Who runs High Country Books?
High Country Books is an initiative of The Makers Shed, Glen Innes, the creative hub of author and journalist Michael Burge and silverworker Richard Moon.

Can I get my book into your program?
We accept unsolicited submissions from book-touring authors and/or their publishers/publicists. Indie authors who self-publish their work are sometimes approached by recommendation from within the High Country Books partners (readers of our book club, our participating authors and moderators, and our networks). The local authors and journalists we work with are connections created as a result of their ongoing participation. 

Really? You celebrate self-published books?
Yes, we do, but here’s the part self-published authors need to read very carefully… High Country Books platforms only the very highest standard of self publishing. We would be extremely unlikely to platform the work of a self-published author unless they have a track record in journalism or another writing field, or their work is of an outstanding quality in the eyes of someone in the publishing/journalism industry.

How do you select your titles?
The majority of books featured in High Country Books are those selected and read by the High Country Book Club, a range of around eight full-length fiction/non-fiction titles annually, published by independent presses and indie authors. We also feature a few titles annually that are published by major publishing houses, whenever the authors are willing and able to attend our venue… it’s all about creating the right mix for our book club, our events, and our bookshop!

What are your deadlines?
If you’d like us to consider your book for inclusion in our program, please submit the form below and send all requested materials by February 1 (for events in autumn), May 1 (for events in winter), August 1 (for events in spring), November 1 (for events in summer). We’ll let you know how to get a copy to us for consideration in our author talk program. Please remember… it’s all about creating the right mix of reads for our regular customers!

When are your events and workshops?
Check what’s coming up on our events page. Our author talks take place on the third Saturday of the month in Glen Innes.

What kinds of books do you feature or stock?
We run a book club for adult readers, so we enjoy full-length works (or collections of short works). Take a look at our bookshop to get an idea of the type of titles we platform.

What kinds of books do you publish?
Our imprint – High Country Books – publishes a select range of new and re-released titles by invitation, usually via our team and partners… if you’d like us to look at your manuscript, please consider how to get involved in our events, groups and offerings, as we’re all about collaboration!

How do I join the High Country Book Club?
Head to the High Country Book Club information page!

Does High Country Books give advice on writing or publishing?
We do, via the ocassional High Country Writers Retreat. We also run a monthly Writers’ Support Group. For writing guidance outside our offerings, contact your regional or state peak body for writers. In our region, that’s New England Writer’s Centre or Writing NSW.

Wasn’t there some controversy about High Country Books and Byron Writers Festival?
There certainly was, in 2022. Read about it here via ABC News.

If you’d like to get in touch about a book suggestion, please use the contact form below…

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