Welcome to Detour Editions, publishing new writing and fresh ideas, from Australia to the world.

"I had in my mind to write three books about the world as it was, using concepts and images almost like characters. But I ended up making a long detour.” — Italian author, Roberto Calasso

Our latest publication: Shu Ha Ri: The Japanese Way of Learning, for Artists and Fighters.

Our Purpose

Sometimes the point of the journey turns out to be the detour.

At Detour Editions, we believe that meaningful understanding and discovery often lie beyond the well-trodden path. As an independent publishing imprint, our mission is to illuminate these unconventional journeys. We achieve this by presenting evocative narratives from new voices and profound insights from ancient wisdom. We view each book as a thoughtfully curated experience, an artistic artifact designed to inspire reflection, to spark curiosity, and to foster deeper engagement with the world.

Our curatorial philosophy is rooted in seeking out works that defy easy categorization, or that evoke the unexpected turns that define a 'detour.' We champion diverse forms of storytelling, from the rich tapestries of fiction and memoir found in collections like Destinations & Detours: New Australian Writing, to the unique fusion of philosophical inquiry and visual art exemplified by Shu Ha Ri: The Japanese Way of Learning, for Artists and Fighters (yes, we're just getting started). Our carefully selected titles bridge disciplines, inviting readers to explore the interplay between text and image, concept and lived experience. Each publication is a journey of its own, crafted to offer fresh perspectives and enduring insights.

It's often said you can lose yourself in a book. Our hope is that in one of our books you might also find your way.