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 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 Nort...

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...

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...

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 we...

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?

Taking a look back at the year that was in the world of books and publishing...joined by a group of podcasting powerhouses! 
Allison Tait (Your Kids Next Read), Dani Vee (Words and Nerds), Joanne Morrell (The Hybrid Author), Nat Amoore (One More Page), Julie Anne Grasso and Pamela Ueckerman (Middle Grade Mavens).

Writers off the Page teamed up with Holly Craig and Polly Phillips from the Off the Page podcast to talk all things podcasting: making money, networking, the benefits and more. 
We also discuss my debut middle grade novel One Wrong Turn, out next year.

Joanna Morrison chats about her new novel, The Ghost of Gracie Flynn, which was shortlisted for the City of Fremantle Hungerford Award. Plus, the ins and outs of rewrites, feedback and government grants.

Literary fiction author Kristel Thornell chats about her latest novel, The Sirens Sing, plus what winning the Vogel Literary Award did for her career, international writing residencies and how to perfect voice in a novel.

Tamara M. Bailey is a crime and thriller author. We chat about her latest novel, The Other Olivia. She also writes children's fiction under the name Tamara Moss.

Sarah Armstrong made the jump from writing for adults to kidlit and hasn't looked back. She chats about her debut middle grade novel Big Magic, the power of a great writing group, her soft office and the joys of re-writing.

Children's author Amelia Mellor chats about her new book, The Bookseller's Apprentice, which is the prequel to The Grandest Bookshop in the World. 
Plus, getting feedback on your work. How do you know what changes to accept and when it's best to follow your gut and hit decline?

Sophie Green is a top 10 bestselling author and a publisher of non-fiction. She chats about her latest novel, The Bellbird River Country Choir. Plus, her tips for surviving a structural edit and how to make your work stand out to publishers.

Children's authors Bren MacDibble & Zana Fraillon discuss how Twitter led them to a dream collaboration. Their new novel is called The Raven's Song

Reece Carter chats about his spooky debut middle grade novel which sparked an international bidding war! 

Holly Ringland is the international bestselling author of The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. She chats about her brand new novel, The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding, and the massive hurdles she had to jump over to bring the story to life.

Children's author Kate Temple chats about her new middle grade novel, The Dangerous Business of Being Trilby Moffat. Plus, why you might need to rewrite your entire manuscript from scratch and how to do it!

Jayden Boundry is a Wadjak Balardong Noongar and a Badimaya Yamatji. He chats about his new picture book, Noongar Boodja Waangkan, teaching the Noongar language and embracing Country and culture.

Paul J. Laverty chats about his new collection of short stories: In the State of Excitement. Plus, his tips for independent publishing and how to successfully market your own work.

Bestselling author Petronella McGovern chats about her new novel, The Liars, plus the importance of a strong first chapter and her tips for making sure it stands out.

Fiona Hardy is an author, book seller and crime book reviewer. She's written the middle grade novels How to Make a Movie in 12 Days, How to Write the Soundtrack to your Life, and How to Tackle Your Dreams. She explains why it's 100% necessary to torture your characters if you want to write a good book. Plus, the big tips she's learnt as a bookseller.

Psychological thriller author Megan Goldin chats about her latest novel, Stay Awake. Plus, her tricks for keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

All eyes are on the music industry in Katharine Pollock's debut novel, Her Fidelity.  Inspired by her own experience working in record stores, the book exposes the harsh reality for women in music. 

Allison Tait is the internationally bestselling author of middle-grade adventure series The Mapmaker Chronicles, The Ateban Cipher and the Maven & Reeve Mysteries. She also co-hosts the Your Kid's Next Read  and So You Want to be a Writer podcasts. Allison shares her secrets for making it as a successful author.

Finance writer Michelle Bowes is helping girls rule their finances with her new book Money Queens. She chats about making finance an accessible subject, the gender pay gap and publishing non-fiction.

Author and podcaster Dani Vee chats about her debut picture book, creating the Words and Nerds podcast, finding balance and her quest to change the perception of motherhood.

Shelley Burr chats about her incredible debut crime novel, WAKE, Australia's obsession with true crime and the reason you should be entering more writing competitions.

Journalist Kate Emery chats about her debut YA novel The Not So Chosen One, which was shortlisted for the 2020 Text Prize.

Winner of the WA Premier's Award for Children's Writing Shirley Marr chats about A Glasshouse of Stars and her decision to write the manuscript in second person. Plus, a sneak peek at her brand new middle grade novel, All Four Quarters of the Moon.

