In A Tale of Two Publishing Houses, Linda Martin tells an engaging and readable story of the establishment of two different publishers in WA, fifty years apart.
In Perth in the 1970s, Australian writers were isolated and struggling to get published, even in other Australian states. This state of affairs contributed to the 1976 establishment of the publisher now known as Fremantle Press. In 2019, a not dissimilar set of concerns led to the establishment of Night Parrot Press. Here, Linda Martin – who’s been involved with both – tells the story of the early years of each.
This is an anecdotal retelling, rather than one that strives to include all the facts. The advantage is that this is readable and interesting, rather than getting bogged down in lists of dates and names. On the other hand, the acknowledged weakness is that it relies largely on the memories of those who were there. Some have passed, and others are elderly and acknowledge their memories are not always sharp or complete.
Still, Martin tells a story that allows her to compare and contrast the two publishing houses. Although some of this is about editorial approach, much of it is more broadly about the challenges facing publishers in Australia and what has changed (or not) in the last half-century.
It’s not all about the problems. Martin also highlights some of the triumphs, notably the publication of some now-classic Australian works. And although much of her focus is on the publishers, the joys and pains writers encounter on the road to publication also get some attention.
This will be appealing to anyone interested in publishing in Australia, as a writer, reader or editor. It gives you a glimpse of what it takes to put a book in a reader’s hands, and of the advantages and disadvantages of small presses. It also gives a glimpse of what it takes to run a small business, although that’s not a primary focus by any means.
This engaging book provides a lot of insights and an entertaining look at what it took to get these publishing houses up and running. I found this absorbing and easy to read, and would recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in how small presses work in Australia.
A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club Members are reading A Tale of Two Publishing Houses by Linda Martin. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.
I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing that joy.
I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember, across all genres. There’s not much I won’t at least try. I’ve been an enthusiastic book reviewer for years. I particularly enjoy discovering writers new to me, and sharing good writing with others.
My career has included time spent writing and editing technical documents, but it’s fiction that really moves me. I’ve reviewed for a number of different outlets over the years, and have been a judge in literary competitions.
I’m now raising little bookworms of my own, which brings a whole new kind of joy to sharing books.
More of my reviews can be found on my review blog www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog .
Linda Martin has taken the quote of ‘Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life’ to the next level. Linda fully understood what truly empowered her inner self, followed her passion and took on the challenge, making it her purpose, her life’s work and built a successful, fulfilling career.
It’s only fitting that this inspiring book is published and released by Fremantle Press in it’s fiftieth year.
Linda’s one on one interviews with the integral masterminds responsible for the publishing house we now know as Fremantle Press, were diplomatic, empathetic, honest, kind, mindful and very respectful in re-living those glorious, sometimes tumultuous, days for all involved.
Reading about the natural evolution of Night Parrot Press by both Linda and Laura was an amazing amalgamation of two dedicated like minded women with a diverse skillset, publishing and editing backgrounds, with a vision that they turned into a reality.
With plenty of hiccups along the way, these extremely resourceful time poor, women juggling motherhood with career, eventually found the balance and it worked.
Thank you, Fremantle Press, Beauty and Lace and Linda Martin, for introducing me to the intriguing, unknown wonderful world of the publishing business.
To any aspiring authors, established authors and avid readers, I highly recommend reading ‘A tale of TWO PUBLISHING HOUSES’ as a must read, move it to the top of you TBR pile, you will be so glad you did.
A Tale of Two Publishing Houses by Linda Martin (Fremantle Press) is part personal recollections, and part history.
The author, Linda Martin worked at the Fremantle Arts Centre Press now known as Fremantle Press as an editor. In this book, she explores the early beginnings of her former employer, as well as her own efforts to set up a small, independent press, called the Night Parrot Press with fellow editor, Laura Keenan.
The book draws on interviews conducted by the author of the main players in the establishment of these two Western Australian publishing houses. Interspersed with colorful anecdotes about now famous authors such as Elizabeth Jolley, Dorothy Hewett and A B Facey, it gives an informative sneak peak at how publishers work, how they find and “manage” authors , and highlights the “die hard commitment” required to succeed. It also emphasizes the amount of “unpaid and underpaid labor” that goes into running such enterprises.
A revealing and informative look at the publishing industry in Australia.
To my delight, Linda Martin has made the telling of this story insightful, entertaining and easy to read. It did not come across as this happened, then that happened but rather placing herelf there so the reader was brought along on the journey. I felt like I lived it all too.
Linda also gave us the other side which I found to be extremely giving and relatable meaning I have to some degree, more understanding of what it takes to be an editor.
Thank you for letting me be part of the journey.