This opportunity is open to Writing NSW members only. Join Writing NSW here >

Booked out 

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 26 July, Penguin Random House will be in residence at Writing NSW.

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 publishers at Penguin Random House prior to the event. 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?
Genre and literary fiction, non-fiction, young adult fiction, middle grade, and children’s books.

What genres will NOT be considered?
Science fiction/fantasy, poetry, plays, illustrated adult books, cookbooks or educational materials.

Participant Requirements

Your submission must be received by Monday 17 June 2019, 5pm.

Submit your document here >

You must submit one file in MS Word format (optional: picture book authors who have both text and illustrations can submit a PDF).
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)