Pitch Sessions

We offered an incredible opportunity for aspiring fiction writers to pitch in person to some of the publishing industry’s most influential people in our “Speed Dating” pitch sessions, which ran on Saturday 19th October, 2024.

Writers booked an exclusive 5 minute meeting with the publisher, editor or agent of their choice to pitch their manuscripts.

Tickets for pitch sessions will be on sale again in 2025. Join the mailing list to stay informed.

Any other questions, please email us at festivaloffiction@gmail.com

2024 pitching team

Ali is looking for adult genre fiction, in particular women’s fiction, romance, historical, crime and suspense.

Ali’s top tips: I don’t want writers to use the pitch time to just read their synopsis. Really, it’s just an opportunity to get to know the writer a little, hear about what inspires them, what they’re working on, and where they’d ideally hope to see themselves. They can leave me with a typed version of their pitch at the end, so why waste time simply reading from a script?

Lex is looking for hooky, thought-provoking upmarket adult literary and commercial fiction. She always looks for books that will reach a wide audience, but have a cultural question at their core. She loves stories that offer a new perspective, with a unique voice and propulsive storytelling.

Lex’s top tips: I think a good use of the five minute pitch would be a 1 or 2 line elevator pitch (definitely include your hook!), some comparison titles that explain where your book sits in the market, and chat about what you think is most unique and engaging about your book.

Rachel accepts all genres and at any stage of development for all reading ages. An exception to the Festival of Fiction rule of manuscripts needing to be complete to pitch, Rachel is open to manuscripts in all stages of development and is happy to discuss ideas, roughs, etc. Gentle reminder: Magabala is a First Nations publishing house, but may consider collaborations.

Rachel’s top tips: The more informal the pitch the better. I like to understand how the creator thinks, and if we are able to fulfil their expectations. I’m open to a conversation as opposed to a pitch.

Danielle is taking pitches for Young Adult and Middle Grade general fiction (no sci-fi please). She is looking for humorous stories, diverse voices (own voices), YA Romantasy and horror. Danielle will also take pitches for adult romance, including romantasy, but she is not accepting historical romance and medical romance.

Danielle’s top tips: I love a verbal pitch that mirrors a back-cover blurb and includes similar reads (everything from books to film, TV, albums, video games and musicals referenced if relevant)

Kirsty is looking for new and emerging writers from WA, with compelling stories that will connect with young readers from WA and beyond. Fremantle Press are interested in hearing from diverse voices, and are considering one-off children’s titles for all ages.

Kirsty’s top tips: To pitch your idea, please identify your intended reader, key points about the story and a little bit about yourself and how you might promote your work.

Scholarship Pitch Sessions