ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the so-called “crisis of confidence” within the Australian publishing sector. We argue that Australian books and publishing are systematically undervalued. As a response to this crisis, we consider how the application of a value-based approach can provide evidence of value that can be used to support advocacy for the sector. The chapter introduces a conceptual model through which to operationalise a value-based approach and explore its application to local books. In taking a relational approach to understanding value the chapter provides a framework that supports stakeholders within the field of interest, in this case, Australian writing and publishing, to conceive of and describe the value of their work.
cultural value; value articulation; local books; Australian literature; Australian publishing sector
