Walter McVitty Books Publisher’s Archive

Brief description

The complete records relating to the publication of 57 Australian children’s books published by Walter McVitty Books between 1985 and 1997. The papers include correspondence, reviews, artwork, contracts, awards, financial statements, manuscripts, book dummies, and publicity materials.

Full description

The complete records relating to the publication of 57 Australian children’s books published by Walter McVitty Books between 1985 and 1997. The papers include correspondence, reviews, artwork, contracts, awards, financial statements, manuscripts, book dummies, and publicity materials.

Because Walter McVitty was working from Queensland, he did not meet many of those he published. The collection is thus extraordinarily rich and detailed as most decisions are documented on paper. This collection provides a rare insight into the creative process and the relationship between creator and publisher. Well-known titles include John Marsden's So Much to Tell You, Margaret Early’s William Tell, Colin Thiele’s Farmer Schulz's Ducks, and the deluxe edition of Seven Little Australians illustrated by John Lennox. Each title includes a comprehensive file of correspondence, publicity, reviews, and other materials such as photographs, manuscripts, and artwork.

Extent: 25 boxes

Significance statement

The papers are a complete record of the publishing company ‘Walter McVitty Books’, from its inception in 1985 until it’s sale in 1997. They are unique because this company was the only publisher to exclusively publish Australian children’s books.