Winner of the 2020 Victorian Premier's Unpublished Manuscript Award Rhett Davis chats about his debut novel, Hovering, and how to push the limits with form to give your book the X Factor. 

Kylie Orr chats about her debut novel, Someone Else's Child  and her interesting path to publication.

Journalist Ros Thomas talks about her novella, How to Shame the Devil,  the #metoo movement and making writing universal. Plus, Ros' top tips for making sure your writing flows.

Julie Fison chats about new novel, One Punch. Plus, making the transition from writing for children to adult fiction,  and how to perfect the dreaded elevator pitch.

Genevieve Novak chats about her debut novel No Hard Feelings, plus the value of goal setting and how to cope with reviews.

Children's and YA author Mike Lucas chats about his latest picture book, Let's Build a Backyard, plus the dos and don'ts of pitching your book to a bookshop.

Hilde Hinton chats about her latest book, A Solitary Walk on the Moon, plus the benefits of negative feedback and how Lego can help your writing.

Tabitha Carvan chats about the guilt and emotions of motherhood and the hilarious and heartfelt memoir that came as a result of it. PLUS how to structure and pitch a memoir to publishers.

Children's author Nat Amoore chats about her latest book, We Run Tomorrow, a hybrid novel/graphic novel, PLUS her secret trick to winning over kids during school visits.

Internationally bestselling and critically acclaimed author Dervla McTiernan chats about her latest book The Murder Rule, PLUS the pressure that comes with a seven figure contract and how to make sure once you're published - you stay published!

Telling stories of war with Portland Jones, author of the historical fiction novel Only Birds Above, and Dianne Wolfer, author of the picture book The Last Light Horse.

Illustrator Phillip Marsden chats about his picture book Boss Ladies of Sport, and his epic two week submission deadline.

From screenwriting to middle grade novels, Nova Weetman chats about her career, school visits, how collaborations work and the brilliance of the writing community.

Carrie Cox chats about her brand new novel, So Many Beats of the Heart.

Writers off the Page goes live from Bark Wine Bar for the launch of Sasha Wasley's new book, A Caravan like a Canary.

Megan Albany chats about her debut novel, The Very Last List of Vivian Walker, plus how she found the perfect writing group.

BONUS EPISODE: What makes a good piece of flash fiction? Laura Keenan & Linda Martin share their top tips for writing flash and micro fiction. Plus submissions are open for their new anthology. What are they looking for?

Dr Michael Levitt has written a number of non-fiction medical books. He recently released his debut fiction novel, The Gallerist. 

Suzy Zail has written YA novels about the Holocaust and the plights of women in Uganda. Her latest release is the picture book Arabella's Alphabet Adventure. She discusses how words have the power to change the world.

Christian White chats about his latest novel, Wild Place, plus his secret to writing an epic plot twist that will have all of your readers fooled - just like he did in The Wife and the Widow!

Multi-award winning author Sue Whiting's top tips for writing for children. How to write across a variety of age groups while keeping the voice authentic. Plus, a sneak peek at her new junior fiction novel, Pearly and Pig and the Great Hairy Beast.

Ali Lowe chats about her saucy debut novel, The Trivia Night. Plus: tips for switching between multiple point of view characters and how to choose a comparative text.

Tobias Madden chats about his YA novel Anything but Fine. Plus, his tips on bringing characters to life, plotting, achieving cultural authenticity and the importance of reading outside your genre.

Inga Simpson talks about the competition that launched her writing career, plus her latest book The Last Woman in the World.

Everything you need to know before entering the 2022 Hungerford Award. Find out what the judges are looking for with Fremantle Press publisher Georgia Richter, as well as advice from 2020 winner Maria Papas.

The rise of graphic novels and visual storytelling with Jessica Walton & Aśka, co-creators of Stars in their Eyes.

Fiona Palmer chats about her latest novel, The Long Weekend, the benefits of writing retreats and how to make plotting work for you.

Jacqueline Harvey won the hearts of readers around the world with a little girl called Alice-Miranda, and continues to dominate the children's market with her series Clementine Rose and Kensy & Max. 

Death by cheese. Sally Scott chats about her debut novel, Fromage, and how a health scare kickstarted her writing career.

Crime writer Alan Carter celebrates his 5th & final Cato Kwong novel, Crocodile Tears, plus his tips for writing believable crime fiction.