Australia’s book printing industry has faced yet another blow as Queensland book publisher Alto Books collapses into liquidation.

Liquidators from Worrells Solvency & Forensic Accountants have been appointed to the Buderim-based publishing company following a general meeting yesterday that saw Alto Books’ liquidators resolve to wind it up. 

Alto Books publishes local books around Australia and New Zealand, and distributes through book distribution company Dennis Jones & Associates. According to its website, it provides a full range of publishing services to anyone seeking to self publish.

The company was established in 2006 and is headed by director David Dermott Conners. It employs a workforce of some six staff members, and generates an estimated annual net revenue of $108,949.

Alto Book’s website has been suspended and its phone line at its Buderim site is disconnected. ProPrint contacted Worrells for comment however the liquidators were unavailable.

Alto’s liquidation follows a publishing war between the Turnbull government and Australia’s book industry which has seen famous authors advocate against the proposal to relax parallel import restrictions.

If the current law is abolished, local publishing houses and authors will be forced to compete against international suppliers. Current regulation restricts overseas book imports to 14 days after it is first published in Australia – providing protection for local industry.

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