• Why Good Writing Gets Rejected
    Craft, Industry

    Writers are always told that to avoid rejection, they need to proofread, proofread, proofread. Follow the submission guidelines, be familiar with the publication, and things will go well. But that's not always the case. Sometimes writing that is laboured over is rejected. Sometimes even a submission that a writer has rewritten, edited and polished until it sparkles gets rejected—but that doesn't mean that the writer is a bad writer.

    So what is going on behind the scenes that an automated rejection email can't tell you? Why does good writing get rejected, and why should writers keep trying when it can be so hard to get traction?

  • How to Get Started with Freelance Writing in Australia
    Industry

    A little-known fact is that most Australian publications are open to unsolicited pitches. That means that emerging writers can find themselves in the same magazines and journals as big-name writers such as Benjamin Law. And you don't need to sacrifice your whole life for it, either; you can build industry connections, find a niche of your own, and create a published portfolio while still working or studying full time.

    Of course, the whole industry can be a daunting place for someone just starting out, with no understanding of the industry. This is a gentle, step-by-step guide on building connections, a portfolio, and a career.

  • How (and Why) to Find a Literary Agent
    Industry

    Why do I want an agent?

    Literary agents are essentially somewhere between the guardian angels and the mercenaries of the publishing world. They guide you through your career, bring your work directly to the people who matter, fight the contractual battles so you can spend more time on writing and promotion, and make sure you end up with the best possible deals. 

    The biggest benefit to having an agent is that they can get your manuscript out of the slush pile. An experienced agent has contacts in the publishing industry, and knows who publishes what, and what they're interested in. While to us mere mortals, the publishing industry behind a wall, an agent knows that Paul from Penguin Random House loves literary writing with a distinct voice, and that Bob from Pan Macmillan is a sucker for manuscripts set in the 1920s with snarky male characters.

  • 10 Organisations That Support Australian Writers
    Industry

    Many writers have no connection to the industry. Often, they feel unsure of how to break in to the community or get their work noticed. But there are many organisations that support writers and their work, and provide professional development, alternate publishing pathways, connection to the community and advocacy. These organisations can truly help you get to the next level in your career.

    Even if it seems as though these organisations have a different target market to what you're doing, it is worth sending them an enquiry. Often arts organisations will be able to mould their services around what you need, or provide you with advice on where to find the help you're after.