Applications close 30 October 2017
A Pathway to Publication
Varuna's unique Publisher Introduction Program (PIP) is one of Australia's most dynamic literary partnerships, opening important doors for exceptional new writers in a creative, collaborative process that aims to deliver finely honed manuscripts to leading publishers.
Each year, the program gives up to 12 selected writers of novels, short stories and literary non-fiction the chance to nurture their manuscripts to publication stage with:
- Private writing time in an environment of guidance, community and conversation - awardees will receive a one-week residency at Varuna, the National Writers' House in the world-heritage Blue Mountains, between June and August 2018.
- A literary mentor - writers will be matched with a mentor who understands manuscript development and knows the publishing process. Writers will receive a one-hour consultation on their manuscript during the residency, and another consultation upon completion of the manuscript.
- A date with a publisher - when the manuscript is completed, it will be read by one of seven leading Australian publishers - Black Inc., Pan Macmillan, Random House, Scribe Publications, Text Publishing, UQP or UWA Publishing. Our writing mentors will support the writers in the process of presenting final manuscripts to the publisher for their consideration.
What writers say
It's a 40-year-old dream starting with smurf-inspired short stories to full-length novels, but I'm finally able to announce that Pan Macmillan have signed me up on a two-book deal having won the Publishing Introduction Program through Varuna House in 2016. I'll be working with the same editor and publisher who edits for Markus Zusak (The Book Thief), Cloudwish (Fiona Wood) and Andy Griffiths (13-Storey Treehouse series). I am very humbled to be in this position and when I went to meet the publisher for lunch I nearly sat down on the floor under the Pan Macmillan sign and cried - with pure happiness. A new chapter begins. I must thank Varuna House and the Publishing Introduction Program; its amazing mentors and supporters have helped me get to this point in my writing career. WRITING DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE!
Taryn Bashford, PIP 2016
Who should apply
We encourage writers working on the development of a new work of fiction, narrative non-fiction or writing for young adults to apply for PIP. Drafts submitted may be for full-length works or collections of short stories. Your manuscript should be well advanced in its development with your application clearly showing that you are confident of both your direction and the voice for the work. For the strongest application, your manuscript should be complete. Any partial submission of a manuscripts should be at least 75% complete, with a clear indication of where further development is intended to occur. Look at our website for more information about what different publishers are looking for when selecting work.
Getting started
To be eligible for one of up to 12 one-week fellowships, you will need to submit your manuscript with a cover page by 30 October 2017. Your pages should express the idea behind your writing project and illustrate your style as a writer.
Selection process
A panel of industry specialists will be appointed by Varuna to read all applications and make a shortlist of proposals to present to one of seven publishers. From this shortlist the publishers will select up to twelve writers for fellowships.
Costs to applicant
$120 per application. Fees cover administrative costs and help sustain this program.
Please note that all successful applicants are asked to make a contribution of $375 towards their seven-night residency. Publisher Introduction Fellowship residencies include all board and accommodation and a consultation with one of Varuna's writing consultants.
For full details and to apply, visit Varuna's website: varuna.com.au
P.S. If you or your work is connected with Indonesia, you may also be interested in our Indonesian writing exchange - applications are now open and close on 1 October 2017.
P.P.S.If you'd like to drop by to Varuna, see the house, meet the staff, and find out about our programs, then you might want to come to our Open Day on Sunday 1 October.
Varuna - the National Writers House
Eleanor Dark Foundation Ltd
141 Cascade St (PO Box 907)
Katoomba NSW 2780
Phone: (02) 4782 5674
email: varuna@varuna.com.aux