Publishing subsidies are available to individuals, collectives, institutions or publishing companies for publishing projects that:
- Demonstrate literary or artistic excellence
- Contribute to New Zealand’s cultural life
- Contribute to New Zealand arts development through critical discourse
Strong publishing projects:
- Involve New Zealand writers, illustrators or artists
- Involve editors and designers who have a track record of producing high-quality work
- Have cost effective ways to produce, distribute and promote the work
- Can demonstrate that funding is necessary to make the project financially viable
Applications to support artform publications – i.e. publications about New Zealand arts and artists – should be made under the relevant artform.
How many publications can I apply for?
- Arts Grants: up to five print publications, journals, e-books and/or audiobooks per funding application, up to two applications per year.
- Annual Arts Grants: between four and ten print publications, journals, e-books and/or audiobooks per annual application. Please check your eligibility for Annual Arts Grants before applying.
- Toi Uru Kahikatea: between four and ten print publications, journals, e-books and/or audiobooks per year.
What publishing costs can I apply for?
Standard format publications and children’s picture books: up to $5,000
A publishing subsidy is available for the production, marketing and distribution costs of print publications, journals and e-books. You can apply for an additional subsidy up to $5,000 if the publication is:
- in te reo Māori or a language of the Pasifika peoples of New Zealand
- a non-fiction work
- an artform publication.
Audiobooks: up to $5,000
A publishing subsidy is available for the production, marketing and distribution costs of audiobooks. You can apply for an additional subsidy support up to $5,000 if the audiobook:
- requires significant cultural knowledge and language skills i.e. is in te reo Māori or a language of the Pasifika peoples of New Zealand
- is long i.e. over 10 hours duration
Large format, heavily illustrated publications: up to $12,000
A publishing subsidy is available for the production, marketing and distribution costs of large format, heavily illustrated print publications, journals and e-books.
You can apply for additional support up to $12,000 if the publication is:
- in te reo Māori or a language of the Pasifika peoples of New Zealand
- a non-fiction work
- an artform publication.
You can also apply for fees for independent editors and writers if the publication is:
- an artform publication
- a print or online journal with multiple contributors
- a multi-author anthology
You can also apply for:
- Te reo translation
- Audience/market development activities that achieve funding programme outcomes.
A strong application would include:
- a sample of the manuscript or page proofs
- an audio sample, if applying for an audiobook
- reviews and sales data from previous publications
- confirmation of a publishing partnership, if applicable
- an explanation of how the author will be compensated (e.g. royalties, fees, licenses agreements, etc.) or a copy of the contract with the author
- information about, and confirmation from, contributors
- evidence that you have permission to use any copyright or licensed material
- information about the format and print specifications of the publication (e.g. a print quote and a design quote)
- a production timeline
- a distribution strategy that clearly identifies:
- the market for the work
- the size of print run
- how the publication will be promoted and distributed, and to whom
- the number of complimentary copies and who you intend to give them to
- the number of copies for sale, whether through informal or established distribution channels
- the retail price (if applicable)
- a budget that reflects all project expenses and income, including any expected sales income for the first 12 months, if the publication is to be sold
- for music publishers, confirmation of whether you are a member of APRA (Australasian Performing Rights Association) or AMCOS (Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society).