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Inside the Publishing House FAQs

Accessibility

Will this event be Auslan interpreted or live captioned?
Live captioning and/or Auslan interpretation are available upon request. Please contact us at access@emergingwritersfestival.org.au with your accessibility requirements.

What are Zoom’s accessibility features?
Zoom has a variety of accessibility features including:

  • •screen reader support,
  • •keyboard accessibility,
  • •high contrast settings and Dark Mode.

For more information on Zoom’s accessibility features visit https://zoom.us/accessibility or https://zoom.us/accessibility/faq.

General information

Is this event online or IRL?
This is an online event only. Zoom will be used for all sessions.

I live outside of Australia, can I attend?
Of course, however as Hachette is an Australian publishing house, this event would be most beneficial to Australian residents.

Is this event suitable for me?
This event is perfect for writers of fiction, non-fiction or childrens’ literature.

Will this event be available on demand following the live event?
No, this event is live and interactive, and can only be attended online at the scheduled time.

Will sessions be interactive?
Absolutely! Bring your curiosity and questions.

Is there anything I can do to prepare for event day?

  • •Ensure your draft pitch is ready (for more information, visit the ‘Pitching sessions’ section below).
  • •Check your internet speed here
  • •Test your mic and camera are working. A great way to do this is to run a Zoom test meeting here.

What should I bring on the day?

  • •Your draft pitch,
  • •water,
  • •notepad and pen/s,
  • •snacks,
  • •your questions and curiosity.

Tickets

Where can I purchase my ticket?

Right here!

Technical and troubleshooting

How will I access my session?
You will be sent Zoom links to your email address on the morning of the event. Check your junk/spam folder if you can’t see it.

Still can’t find the link? Email us at info@emergingwritersfestival.org.au and we will help you out.

Do I need a Zoom account to join the session?
You don’t need a Zoom account to join a meeting, but mobile users will need to download the Zoom app for their device. Desktop and laptop users can either download the Zoom application or access the event via their web browser.

Do I need a microphone and a camera to attend?
Yes, this is an interactive event.

Can I test my internet speed, microphone and camera before the event?
Absolutely. Here’s how:

Why isn’t my microphone/camera working?
In Zoom, click the arrow next to the microphone icon in the bottom left-hand corner. If there are multiple devices, check that the correct device is selected. Select ‘test speaker and microphone’ and follow prompts. If all else fails, use the chat in Zoom to get our attention and we’ll help you out.

Why can’t I hear anything?
Check your audio settings on Zoom. Click the arrow next to the microphone icon in the bottom left-hand corner. If there are multiple, check that the right device is selected. Select ‘test speaker and microphone’ and follow prompts. Try attaching headphones – this may help you hear more clearly.

Pitch Time! sessions

What is a Pitch Time! session?
This is your chance to deliver a five-minute, online, one-on-one pitch with a literary industry professional. These publishers, editors and literary agents are always on the lookout for new and exciting voices, so here’s your chance to practice and pitch them yours!

Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my pitch?
Yes, you’ll need to whip up a draft pitch before the event.

Below are some preparation and pitching tips:

  • •Do know who your ideal reader is. What else would someone who would enjoy your book consume? Do they watch a particular genre of tv show? Are they listening to popular podcasts? Do they like a particular magazine or website? Knowing who will enjoy your manuscript is key to unlocking how to pitch your prospective book.
  • •What other Australian authors have you read that inspire your writing? If your plan is to make a splash on the Australian publishing scene, being in tune with what other Australian authors are writing is going to help you refine your pitch. It also doesn’t hurt to show your support for the industry you’d love to be a part of.
  • •Have you read the back of any new books lately? Publishers design the synopsis on the back cover of a book to hook in readers. They are specifically formulated to catch someone’s attention – and if you can pitch your manuscript in the same manner – it’s likely you’ll catch someone’s attention too.
  • •Be professional. Pitching is a business tool – you want to sell your book to a publishing house. They in turn want to sell those books to consumers and make money for both the author (hopefully you!) and also make a profit from their investment. Understanding that all book publishing relates directly to a business decision is only going to help your cause. Know who your book is intended for and know why they want to read it. Keep all communication courteous and respectful. A little bit of good manners goes a long way.

Will my pitching session take place on Zoom too?
Yes, we will be using breakout rooms for your one-on-one pitch.

What time am I pitching and who am I pitching to? 
You’ll be sent this information via email before the event. Please ensure you are in the Zoom room 10 minutes before your scheduled Pitch Time! session.