Meredith Costain Craig Smith

Paul Collins is a prolific Australian writer, editor, and publisher with a significant career in science fiction and fantasy. Born in England and raised in New Zealand, he moved to Australia in 1972. His early career included launching 'Void,' Australia's first professional science fiction magazine in decades, which played a role in fostering the genre's local talent. Collins transitioned to book publishing, championing Australian science fiction and fantasy authors and pioneering the publication of adult heroic fantasy in the country.

His extensive bibliography includes numerous books for younger readers, such as the fantasy series The Jelindel Chronicles and The Quentaris Chronicles, and the science fiction series The Maximus Black Files. He has also co-edited anthologies with Meredith Costain and edited several other collections, including "The MUP Encyclopaedia of Australian Science Fiction and Fantasy." Collins' background in martial arts, including Taekwondo and jujitsu, informs his more recent cyber-oriented works. He also founded Ford Street Publishing and the Creative Net Speakers' Agency.

Paul Collins has made substantial contributions to Australian speculative fiction through his work as an editor and publisher. He launched 'Void,' a pioneering science fiction magazine that helped nurture emerging and returning Australian writers. Later, moving into book publishing, he was instrumental in bringing forth original Australian science fiction and fantasy novels, notably championing heroic fantasy. His publishing ventures have given a platform to many notable Australian genre authors. Collins also founded Ford Street Publishing, an independent press that releases a diverse range of titles, and the Creative Net Speakers' Agency, which represents prominent Australian authors and illustrators. His editorial work includes significant anthologies and encyclopedic works on Australian science fiction and fantasy.

Collins' writing spans a wide range of genres and age groups, with a strong focus on science fiction and fantasy. He is particularly recognized for his series aimed at younger readers, including "The Jelindel Chronicles" and "The Quentaris Chronicles." His science fiction contributions include "The Maximus Black Files." Collaborations have also been a notable part of his output, such as the "The Warlock's Child" series with Sean McMullen. His background in martial arts has influenced his more recent, fast-paced cyber-oriented fiction, exemplified by the cyberpunk novel "Cyberskin." Beyond novels, he has authored numerous chapter books, educational non-fiction, and short stories, with collections of his best work published.

“Australia is not the science fiction capital of the world; in fact we are probably not even on the map. This unfortunate fact would change if we could produce more writers like Paul Collins.”