FNQ home to Australia’s most exciting new publisher

BUSINESS FEATURE

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A local author is encouraging others' to unleash their inner writer. Picture: Nakia Morrison Photography

The Far North region's very own publishing house, Bowerbird Publishing, has hit the ground running in 2023.

A call out for manuscripts during January led to thirty-six submissions from around the country. From the thirty-six, twelve were selected and will be published in 2023 by Bowerbird Publishing. 

Established in 2021 after self-publishing her award-winning debut novel, ‘Boy of Steel,’ Bowerbird Publishing is fast becoming a trailblazer in the publishing industry.

Crystal wanted to offer other writers a new experience with publishing and an alternative to the high pressure, cut-throat industry she encountered when publishing ‘Boy of Steel.’

Crystal Leonardi has launched a publishing business. Picture: Nakia Morrison Photography

Unable to secure a book deal that suited her expectations and budget, Crystal decided to secure a business coach and formal education in editing and public speaking, paving the way for her to launch her own publishing house - right here in far north Queensland.

Bowerbird Publishing operates on a ‘your book, your way’ motto and works with the writer, not for the writer.

“Giving writers all they need to know about publishing in my self-publishing handbook, ‘6 Steps to Self-publishing,’ has created a new following for Bowerbird Publishing,” Crystal said.

Hand in hand with her wildly popular self-publishing workshops throughout the region, Crystal provides writers with the know-how and confidence to pursue publishing, either through Bowerbird Publishing, or as a self-published author. 

In February and March, Crystal’s quest to reach more aspiring authors in FNQ continues with appearances at the following events:

19th Feb – 9am–2pm - Connect in Harmony/The Pier Market Book stall – The Pier Cairns

22nd Feb – 10-11:30am - Self-publishing workshop & book launch with local talent Chantal Munro – Port Douglas Community Hall (next to library).

24-26th Feb – 9am-5pm daily - Cairns Tropical Writers Festival - Pullman International Cairns

10th Mar – 11am-2pm – Cairns Business Woman’s Club International Women’s Day Luncheon – Café Sunrise Cairns

17th Mar – 4-6pm - Book Launch & Local Author Celebration with Sandy Davies – The Clink Port Douglas

To find out more about Crystal’s self-publishing handbook, among other titles, or to enquire about her publishing services, follow the links at www.crystalleonardi.com.

Manuscripts are always considered at Bowerbird Publishing, especially for the motivated and ambitious writer. 

Come and meet the talented writer during upcoming appearances. Picture: Garden Cookbook launch

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