Writers off the Page

Inspiring, unfiltered and fun conversations with those who've been in and around the publishing industry for many years ... and in some cases, come out the other side. Hear their wise words, their frustrations and the things they think you should understand about an industry that's often quite mysterious.Today I chat to Erica Wagner and Craig Smith. Erica Wagner is a painter and collage artist, book publisher and creative consultant to storytellers. Her early career saw her work as an editor and later Associate Publisher at Penguin Books Australia, before establishing Silverfish, a new children's list, for Duffy & Snellgrove. She later moved across to become children's publisher at Allen & Unwin, where she stayed from 2000-2020. In amongst that, she was a big instigator of graphic novels, co-founding the graphic novel micro-press Twelve Panels Press.Craig Smith has illustrated more than 400 books for children over 40 plus years, working with many of Australia's most experienced writers and editors. He’s seen the changes in technology, and embraced various means along the way – although as you’ll hear, nothing beats that initial start on paper.

Inspiring, unfiltered and fun conversations with those who've been in and around the publishing industry for many years ... and in some cases, come out the other side. Hear their wise words, their frustrations and the things they think you should understand about an industry that's often quite mysterious.Today I chat to bookseller extraordinaire Barbara Horgan. In 1986, Barbara Horgan and her late husband Tony became the owners of Shearer’s Bookshop in Sydney. They established a big name for themselves in the industry, awarded Bookseller of the Year four times, and made life members of the Australian Bookseller Association. For the past eight years, Barbara has run multiple book clubs at Beaufort Street Books.

Inspiring, unfiltered and fun conversations with those who've been in and around the publishing industry for many years ... and in some cases, come out the other side. Hear their wise words, their frustrations and the things they think you should understand about an industry that's often quite mysterious.Today I chat to Anna McFarlane. Anna has worked for several publishing houses during her thirty plus year career, and is currently at Allen & Unwin where she publishes books for children and young adults, including early readers like the CBCA award-winning My Friend Fred by Frances Watts and Anne Yi, middle grade fiction such as A Girl Called Corpse by Reece Carter and Dragon Skin by Karen Foxlee, and a number of bestselling and award-winning young adult fiction. 

Inspiring, unfiltered and fun conversations with those who've been in and around the publishing industry for many years ... and in some cases, come out the other side. Hear their wise words, their frustrations and the things they think you should understand about an industry that's often quite mysterious.Today I chat to Susannah McFarlane. Susannah is the award-winning author, creator and publisher of over 80 books and some of Australia’s most successful children’s book series including Zac Power, Go Girls, EJ12 Girl Hero, EJ Spy School, Boy vs Beast, D-Bot Squad, Fairy Tales for Feisty Girls, Brave Tales for Bold-Hearted Boys, and Grumble Boats . With over one million books sold in Australia alone, Susannah understands children and writes stories they love and that parents trust. Susannah held a number of marketing positions with Australian publishers before becoming licensing director, then publishing director and then managing director of Egmont Books UK. She returned to Australia when her kids thought Hyde Park was nature and co-founded Hardie Grant Egmont. She now works part time as Head of Publishing for Bible Society Australia and spends the rest of her time writing or avoiding writing. 

Inspiring, unfiltered and fun conversations with those who've been in and around the publishing industry for many years ... and in some cases, come out the other side. Hear their wise words, their frustrations and the things they think you should understand about an industry that's often quite mysterious.Today I chat to Kristin Gill. Kristin has worked across all sectors of children’s publishing for more than 30 years. She’s held roles in sales and marketing and was a Publishing Manager at Penguin Random House Australia until 2021.Kristin is now co-owner of Northern Books, where she works as a publishing consultant and manager of literary events for writers, readers and schools across Victoria.  She’s also the Ambassador Manager for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation – an organisation she has been actively involved in since it was founded in 2012.

Inspiring, unfiltered and fun conversations with those who've been in and around the publishing industry for many years ... and in some cases, come out the other side. Hear their wise words, their frustrations and the things they think you should understand about an industry that's often quite mysterious.In this episode I speak to Brian Cook. Brian has worked in all facets of general publishing since 1969 from sales and marketing to editorial and distribution. He was among the first to start doing manuscript appraisals, and is most recently known for his literary agency, The Authors Agent, which he only stepped away from in 2022.Today he shares his wise words, from his experiences over the past fifty years. 

Inspiring, unfiltered and fun conversations with those who've been in and around the publishing industry for many years ... and in some cases, come out the other side. Hear their wise words, their frustrations and the things they think you should understand about an industry that's often quite mysterious.When it comes to books, Dyan Blacklock has worn multiple hats. She was a publisher with Omnibus, an imprint of Scholastic, for almost 20 years, she’s also an author and has worked as an editor and currently, an agent. 

