Based in Broome, Western Australia, we publish Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors, artists and illustrators from all over Australia. An independent, not-for-profit Indigenous Corporation, Magabala is governed by a dedicated Board of Kimberley Aboriginal educators, business professionals and creative practitioners.

Magabala publishes up to 18 new titles annually across a range of genres: children’s picture books, memoir, fiction (junior, YA and adult), non-fiction, graphic novels, social history and poetry. We also keep a substantial backlist in print and our earliest titles stand strong alongside new releases in the trade and are of significant cultural importance.

Magabala’s commitment to developing new and emerging Indigenous writers, illustrators and one-time storytellers, sets us apart from other publishers. Our program of professional development is unparalleled in the industry.

Our award-winning titles are recognised for their literary merit, cultural significance and contribution to the canon of Australian literature. 

Magabala Books is an advocate, protecting the cultural and intellectual property rights of all our creators. We play a significant advisory role within the publishing industry, modelling best practice for the publishing of Indigenous stories. Magabala also delivers a range of innovative social and cultural initiatives.

Every Magabala Book purchased is an investment in Indigenous creative, cultural and economic futures.

History

“Every decision we make we think about those old people who took on board that [publishing] challenge, and what a challenge it would have been.” – Edie Wright, Board Director

In 1984, more than 500 Aboriginal Elders and leaders met at a cultural festival in Ngumpan, near Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley region of WA, to discuss how they could keep culture strong and protect cultural and intellectual property. At this landmark meeting, the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre (KALACC) was established and the foundations for Magabala Books were set. 

Magabala’s beginnings were part of the wider movement of Aboriginal self-determination occurring in the 80s - a time when the nation was only just beginning to reveal its interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

In 1987, still under the auspices of KALACC, Magabala Books published its first title, Mayi: Some Bush Fruits of the West Kimberley by Merrilee Lands.  Lands also worked as Magabala’s first trainee editor. Wandering Girl, the highly acclaimed autobiography by Glenyse Ward, soon followed. In March 1990, Magabala Books became an independent registered Indigenous Corporation.

Since then Magabala has published more than 250 titles by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors, artists and illustrators from across Australia, including award-winning authors Bruce Pascoe, Alexis Wright, Ali Cobby-Eckermann and Alison Whittaker.

As a national publisher, Magabala Books’ profile and presence in the industry has grown over the years. In 2019 and 2017, we were shortlisted for Small Publisher of the Year at the Australian Book Industry Awards. In 2019 Magabala was the fastest growing independent small publisher in Australia and in 2020 was awarded the Small Publisher of the Year at the Australian Book Industry Awards.

A lot has changed since our beginnings over three decades ago – in technology, in the industry and in national reception – but our longstanding vision to ensure Indigenous people control their own stories and that the benefits flow back to the right people, still stands – and is as important now as ever.