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Media release for immediate use
New Zealand Writers Strike Back
Globalised internet bookselling has had a major impact in New Zealand. Bookshops have increasingly amalgamated into
buying chains which have imported more overseas editions to retain profitability. This has placed pressure on New
Zealand publishers and many have ceased publishing or reduced publishing lists leaving many aspiring New Zealand authors
out in the cold. But now, authors are striking back strongly, flocking to self-publish their workin assisted,
cooperativeinternet environmentswith all the tools and skills needed at hand.
Self-publishing website www.PublishMe.co.nzhas just enrolled its 2000thmember from throughout New Zealand, shortly after
its first birthday– a similar growth rate to TradeMe’s at the same stage1. Managing Director Jane Beals says, ”As the
Internet changed book selling, chains have formed, seeking larger discounts, from smaller sales. Several New
Zealandpublishers have closed and many have cut back, leaving writersand small presses with a problem.
“On PublishMe™, authors can doas filmmakers and musicians have done; publish themselves. Zero-waste print runs and
internet sales channels offer larger margins so writersand small NZ publishers reap better returns for their efforts.
They produce and market anything from children’s books to family and local histories, business books, information and
novels.”
Self-publishing authors and small presses can use a growing number of New Zealand book-sales channels connected tothe
PublishMe site including the PublishMeShop. As all the members bring their customers to the same place, sales are going
well.”
Zenith Publishing Group, which also runs educational publisher Curriculum Concepts and digital print house Zenith Print,
is also showing some forty self-published PublishMe™ titles on its stand at Frankfurt Bookfair in October, with a view
to having them republished for their authors, in major markets.
For further information contact Jane Beals or Ocean Reeve 06 759 4699
Or click the video link from www.publishme.co.nz home page to see the publishing steps on YouTube and many video
testimonials from happy members.
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