Inspiring, unfiltered and fun conversations with those who've been in and around the publishing industry for many years ... and in some cases, come out the other side. Hear their wise words, their frustrations and the things they think you should understand about an industry that's often quite mysterious.In this episode, I chat to Laura Harris. Laura has been part of the publishing industry for more than 35 years and is a recipient of the George Robertson Award for distinguished long service to the Australian Publishing industry. Laura was a senior editor and publisher at Harper Collins, before moving across to Penguin Books where she was a publisher and then publishing director. She was later appointed publishing director for Penguin Random House, where she worked until 2023.Laura has shaped many books over the years, including works by Mem Fox, Aaron Blabey, Morris Gleitzman, Felice Arena, Melina Marchetta and Sonya Hartnett.She now runs Laura Harris Publishing.

Inspiring, unfiltered and fun conversations with those who've been around the publishing industry for many years ... and in some cases, come out the other side. Hear their wise words, their frustrations and the things they think you should understand about an industry that's often quite mysterious.In this episode, I chat to Margrete Lamond. Margrete’s  been a full-time publisher for more than twenty years, and an editor and a published author for a whole lot longer. She’s worked with publishing giant Scholastic, for the small independent Little Hare Books, and with acclaimed independent Hardie Grant, as well as founding critically acclaimed Dirt Lane Press and, more recently, Gilded Snail. She’s also the author of around 25 books for young readers – so yeah, with all those things in mind, you could say she knows a thing or two.

Introducing you to Writers off the Page's new mini-series: Wise Words. Inspiring, unfiltered and fun conversations with those who've been around the publishing industry for many years ... and in some cases, come out the other side. Hear their wise words, their frustrations and the things they think you should understand about an industry that's often quite mysterious.In this episode, I chat to Simon & Schuster's Head of Children's publishing Tash Besliev, whose brilliant mind helped get this mini-series off the ground.  

The Publishing 101: Kids & YA mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity and more.In this episode, award winning author Holden Sheppard chats about screen adaptations, and his experience having his novel Invisible Boys turned into a television series with Stan Australia. 

The Publishing 101: Kids & YA mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity and more.In this episode, Chenée chats to literary agent Annabel Barker to find out what exactly an agent does, who needs one, how international rights work and much, much more.

The Publishing 101: Kids & YA mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity and more.This episode looks at the business side of being a KidLit creator with author/illustrator James Foley and author Cristy Burne. Find out what to expect when publishing a book, how much you'll have to hustle, the common misconceptions and much, much more.

The Publishing 101: Kids & YA mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity and more.In this episode, publisher Laura Sieveking takes us inside Scholastic Australia. She chats about commercial fiction, commissioning projects, writing strategically and how her work in publishing has shaped her own work as an author.

The Publishing 101: Kids & YA mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity and more.In this episode, Children's and YA Publisher Cathy Vallance and editor Felicity Dunning take us inside UQP (The University of Queensland Press). Cathy and Felicity take a deep dive into the editorial process, as well as sharing their thoughts on how to find the right home for your manuscript. 

The Publishing 101: Kids & YA mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity and more.In this episode, publishers James Layton and Dani Vee take us inside Larrikin House. We chat all about challenging stereotypes, pitch parties, book fairs and the difficulties that come with publishing a book that appeals to both kids and gatekeepers.

The Publishing 101: Kids & YA mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity and more.In this episode, Commissioning Editor Michelle Madden takes us inside Penguin Random House, sharing her top tips for those dreaming about publishing a book featuring that iconic little bird. Michelle also explains why it's important to consider sales when pitching your work and some great news for non-fiction kid lit writers.

The Publishing 101: Kids & YA mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity and more.In this episode, Senior Editor Luna Soo discusses how aspiring writers can get their work in front of the Hardie Grant team, including competitions, assessments and pitching sessions. Plus, the common mistake being made by picture book authors and what to do if you find yourself standing in front of a publisher or editor. 

The Publishing 101: Kids & YA mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity and more.In this episode, Allen & Unwin's Associate Publisher Samantha Forge shares her tips for submissions, including pitching and finding the perfect comp titles, as well as red flags and what happens at those mysterious acquisition meetings. Plus,  exciting news for aspiring picture books authors.

In Episode 7,  Dervla McTiernan and Rachael Johns chat about the business of being a bestselling author. They discuss the things they did to help catapult their careers and whether your social media profile actually matters (the answer might surprise you).Plus, their views on paid gigs and where A.I. fits into everything.The Publishing 101 mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity, book distribution, audiobooks and more.

In Episode 6, CEO Alex Allan and Sales & Marketing Lead Chloe Walton take us inside the doors of Fremantle Press. They chat about the things that are considered at an acquisitions meeting, sales strategies, bestsellers and more.The Publishing 101 mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity, book distribution, audiobooks and more.

In Episode 5, Jane Parkhill from Penguin Random House unpacks the mysterious topic of book distribution. Jane discusses getting books into stores, the challenges, the bestsellers and why some bookshops might stock a title when others don't. The Publishing 101 mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity, book distribution, audiobooks and more.

In Episode 4, Emily Lighezzolo takes us inside the publicity team at Hachette Australia. She gives an insight into publicity windows and how to successfully put yourself and your book out there. Plus, the dos and don'ts of working with a publicist. The Publishing 101 mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity, book distribution, audiobooks and more.

