This opportunity is open to Writing NSW members only. Not a member? Join here>>

Expressions of interest are now closed. Join our waitlist to find out about future Open House events.

Price: $45, exclusively open to Writing NSW members

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

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 so you have a better chance of getting published?

On Friday 18 August 2023, Ultimo Press, an independent publisher established in 2020 with the simple ambition to become home to Australia’s best storytellers, will be in residence at Writing NSW.

Meet the team from Ultimo Press as they take you through the steps to publishing a book: from the submissions process through to editing, marketing, digital and publicity. The morning will comprise a series of panels with the Ultimo Press publishers.

In the afternoon there will be an opportunity to meet one-on-one with one of the publishers to gain invaluable feedback on your submission.

Submissions will be read by Ultimo Press prior to the day. Each one-on-one 10-minute meeting will offer constructive feedback on your submission, including advice on refining your draft, genre categorisation, appropriate length, etc.

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

Got questions?

If you have any questions about the event, please read our FAQ>>

How do I enrol?

1. Return to this page on Monday, 29 May 2023 to submit the expression of interest form.

2. You will need to submit your name, contact details and the genre of your manuscript. Enrolments will close when we have filled all places. This event books out quickly!

3. You must be available on Friday 18 August for the morning panel sessions and one-on-one appointments.

4. If we are able to offer you a place, we will email you with payment details. You will need to pay within 48 hours to secure your place. If you do not pay the invoice within 48 hours, your place will be offered to another writer. Please note: we do not provide credit/refunds for this event.

Please note: Submitting an expression of interest form does not guarantee you a place. We will confirm the outcome of your submission within 48 hours.

This opportunity is open to Writing NSW members only. Not a member? Join here>>

If I receive a place in the event, what will I need to submit?

If enrolled, you will need to submit the following by Monday 17 July 2023, 5pm.

Once we have emailed you and you have paid the invoice to secure your place for Open House, you can submit the first 6,500 words of your manuscript to us.

You will need to submit one Word document as follows:

• the document name is your name (ie. Jane Doe.doc)
• a one-page synopsis of your work, up to 300 words (need help with your synopsis? Please see our guide to writing a synopsis)
• a short note about yourself as a writer including why you love to write (maximum 150 words)
• in word format: size 12, times new roman font, double spacing
• with page numbers.

Your submission must be received by Monday 17 July 2023, 5pm.

Reminder: we will be opening for Expressions of Interest at 10am on Monday 29 May 2023. Please note this date in your diary.

What happens at this event?

9.30                         Introduction to Ultimo Press 

9.35 – 10.00         Submissions & Acquisitions – what to expect from Ultimo Press, what to submit, how to submit, what makes a successful submission and how an acquisition meeting works.

10.00 – 10.45       Live Acquisitions Panel – watch a live acquisitions meeting and experience first-hand how publishing decisions are made.

10.45 – 11.15         The Editorial Process and Rights – the importance of rights and the shape of a general publishing deal, as well as what to expect from the various stages of editing: structural edit and copyedit, proofreading.

11.15 – 12.00         Publishing and Editorial Q&A

12.00 – 12.30        Lunch (bring your own; fridge and microwave available)

12.30 – 3.15           Individual 10-minute sessions with a publisher

More from Writing NSW

Check out our full range of in-person writing courses in Sydney, our online writing courses and our feedback programs to see how we can help you on your writing journey. Find out about our grants and prizes, as well as writing groups across NSW, and sign up to our weekly newsletter for writing events, opportunities and giveaways.