Spotlight on Acorn Press

By Dorothy Adamek

It’s my pleasure to welcome and introduce Dr Kris Argall, Senior Editor at Australia's Acorn Press. Since 1979, Acorn Press has published a wide range of books – ethics, theology, Bible studies, biography, spiritual issues, cross-cultural mission, world  religions, indigenous affairs, women’s leadership, as well as ministry and pastoral care. 

Acorn Press Website ~  http://acornpress.net.au/

Kris, your website says you’re a not-for-profit company. What motivates Acorn Press to do what they do? 

The five individuals who founded Acorn Press in 1979 were bemoaning the lack, at that time, of any really strong Christian publishing originating in Australia. Even distinguished Australian authors were having their works published in England or often in the USA. Except on a denominational basis for specific in-church needs, there were very few opportunities for authors to be published for the wide Australian market without being restricted by Australian importers, who would choose titles that they were sure would sell. So the thought was expressed that, “Somebody ought to do something about it!” Then another said, “Well why not us?”

As to the content of the titles that followed, this was mainly determined by the manuscripts that surfaced and were considered on their potential value to the general Christian readership. At the same time Acorn hoped that non-Christians would also read some of the appropriate titles.

Developing this vision, in recent years Acorn has broadened its focus to publishing books written from a thoughtful, well-informed Christian perspective that would be suitable for a secular audience. Books we have published along these lines most recently include 'Eating Heaven' by Simon Holt and even our first fiction title, 'The Songs of Jesse Adams'. 

Happy Acorn Press Reader

Our ultimate motivation is to advance the gospel by encouraging Christians in their walk with Christ and providing resources to help them use their God-given gifts, and to help those who don't know Jesus to find out more about him. We very much rely on God's provision and grace to supply the resources we need to publish each of our titles.

How many books do you release in a year? 

On average, 5, but it varies between 2 and 7 per year. This year Acorn will publish between four books (although there's the possibility of a fifth).

What do you look for in an author platform? 

An author who is enthusiastic about working with us to market their book. They need to show initiative, perseverance, and a willingness to promote themselves and their book. An author who is highly regarded/respected in the field in which they are writing.

Someone who has plenty of opportunities to publicise their book. For example, they may be asked to speak about topics related to their book or they may be a popular speaker at conferences.

Someone who is prepared to develop a presence on social media platforms - for example, Facebook, and develop their own blog or website.

An author who has a wide variety of networks which can be used to publicise the book.

Do you market your books internationally?

Generally speaking, no. In future, we may take up the option of using an overseas distributor for our book titles, especially for the North American Market.  Our eBooks are available internationally, but we do not allocate any resources to overseas marketing. Overseas customers can buy our books through our website, and most overseas orders are from North America.

How do you receive submissions? 

By email. Potential authors can email their submissions to me, using the email address listed on the website.  We provide information for prospective authors on our website - as a subcategory under the main menu heading, 'Our Authors' - http://acornpress.net.au/new-authors/

I notice you have added a fiction title, The Song Of Jesse Adams, this year. Are you open to fiction submissions? 

We will wait to see how well The Songs of Jesse Adams sells before we decide whether to allocate any more resources to fiction publishing.  While we are open to fiction submissions, it is unlikely that we will seriously consider any further titles in this genre for some time.

Thanks so much for sharing the heart and mission of Acorn Press, Kris. I’ve enjoyed reading Acorn Press books and look forward to The Songs of Jesse Adams, next. 

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Please welcome Dr Kris Argall. 

What have you read from Acorn Press? What would you like to read? What are your questions for Kris? 

*****

Dorothy Adamek lives in Melbourne with her Beloved and their three gorgeous kids.

She's the winner of the 2013 FHL ~ Touched By Love Competition. 

Enamoured by all things 19th century, she writes The Heartbeat of Yesteryear, Historical Romance - Aussie style. 

Come say G'day at her blog, Ink Dots.