banQuetpress is an independent Australian publisher based in Melbourne. Established in 2009, our first publication was banQuet 2010: an anthology of art and writing by queer Australian women. In 2011 we launched two more publications by LGBTIQ writers and artists. So far, banQuetpress has provided publishing opportunities for over 48 writers and 12 artists. The anthologies are annual publications. We're currently in production with the two new 2012 anthologies. banQuetpress is the only dedicated Australian publisher of LGBTIQ-themed print and e-books.

Our mission is to create publishing opportunities for new and recently established LGBTIQ writers and artists, and to provide queer readers with stories that reflect their lives.

We also support our LGBTIQ and literary communities by hosting spoken word performances, literary events and Writing Dirty Words workshops for writers. banQuetpress authors have participated in the midsumma festival launches, the ChillOut Festival, the F-Word Feminist Conference, Words in Winter and the Melbourne Leather Pride Festival.

banQuetpress is owned/operated by Laura Dettori and Deanne Carson. Publication costs are financially supported by the editors, sponsors, community fundraising events and book sales. Production and events are assisted by a team of volunteers.

banQuetpress is a professional member of The Small Press Network (SPUNC).

Our titles are distributed by Bulldog Books, www.bulldogbooks.com.au

banQuetpress supports community diversity

Carson's favourite game as a child was playing make-believe in mud puddles. Now that she’s a ‘grown up’, she’s still getting dirty and toying with fantasies. With qualifications in Professional Writing/Editing, Carson juggles raising two fabulous, quirky children with being a pen for hire. She writes on social justice issues and balances her nerd with the playful banQuet anthologies.

Dettori’s nightmares and fantasies are crowded out with commas, apostrophes, m-dashes, women and cats – the consequence of a lifetime of reading, scribbling and other dubious things. She relishes reading queer stuff that pushes the boundaries of identity and literary traditions, and leaves her smiling. Dettori’s short stories, articles and plays have been published and performed; and she is also widely published in education textbooks. Apart from a pile of education degrees, Dettori holds qualifications in Journalism and Professional Editing/Writing.