Pitch Me! publisher and agent program announced

Varuna The National Writers’ House is delighted to launch a new program, Pitch Me! providing an opportunity for Australian writers to cut through the complex business of literary representation and to have their work assessed by agents and publishers.

Two writers will be awarded a $2000 development payment, an optional week’s residency at Varuna and an extended editorial conversation, focusing on developing work with a view to publication.

For this inaugural program, Varuna has secured two highly respected industry professionals, publisher Alex Craig from Ultimo Press, and literary agent Grace Heifetz of Left Bank Literary.

Varuna Creative Director Amy Sambrooke said, “Finding a way into the industry and creating those opportunities to have your work reviewed for publication can be hard, and an obstacle for many talented writers.

“The intention of Pitch Me! is to create opportunities for writers who have already been selected for a highly competitive Varuna Fellowship, who have completed a draft manuscript, and who are now looking for editorial feedback and connections in the publishing industry.”

Pitch Me! is open only to alumni from Varuna’s recent Fellowship and Masterclass programs.

Applicants need to apply online. Submissions must include a synopsis and the equivalent of three chapters of a work, with a complete draft available on request, and work must be unpublished and not contracted to an agent or publisher. Applications are open now, closing on 8 December 2021.