SOLD OUT – Join the waitlist.

This opportunity is open to Writing NSW members only.

Bookings open Monday 3 September.

How does a publishing house work?  Ever wondered how a publisher decides whether or not to commission a work? Interested in getting feedback on your submission?

On Friday 16 November, meet publishers from HarperCollins and Harlequin as they talk about the book market in Australia and take you through how a book gets published, from the submissions process through to acquisition, editorial and cover design.

There will also be an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a publisher to get feedback on your submission.

Submissions will be read by HarperCollins and Harlequin publishers prior to the seminar. In one-on-one 15-minute meetings you will receive feedback on your submission, which may include advice on refining your submission, whether it is in the correct genre, appropriate length, etc.

What genres will be considered?
Adult fiction, particularly general fiction as well as genre fiction including commercial crime, women’s fiction, historical fiction, sagas, romance and young adult fiction; and non-fiction including memoirs, biographies, narrative histories, Australiana, health/fitness and sport

What genres will NOT be considered?
Middle grade fiction, chapter books, plays, poetry, short stories, essays, mind body spirit, religious titles, children’s picture books, illustrated non-fiction and educational texts

Participant Requirements

Your submission must be received by Friday 19 October 2018, 5pm.

Submit your document here.

You must submit one file in MS Word format. The file name must be your surname (ie. Lee.docx)

Your file must follow these formatting guidelines:

• Line spacing: 1.5–2
• 12 pt Times New Roman font
• Margins: minimum 3 cm all round (Word default margins are fine)
• Page numbers: consecutive from beginning to end
• Paragraphing: indent all paragraphs except the first paragraph of a new chapter or section. Only put spaces between paragraphs where you wish to indicate a section break.
• Left aligned (this means the text on the right edge of the page is ragged)

In one document, you will need to include the following:

• the first 10 pages of your manuscript, maximum 3200 words
• a one-page synopsis of your work
• a short note about yourself as a writer (maximum 150 words)