In Episode 3, hybrid author Julie Anne Grasso talks all about pitching and audiobooks. Find out the key ingredients of a good pitch (and what not to do!). Plus, why every author should consider audiobook creation and where to start.The Publishing 101 mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity, book distribution, audiobooks and more.

The Publishing 101 mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity, book distribution, audiobooks and more.In Episode 2, Publishing Director Lex Hirst takes us inside Pantera Press. She chats to Chenée about the differences between big and independent publishing houses and how to decide what's right for you. She also shares her tips on how to successfully work with publishers and editors. Also, what's on Lex's ultimate manuscript wishlist?

The Publishing 101 mini series delves into the nitty gritty of publishing a book - from pitching to acquisitions, edits, publicity, book distribution, audiobooks and more.In Episode 1, Harper Collins' Head of Fiction Catherine Milne chats all about submissions, finding your voice, author brand and her ultimate manuscript wish list.

To celebrate the release of my debut middle grade novel, One Wrong Turn, I handed the mic over to author Kathryn Lefroy and let her interview me. Two crazy dance lovers chatting about how this book came to fruition - including moments of insanity, meltdowns and living vicariously through characters.

Author and illustrator Jo Dabrowski chats about her hilarious and heartwarming middle grade novel, Get Your Act Together Doris Kozlowski. Plus, tackling tricky friendships in primary school, Polish food and the common character mistake  writers make.

Can a pantser become a plotter? Claire Christian gave it a go with her new novel West Side Honey. We also chat Tinder, dating disasters and self discovery, all key aspects of her novel.

YA Fantasy author Sarah Street chats about her debut novel A Curse of Salt, securing an overseas agent, edits and MORE!

Winner of the 2022 ASA/HQ Fiction Prize Ayesha Inoon chats about her debut novel, Untethered. We also discuss balancing your personal story with fiction, cultural identity and the big submission risk Ayesha took that thankfully paid off.

Ten picture books in three years, author Rory H. Mather shares his secrets to getting published.

Celebrating the 100th episode of Writers off the Page with WA author HM Waugh. We chat all about her latest book, Mars Underground, getting noticed in the slush pile, presenting to kids and MORE!

A very honest chat with crime author Rae Cairns about her unusual path to publication. From rejections to self-publishing, to being shortlisted for a Ned Kelly award and landing a two book deal with Harper Collins, Rae's story is one of resilience. 

The Garden at the End of the World is a gorgeous new picture book written by Cassy Polimeni & illustrated by Briony Stewart. The pair join me to chat all about picture books and how it works when a book is written and illustrated by two different people.

Multi-award winning author Stephanie Bishop chats about her latest novel The Anniversary. Plus, creative influences, unreliable narrators and writing sex scenes.

Author and Comedian Carolyn Swindell chats about her debut novel We Only Want What's Best and the divisive world of dance.

Talking Pasta with Felice Arena! Felice is one of Australia's most-loved children's authors. Find out how he got his beginnings and what he did to win the hearts of so many. 

Go behind publishing doors with Meg Whelan from Affirm Press. We chat all about the big changes to Affirm's submission process, guidelines, deal breakers and what happens after you've signed the dotted line.

Say HOORAY for a cheeky bonus episode! Renae Hayward chats about her gorgeous picture book for babies, Say Hooray! 

Crime writer Kerryn Mayne chats about her fantastic debut novel, Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder, plus creating 'gentle authenticity'. When you're an expert in the field you're writing about, how much technical knowledge is too much?

There's more to being an author than just writing great books. Natasha Lester and Emily Gale take us off the page to find out how to make a living as an author. We explore both writing for adults and for kids, creating opportunities, social media v Substack and generating income. 

Talking series writing with best-selling author, television writer and podcaster, R.A. Spratt. We chat all about the key ingredients of a good series, how to write efficiently, author sacrifices and the trick to selling more books. 

Master of children's literature Jane Godwin chats about her new junior fiction series, The Isabelle Stories,  keeping up with today's kids, and what it means to keep the stakes high.

Go behind publishing doors with Alaina Gougoulis, Senior Editor at Text Publishing. We chat all about submissions, comp titles and trends. Plus, did you submit to the Text Prize? Find out what happens now.

Rachael Mogan McIntosh chats about her hilarious memoir, Pardon my French.

Author and illustrator Kelly Canby chats about her new picture book, Timeless, the brilliance of organisations like SCBWI and the things you need to consider when choosing a publisher for your debut. 

Find out everything you need to know about verse novels as Karen Comer chats about her brand new YA verse novel Grace Notes.

Award winning author Dinuka McKenzie chats about her latest crime novel, Taken, and why plotting isn't necessarily the most efficient way of writing.

Go behind publishing doors with Jeanmarie Morosin, Head of Children's Publishing at Hachette Australia. We talk all about submissions - the do's, the don'ts and the major red flags. Plus, how important is your public profile when it comes to landing a contract?