Downingfield Press

Downingfield Press Melbourne • Montréal and London

Publishing books for the enquiring mind since 2017. Specialising in non-fiction and poetry. We accept submissions year round.

Emerging writers welcome. We are an independent publisher with a global reach, committed to amplifying diverse voices and narratives. Our collaboration extends to both seasoned and emerging writers, with a particular emphasis on narrative non-fiction genres such as memoirs, biographies, histories, politics, and current affairs. We are also dedicated to exploring the multifaceted landscape of literary, contemporary, and avant-garde poetry through our critically-acclaimed poetry list. Publishing many perspectives and voices
In our pursuit of enriching the literary conversation, we actively seek submissions that elevate perspectives from traditionally unheard communities. We believe in providing a platform for stories that reflect the lived experiences of individuals from a spectrum of backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ people, new Australians, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond geographical boundaries, as we aim to weave a tapestry of narratives that resonates globally while celebrating the unique contributions of various cultures. We encourage writers from traditionally underrepresented communities to share their stories, ensuring that our publishing catalogue reflects the rich diversity of human experiences. For narrative non-fiction, we are particularly interested in memoirs that offer poignant insights into the lives of individuals from these communities, biographies that shed light on remarkable figures, and histories that explore events through diverse perspectives. Similarly, in the realm of poetry, we welcome expressions that delve into the nuances of identity, belonging, and the human condition from voices that may have been marginalized in traditional literary spaces. By fostering a space where a myriad of voices can be heard, we strive to contribute to a more inclusive literary landscape, one that embraces and celebrates the richness of human diversity. Established and emerging writers from all walks of life are encouraged to contribute to the collective narrative that shapes our evolving understanding of the world. A new approach to an old craft
We do things differently than other publishers. We are a Millennial-owned company and we take environmental sustainability seriously. We are paperless (except for final galley proofs) and use large e-ink screens to proof our books throughout the publishing process. We use wholesale print-on-demand to avoid wasteful excess book making and do not participate in industry returns (a practice that encourages over ordering by retailers that results in large numbers of unsold books being destroyed or sent to landfill). Our wholesale print-on-demand system still allows retailers to order and stock our books whilst minimising the number of unsold books being wasted. We manufacture all our books for the Australian and New Zealand market in Melbourne. Publishing today, protecting tomorrow
We also believe in giving back to the environment, so we plant a tree for every new title we publish. We focus on publishing works that are of cultural and historical value, rather than purely for commercial viability. We are not a big-name publisher, but we aspire to be an example of how the book business can operate in a sustainable manner without compromising on quality or sales potential. Our story
Our story began in 2013 in the Canadian city of Sydney, Nova Scotia, when our publisher purchased a second-hand offset press with a dream to bring his own works to market. That dream became reality in 2017 with the publication of our first commercially distributed book, The Local Electric Light Utility and the founding of the press. Since then, we have published both fiction and non-fiction works. We now specialise in non-fiction and poetry. We combine the best parts of traditional and modern publishing to ensure a smooth and successful journey for all our authors. We believe that all our authors deserve a fair share of royalties from their work. While we may not always be able to pay an advance, we can get your work into print and into bookstores if we think it has merit. Our network of trusted independent creatives assists us in the various parts of the publishing process, helping bring out the best in each of our authors’ work. We invite published and aspiring authors to submit their manuscript or book proposal for consideration.

We publish humans – not chatbots. Literature is all about human expression, emotion, and connection through words. That'...
30/07/2026

We publish humans – not chatbots. Literature is all about human expression, emotion, and connection through words. That's why every new Downingfield title will feature a certification on the cover, ensuring our books are 100% written by humans. AI should support our creativity by giving us more time to focus on our creative endeavours, not replace it. Let's keep the arts human!

05/05/2026
What if one house could tell the story of an entire community?An Seann Taigh does just that, using the Old Glebe House a...
07/04/2026

What if one house could tell the story of an entire community?

An Seann Taigh does just that, using the Old Glebe House at Pipers Cove as a window into the rich history of Grand Narrows, Nova Scotia. From its construction in the early 1800s as the parish glebe house at St Barra's Church in Christmas Island to its move to Pipers Cove and its survival today, the house stands as a silent witness to generations of change.

This book traces the arrival of Gaelic-speaking Scottish settlers, the shaping of this rural community, and the traditions, beliefs, and hardships that defined daily life for more than a century. Each chapter layers stories with broader historical moments, transforming one building into a living timeline of Grand Narrows and Central Cape Breton itself.

This is the story of the region, capturing shifts in culture, economy, and identity across two centuries. It's not just the history of one house; it's the history of an entire community.

Buy at Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/an-seann-taigh-a-history-of-the-old-glebe-house-at-pipers-cove/9781778287817.html

Also available at other online retailers and your local bookshop (ask them to order it if it isn't in stock).

Learn more about An Seann Taigh today: www.downingfield.com/an-seann-taigh

Buy the book An Seann Taigh: A History of the Old Glebe House at Pipers Cove by m g mader at Indigo

What does it feel like when a town reaches its final chapter?The End of an Era captures the last days of the independent...
06/04/2026

What does it feel like when a town reaches its final chapter?

The End of an Era captures the last days of the independent Town of Canso, Nova Scotia, through photographs and firsthand insights from those who lived it. This isn't just a book; it's a real moment in history, preserved forever.

Witness the end of one chapter of a community and what came after. Discover the story today!

Buy from Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/the-end-of-an-era-a-portrait-of-the-former-nova-scotian-town-of-canso/9780995921733.html

Also available at other online retailers and your local bookshop (ask them to order a copy if it's not in stock).

Find out more: downingfield.com/the-end-of-an-era

Buy the book The End of an Era: A Portrait of the Former Nova Scotian Town of Canso by m g mader at Indigo

02/03/2026

Discover the story of Olga Woronoff, born Countess Olga Kleinmichel: friend of the Russian Royal Family, observer of the Russian Revolution, and chronicler of the downfall of Imperial Russia.
NOW AVAILABLE: https://downingfield.com/book/upheaval/

26/02/2026

Discover how Alex de Fircks brought her grandmother’s memoir back into print, complete with meticulous footnotes and previously unpublished diaries and correspondence with royalty.
NOW AVAILABLE: https://downingfield.com/book/upheaval/

25/02/2026

Discover how Alex de Fircks brought her grandmother’s memoir back into print, complete with meticulous footnotes and previously unpublished diaries and correspondence with royalty.
NOW AVAILABLE: https://downingfield.com/book/upheaval/

Address

Suite 346/585 Little Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC
3000

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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