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.
Jul 07, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 9
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.
Jun 30, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 8
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.
Jun 23, 2025•50 min•Season 3Ep. 7
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.
Jun 16, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 6
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.
Jun 09, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 5
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.
Jun 02, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 4
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.
May 26, 2025•28 min•Season 3Ep. 3
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.
May 19, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 2
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.
May 12, 2025•39 min•Season 3Ep. 1
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....
Feb 12, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 7
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.
Feb 05, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 6
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.
Jan 29, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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.
Jan 22, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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.
Jan 15, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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 w...
Jan 08, 2024•30 min•Season 2Ep. 2
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.
Jan 01, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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.
Jul 03, 2023•46 min•Ep. 106
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.
Jun 26, 2023•26 min•Ep. 105
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.
Jun 19, 2023•30 min•Ep. 104
YA Fantasy author Sarah Street chats about her debut novel A Curse of Salt , securing an overseas agent, edits and MORE!
Jun 12, 2023•22 min•Ep. 103
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.
Jun 05, 2023•21 min•Ep. 102
Ten picture books in three years, author Rory H. Mather shares his secrets to getting published.
May 29, 2023•29 min•Ep. 101
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!
May 22, 2023•38 min•Ep. 100
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.
May 15, 2023•33 min•Ep. 99
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.
May 08, 2023•28 min•Ep. 98
Multi-award winning author Stephanie Bishop chats about her latest novel The Anniversary . Plus, creative influences, unreliable narrators and writing sex scenes.
May 01, 2023•31 min•Ep. 97
Author and Comedian Carolyn Swindell chats about her debut novel We Only Want What's Best and the divisive world of dance.
Apr 24, 2023•31 min•Ep. 96
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.
Apr 17, 2023•41 min•Ep. 95
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.
Apr 10, 2023•31 min•Ep. 94
Say HOORAY for a cheeky bonus episode! Renae Hayward chats about her gorgeous picture book for babies, Say Hooray!
Apr 05, 2023•23 min•Ep. 93