Writing NSW offered a fantastic opportunity to members recently, with their Open House with Penguin Random House. This was a chance to go behind the scenes at a major publishing house and hear from editors, and department heads from Sales, Marketing and Publicity. The Publishing House even explained their Style Guide approach during the editing process.
First up was a ‘virtual’ mock acquisitions meeting where we were ‘flies on the wall’ listening in to various department heads discussing the pros and cons of contracting a particular book and writer. Fascinating to hear different POV and especially what they considered in relation to the author in particular - for instance, what could support the writer even though she or he may be a ‘debut’ author. There were lots of insights into publicity, marketing and sales, and a further eye-opening session about the process from contract to publication.
Zoe Walton was especially helpful, with her insights and suggestions for writers. Use your strengths, consider your own personal background and interests which could support your author platform; be ready to be flexible and adaptable; think about how to ‘build your brand’; and ultimately, it’s important of course to offer something ‘unique’ to the publisher, so you can ‘stand out from the pack’.
