On Wednesday 17 April, EWF is teaming up with Hachette Australia for a unique virtual event that takes you behind the scenes at one of Australia’s biggest and brightest publishing houses.

Hachette Australia represents an array of A-list international and local authors, publishing around 100 new Australian titles every year. Its stellar line-up of local authors includes bestselling two-time Golden Dagger winner and ABIA Fiction winner Michael Robotham; Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks; Australia’s bestselling non-fiction writer and favourite storyteller Peter FitzSimons and New York Times bestselling novelist Natasha Lester; bestselling and critically acclaimed author Mark Brandi and the ABIA, CBCA and NSW Premier’s award-winning Davina Bell.

Throughout this day-long program, you will have the chance to learn about the intricacies of the book publishing journey from pitch to publication and to hear from publishers, editors, publicists and salespeople who will demystify the ins and outs of all parts of the publishing house. This event is perfect for aspiring authors, editors and publishers.

We’ve got a full lineup of publishers and seasoned literary pros appearing at Inside the Publishing House next month, so check out the full event schedule below!

Got questions? Check out the Inside the Publishing House FAQs for all the answers.

Places are extremely limited so book your tickets today!

Book tickets

Inside the Publishing House 2024 Schedule

Welcome! | 10am

Kick off the day with a warm welcome and a bit of housekeeping from Hachette Group Publishing Director and EWF CEO, who will outline the program and help get you settle in for the day ahead, before the first session starts. Featuring Fiona Hazard, Group Publishing Director Hachette Australia and Ruby-Rose Pivet-Marsh, Co-CEO Emerging Writers’ Festival.

Panel 1 – Behind the Scenes Discussion | 10.15am

Step foot inside the publishing house and uncover what the people collaborating with writers and illustrators do. Meet members of the Hachette team from across editorial, production, sales, publicity and marketing. In this session, you’ll find out all about what goes into getting a book out there, once you have finished your fabulous manuscript. Hear from the people who make it all happen. Includes 15-minute Q&A.

Featuring Vanessa Radnidge, Head of Literary, in discussion with Lillian Kovats, Sales Director; Isabel Staas, Production and Audio Manager; Emily Lighezzolo, Publicity Manager; Kirstin Corcoran, Senior Campaign Manager and Rebecca Allen, Deputy Managing Editor.

Break | 11.00am

Panel 2 – Demystifying the Publication Process | 11.15am

So, you have finished your manuscript – what now? Join Hachette Authors Simone Amelia Jordan and Mandy Beaumont, along with and Hachette’s Head Literary Vanessa Radnidge, to hear all about what comes after you have finished writing. From getting your book in front of the right people, to getting it into the hands of your readers, this session will give you invaluable insight into an otherwise illusive process. Includes 15-minute Q&A.

Featuring Simone Amelia Jordan (Tell Her She’s Dreamin’), Mandy Beaumont (Wild, Fearless Chests, The Furies and the upcoming The Thrill of It) & Vanessa Radnidge, Head of Literary.

Lunch | 12.00pm

Pitch Perfect | 12.45pm

Ahead of the afternoon’s pitching sessions, learn how to whip your pitch into shape. Hachette Non-Fiction Publisher Sophie Hamley will lead this pitching masterclass. Find out the must-haves for a successful pitch and the pitfalls to avoid. In a specially designed workshop, Sophie will run through the mechanics of pitching and pitch documents, with all your questions answered along the way. This masterclass will give you an incredible opportunity to work on your pitch under the guidance of an industry leader, including bespoke advice, instruction and insights. Includes 15-minute Q&A.

With Sophie Hamley, Non-Fiction Publisher.

Break | 1.30pm

What Publishers Want: Q&A | 1.45pm

What are the insider tips and tricks that will make it more likely that a publisher will read your manuscript? What little thing might just be what snags you a book deal? What are publishers looking for when they acquire a manuscript? How do you pitch your book and yourself effectively? This session will cover just what these publishers want! Includes Q&A at the end.

Featuring Emma Rafferty, Editorial Manager, in discussion with Jeanmarie Morosin, Head of Childrens Publishing; Rebecca Saunders, Head of Fiction; and Scott Henderson, Senior Non-Fiction Publisher.

Half an Hour Break | 2.15pm

Pitch Time! Sessions with Hachette Publishers | 2.45pm

The time has come – this session is your chance to put what you’ve learned into practice and pitch your manuscript to the Hachette team! Publishers are always on the lookout for new and exciting voices, so here’s your chance to show them yours. Members of the Hachette team will be listening to your 5-minute pitches as a professional development exercise for you and with the potential to be much, much more!

End of the day! | 4.30pm

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