What does the market for historical novels look like in this country? What are publishers looking for? How do they make their decisions? How can you best attract the attention of a publisher with your historical novel? And what pitfalls do you need to avoid throughout the process? This workshop includes an overview presentation, practical information, Q and A and hands-on exercises to writers a strong understanding of how and why historical novels are published, what you can do to help increase your chance of getting a publisher interested in your work, and how to work with the publishing team after your book is accepted.
From synopses and queries to pitching and submitting, from assessing manuscripts to commissioning and editing books and taking part in book production, multi-award winning author and acclaimed small-press publisher Sophie Masson has seen it all from both sides of the table: the writer’s and the publisher’s, and in this workshop participants will gain invaluable insights into how it all works.
The first half will consist of an overview and Q and A, with much practical information; following a short break of 15 minutes, there will then be fun and informative hands-on exercises putting you in the publisher’s shoes, and judging a novel proposal via a ‘commissioning meeting’.
This workshop will not be recorded.
About Sophie Masson
Born in Indonesia of French parents, Sophie Masson AM is the award-winning author of over 70 books. Her most recent historical novels (both for children) are The Key to Rome (Eagle Books, 2023) and Sydney under Attack (Scholastic Australia, 2022). Sophie is also a founding partner and publishing director of award-winning small publisher, Christmas Press. A former Chair of the ASA, Sophie is the current Chair of the New England Writers’ Centre and President of the Small Press Network. In 2019 she received an AM award in the Order of Australia for her significant service to literature.
