Bookings open 9 January 2018.
This opportunity is open to NSWWC members only.
Please phone the Centre to make a booking on (02) 9555 9757.

How does a publishing house work? Ever wondered how a publisher decides whether to commission a work? Interested in getting feedback on your submission?

On Friday 16 March, Penguin Random House will be in residence at the New South Wales Writers’ Centre.

Meet publishers from Penguin Random House as they take you through how a book gets published from the submissions process through to acquisition, editorial, and contracts.  In the afternoon there will be breakout groups for genre-specific Q&A sessions and an opportunity to meet one on one with a publisher to get feedback on your submission.

Submissions will be read by Penguin Random House publishers and editors prior to the seminar. In one-on-one 15 minute meetings you will be given feedback on your submission, including advice on refining your submission, whether it is in the correct genre, appropriate length, etc.

Work submitted can include genre and literary fiction, non-fiction, young adult fiction, middle grade, and children’s books.

Submissions will not be accepted for: science fiction, poetry, plays, illustrated adult books, cookbooks or educational materials.

Please note, you must have a completed manuscript to enrol.

Once enrolled, you will need to one file in Word format (size 12, Times New Roman font, double spacing, with page numbers) to workshops@nswwc.org.au by Friday 16 February. The file name should be your surname (ie. Smith.doc) and must include:

• a synopsis of your work (maximum one page, can be single-spaced)
• the first 20 pages or first chapter of your manuscript
• a short note about yourself

This opportunity is open to NSWWC members only.
Please phone the Centre to make a booking on (02) 9555 9757.

SCHEDULE

9.30 – 10.15
What happens in an acquisition meeting? Representatives from each department (publishing, editorial, sales, marketing, publicity) give an overview of the role they play in the acquisition and life of a book.

10.15 – 10.45
An overview of children’s publishing: what constitutes a picture, chapter, early reader, and YA book.

10.45 – 11.30
The editorial process. Penguin Random House editors speak about a particular book they have worked on and the opportunities and challenges it presented. This session will also include cover design and production.

15 min break

11.45 – 12.15
Marketing, social media and publicity.

12.15 – 12.45
Rights exploitation – audio, international, film/tv.

12.45 – 1pm
Q & A

1 – 1.30 pm  Lunch

1.30 – 2.00pm
Breakout groups for area specific Q & A sessions.

2.20 – 4.00pm
Individual 15-minute sessions with a publisher.