Who writes the books?
I do! Every book you’ll find here is written by me, J.C. Harris.
I’m an Australian author currently completing a PhD in Creative Writing, I also hold a Master of Arts (Writing and Literature).
You can read more about me on my About Me page.
So, what is the Happy Harris bindery?
The bindery is where my stories become books.
Once I’ve finished writing a book, my family joins me in making it. Together, we print, bind and finish my books here in rural Victoria, before packing them up and sending them out into the world.
So while every story is individually written by me, making the physical books is very much a family affair.
Are your books really handbound?
Yes. Once I’ve written a book and it’s ready to become something you can actually hold, my family and I make it here in our bindery in rural Victoria.
We work in small batches, with real people involved in making and finishing each copy. We do use machines to help us physically bind the books. You can see some of this process in the video on the Homepage.
It’s one of my favourite parts of what we do. A story can begin with me sitting alone writing it, but by the time it leaves us as a finished book, my whole family has helped bring it to life.
Will my book be exactly the same as every other copy?
Probably not quite, and that’s part of what makes it special.
Because we make and finish our books by hand, you may notice tiny variations in the binding, edges or finish. They’re not mass-produced, so each one has its own little differences.
We think that’s rather lovely. It means the book you’re holding really is your copy.
What makes your books different?
It starts with the stories. I write every book myself, and then my family and I make the physical books together.
We also add details designed to make the book itself part of the experience, including signature edges, illustrated endpapers and our distinctive cover overhang.
Are your books Australian made?
Yes. My books are written and made in rural Victoria, Australia.
Happy Harris Publishing is our independent Australian family business and bindery. When you buy directly from us, you’re supporting an Australian author and her family.
Who are your books for?
My books are written primarily for young adult readers, but you definitely don’t need to be a teenager to read them.
What genres do you write?
A bit of everything!
My YA books move across genres, so you might find contemporary stories, romance, mystery, adventure or fantasy.
What connects them is a focus on characters, relationships and stories that keep you turning the pages.
Do I need to read the books in order?
For books in a series, it is generally recommended that you read the books in order.
Are the books signed?
Yes, every book is signed personally by me.
How much is postage?
All my books include standard postage Australia-wide.
Different postage arrangements may apply to larger bundles, special products or international orders, and these will be shown on the product page.
How quickly will my book be sent?
Because we make our books ourselves rather than pulling them from a warehouse shelf, please allow a little time for us to prepare your order.
We generally aim to send out orders within three business days.
Do you ship outside Australia?
If you’re overseas and would like one of my books, please get in touch.
What happens if my book arrives damaged?
Please contact us as soon as you can and include a photo of the damage and your order details. We’ll work with you to sort it out.
Tiny variations that come from making and finishing our books by hand are normal and part of their individual character.
Damage that has occurred during delivery is a different matter, so please let us know within seven days of receiving your delivery.
Can I buy your books in a shop?
Happy Harris Publishing is primarily a direct-to-reader business, which means buying from us here is one of the best ways to support what we do.
We may also pop up at markets, events and selected stockists, so keep an eye on the website and our socials to see where we’re heading next.
Still wondering about something?
Get in touch. There’s a real family behind Happy Harris Publishing, and one of us will get back to you.