to be published online. ‘Straightened times in terms of funding and sharply increased distribution costs may have led to a change in delivery format, but it will not change our commitment to great writing and wonderful authors.’

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