If you have questions regarding our Open House event, please have a look below to find an answer to our frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered below, please contact us here.

If I’m not a member, can I book in?

Our Open House events are exclusive to Writing NSW members. However, you can become a member easily via our website. Being a Writing NSW member will not only make you eligible for Open House, but will also give you discounts on our courses, access to writing groups and our writers’ spaces at our Callan Park building, and many other benefits which you can read about here>>

How do I make a booking?

On Monday 31 March 2025, we will open up for Expressions of Interest. The link for this form will be sent in our Newsbite E-Newsletter from approximately 11am, so make sure you’re subscribed. After following the link you will submit a form with your contact details and the genre of your manuscript. We will be in touch within 48 hours to let you know whether you have been successful in securing a place. In order to secure your place, you will need to pay the $55 invoice within 48 hours.

How do I submit my work?

If successful in securing a place, we will notify you and ask for your submission. You will need to submit the first 6,500 words of a completed manuscript, as well as a one-page synopsis of your work, to us by Monday 7 April 2025, 11am. The editors at HarperCollins will read the manuscript in preparation for the Open House day on Friday 9 May 2025. Detailed formatting guidelines will be sent to successful applicants.

What genre can my manuscript submission be?

You can submit the first 6,500 words of a manuscript in the following genres:

• Literary and commercial fiction
• Narrative and commercial non-fiction
• Fantasy
• Romance
• Crime and thrillers
• Historical fiction
• Memoir and biography
• Speculative Fiction

How much time will I have with the editor?

You will have ten minutes in a one-on-one session with a member of the HarperCollins editorial team. You will receive feedback, and can make notes and ask questions. Please note, you will receive verbal feedback only.

Why are the consultations ten minutes?

We want to ensure as many writers can benefit from this opportunity as possible. If you are seeking more feedback on your manuscript, consider booking into one of our manuscript assessments or undertaking a mentorship.

What kind of feedback can I expect?

Feedback may cover topics such as plot, structure, character development, dialogue, pace, point of view, voice, tone, style and/or readership.

Will this event sell out?

Our past Open House events have sold out extremely quickly. It’s always best to book in as soon as you are certain you can attend. Please note that all bookings are non-refundable and ineligible for credit and one-on-one times with publishers are not transferable. 

Who is HarperCollins?

HarperCollins occupies a unique place in Australian and New Zealand publishing. In both nations they are the oldest publisher, with a heritage dating back to the bush ballads and school books of the late nineteenth century.

The modern-day HarperCollins Publishers was founded in 1989 by the amalgamation of three proud publishing houses – Harper & Row (founded in New York in 1817), William Collins (founded in Glasgow in 1819) and Angus & Robertson (founded in Sydney in the 1880s).

Will there be food and drinks on the day?

Please bring your own lunch as there are no cafes within short walking distance. Feel free to use our communal kitchen’s fridge and microwave. Cafes are located on Balmain Rd, walking towards Victoria Rd, however, they are a 10-minute + walk. We have a kitchen with tea and coffee making facilities which you are welcome to use.  

What if I have accessibility requirements?

Parts of this event may take place upstairs, so please let us know when sending your submission if you are unable to use stairs so we can make alternative arrangements.  

I can’t make this date, will you run this event again?

We usually run an Open House event at least once a year with a variety of publishers.

Can I attend via Zoom or phone?

This is an in-person event only, held at Writing NSW in Callan Park, Lilyfield.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Unfortunately we cannot offer refunds or credits for Open House events.