In a significant stride for the preservation of cultural heritage, the Untapped project has brought more than 160 notable Australian works back into circulation. Among these are six winners of the prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Award. The three-year ensured the availability of literary classics in ebook format for the first time, marking a pivotal moment for both authors and readers in Australia’s literary landscape.
A Revival of Literary Heritage
Led by researchers from Melbourne Law School and Macquarie Business School, in collaboration with authors, agents, libraries, the Australian Society of Authors, and digital publishing platform Ligature Press, the Untapped project sought to address the alarming disappearance of Australia’s literary treasures. Titles by renowned authors such as Thea Astley, Mem Fox, Charmian Clift, and Anita Heiss were among those revived. The project also unearthed five volumes of poetry and verse novels by Dorothy Porter and four titles from Garry Disher’s Wyatt crime thriller series.
According to Paul Crosby, a cultural economist at Macquarie Business School and lead author of the Untapped Potential report, the realization that six Miles Franklin winners were out of circulation acted as a catalyst for the initiative. These included works like Vance Palmer’s The Big Fellow (1959), Thea Astley’s The Well Dressed Explorer (1962), and Helen Dale’s controversial The Hand that Signed the Paper (1994).
“These books weren’t generating any money for the authors, yet they represent important contributions to Australia’s literary heritage,”
Crosby explained. The project ensured these works were not only made available to the public but also provided authors with royalties and advances from ebook sales and library commissions.
Challenges in Copyright and Publishing
The decline in availability of significant works is partly attributed to Australia’s rigid copyright agreements. In many cases, publishing rights are assigned to publishers for the full term of copyright—often lasting 70 years after the author’s death—without obligations to return those rights when the publisher ceases to utilize them. As of 2020, 10 of the 62 former Miles Franklin winners were unavailable for purchase in Australia, 23 were not available as audiobooks, and 40 lacked ebook editions.
Untapped’s efforts to recover these rights and digitize the titles highlight the systemic challenges in Australia’s publishing industry. Crosby argues for the need for copyright reform, emphasizing that unused rights still hold significant value for authors and readers alike.
The Untapped Impact
Since its inception, the project has digitized and distributed 161 titles to libraries across the nation. In the first year after re-publication, these ebooks were collectively borrowed 15,688 times—an average of 40 loans per day. Garry Disher’s Kickback, the first book in his Wyatt series, was the most borrowed title, with 1,744 loans. The popularity of these revived works underscores the enduring demand for quality literature, even decades after their initial publication.
Additionally, the project provided valuable insights into ebook consumption in Australia. While almost all marketing of the revived collection was conducted through libraries, nearly 6,000 digital copies were sold on platforms like Amazon, Apple, and Kobo within the same year. This data challenges the long-standing perception that library lending cannibalizes ebook sales. Instead, it suggests that increased access through libraries can stimulate public interest and boost retail sales.
The Economic and Cultural Benefits
Untapped has generated approximately $120,000 in additional income for participating authors, offering a lifeline to many who earn an average of $18,200 annually from their writing. This newfound revenue, coupled with the broader exposure of their works, demonstrates the potential of innovative publishing models to support both authors and readers.
Moreover, the project’s findings serve as compelling evidence for policymakers. By showing that library lending does not negatively impact sales, Untapped has reinforced the case for more flexible copyright laws. Crosby envisions reforms that impose time limits on publishing rights, ensuring they revert to authors when unused.
A Future for Australian Literature
The success of Untapped underscores the importance of preserving literary heritage in a digital age. As the Australian ebook market continues to grow—projected to reach $320 million by 2025—there is a significant opportunity to make forgotten works accessible to new generations of readers. By bridging the gap between past and present, projects like Untapped not only celebrate Australia’s literary achievements but also lay the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable publishing ecosystem.
As Crosby aptly puts it,
“Recognition that unused rights have value is essential. It’s not just about preserving the past; it’s about creating opportunities for the future.”
For literature enthusiasts, the revival of these works is a cause for celebration, offering a chance to rediscover the voices that have shaped Australia’s cultural narrative. For authors, it is a reminder that their contributions to the literary world will not be forgotten. And for readers, it is an invitation to explore the richness of a heritage that continues to inspire and resonate.
