Ben James is Director of University of Queensland Press (UQP), one of the nation's premier independent publishing houses. Under Ben's stewardship, UQP has achieved remarkable milestones that have solidified its reputation for championing high quality literature.
One of the standout achievements during Ben's tenure has been UQP's consecutive wins of the prestigious ABIA Australian Small Publisher of the Year award in 2020, 2021, and 2022. This recognition underscores UQP's commitment to excellence and innovation in the publishing industry. Moreover, Ben has orchestrated an impressive increase in UQP's readership, achieving a growth rate of over 75% during the past five years.
Ben's dedication to promoting Australian literature has been reflected through the numerous accolades received by UQP authors. Their work has been honoured with wins in every major literary award across Australia, including the illustrious Miles Franklin Award, Stella Prize (twice), Voss Literary Prize, and many others, such as the NSW and Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, the Queensland Literary Awards, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, the Australian Scholarly Non-Fiction Book of the Year, and the Australian Book Industry Awards.
Ben's commitment to diversity and gender equality in literature is evident through his initiatives at UQP. He launched the UQP Quentin Bryce Award to celebrate women's lives and promote gender equality in literature. He also established the UQP Writing Mentorship program, offering aspiring writers invaluable guidance and mentorship.
Furthermore, Ben's dedication to global sustainability and social responsibility is highlighted by UQP's signing of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Publishers Compact. This pioneering move demonstrated UQP's commitment to sustainability, gender equality, diversity, reduced inequality, and climate action.
Ben's leadership also extends beyond UQP, as he serves on the board of the Australian Publishers Association (APA) and chairs the APA Independent Publishers’ Committee. He is also a member of the Open Book Advisory Board and APA Sustainability Committee.
Ben also initiated the UQP Bookshop at The University of Queensland St Lucia campus, a repository of over 350 diverse titles that reflect the richness of UQP's publishing legacy.
Ben has made an indelible mark on the Australian literary landscape. His legacy in independent publishing continues to shape the future of Australian literature.
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