Introduction
Submitting your book to an Australian writing festival is a strategic process that goes far beyond simply having a published title. Festival organizers look for relevance, professionalism, and audience value. Understanding how submissions work can significantly improve your chances of being invited to speak.
Understanding Australian Writing Festivals
Australian writing festivals are carefully curated cultural events designed to attract readers, thinkers, and creative communities. Most festivals are not-for-profit and rely on grants, sponsorships, volunteers, and ticket sales. As a result, every author selected must contribute meaningfully to the program.
Festival organizers balance:
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Audience expectations
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Genre diversity
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Cultural relevance
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Author reputation and reach
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Budget and scheduling constraints
This means your book is assessed not just on quality, but on how well it fits the festival’s broader vision.
Step 1: Choose the Right Festivals for Your Book
One of the most common reasons authors are overlooked is submitting to festivals that are not aligned with their work.
Before submitting, research:
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The festival’s past programs
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Genres and themes they favor
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Target audience demographics
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Whether they priorities local or regional authors
A memoir about migration, for example, may suit a festival focused on multicultural storytelling more than a general literary event. Matching your book to the right festival dramatically improves acceptance chances.
Step 2: Understand Submission Timelines
Most Australian writing festivals finalize their programs 9 to 18 months in advance. Submitting too late is one of the fastest ways to be excluded.
Submissions may be:
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Open calls on festival websites
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Managed via publishers or agents
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Invitation-only for major authors
If timelines are unclear, a single polite enquiry email is acceptable. Repeated follow-ups are not.
Step 3: Prepare Your Book for Submission
Before submitting, ensure your book is professionally presented. Festival organizers notice quality immediately.
Key preparation steps include:
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A polished manuscript
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A compelling synopsis
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Clear positioning within a genre or theme
Many authors strengthen their chances by refining their work through professional editing in book writing, which improves clarity, structure, and credibility.
Step 4: Write a Strong Festival Submission Pitch
A festival pitch should be concise, relevant, and audience-focused.
Include:
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A short author bio (50–100 words)
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Book title, genre, and publication details
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A clear summary of your book
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Why your book suits this festival
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Topics you can speak on
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Any prior speaking or media experience
Avoid sending full manuscripts unless requested. Think of your pitch as a professional introduction, not a sales letter.
Many of the same principles used in how Australian authors pitch to bookstores also apply to festival submissions clarity, relevance, and respect for the decision-maker’s time.
Step 5: Position Yourself Beyond the Book
Festivals don’t just invite books they invite voices.
Ask yourself:
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What conversations does my book contribute to?
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Can I speak on broader cultural, social, or industry topics?
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Could I appear on multiple panels or sessions?
Authors with a clear public profile are more appealing to organizers, which is why building a strong author brand is essential well before festival submissions open.
Step 6: Consider Panels, Workshops, and Alternative Formats
If your book lends itself to teaching or discussion, pitching a workshop can be an excellent entry point.
Workshops are often:
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Easier to program than keynote talks
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Highly valued by attendees
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Ideal for emerging authors
A workshop pitch should clearly explain:
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What participants will learn
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Who the session is for
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Session length options
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Your relevant experience
Step 7: Leverage Publishers, Agents, and Publicists
If you are traditionally published, your publisher or agent plays a crucial role. Publishers often pitch multiple authors to festivals and already have relationships with program directors.
Be proactive by:
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Expressing interest in festival appearances
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Sharing availability and travel flexibility
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Highlighting topics you can discuss confidently
If you are self-published, you’ll need to handle this professionally yourself but many indie authors do succeed, particularly at regional festivals.
Step 8: Show Audience Reach and Marketing Awareness
Festivals want sessions that sell tickets and books. Authors who demonstrate an understanding of effective ways to market a book are often viewed as lower risk and higher value.
This doesn’t mean you need massive social media numbers just evidence that you engage meaningfully with readers.
Step 9: Build Visibility Before You Submit
Festival organizers notice authors who are active in the literary ecosystem.
Helpful actions include:
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Attending festivals regularly
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Supporting local bookshops and libraries
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Speaking at community or library events
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Appearing on podcasts or local media
Even modest exposure, such as getting featured in the media, reassures organizers that you are comfortable speaking publicly.
Step 10: Be Professional, Patient, and Kind
Festival programming is complex. Silence does not mean rejection it often means decisions are still in progress.
Best practices:
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Submit once, clearly
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Avoid chasing responses
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Accept outcomes graciously
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Maintain respectful communication
Authors who are easy to work with are often remembered for future programs.
If Your Submission Is Not Successful
Not being selected is common even for established authors.
Productive alternatives include:
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Partnering with bookshops for talks
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Running independent literary events
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Speaking at conferences or community groups
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Creating genre-specific reader events
Many authors build strong speaking profiles outside festivals before being invited later.
FAQs
Q1. Can self-published authors submit to Australian writing festivals?
A. Yes. While competition is high, many regional and niche festivals welcome self-published authors with professional presentations and audience engagement.
Q2. How far in advance should I submit my book?
A. Most festivals program 9–18 months ahead, so early submission is strongly recommended.
Q3. Do festivals accept unpublished books?
A. Some festivals do, particularly if the book aligns strongly with the festival theme and has a confirmed publication timeline.
Q4. Are authors paid to appear at writing festivals?
A. Payment varies. Some festivals offer speaking fees, while others cover travel, accommodation, or promotional opportunities.
Q5. What makes a festival submission stand out?
A. A clear pitch, strong relevance to the festival’s audience, professional presentation, and the ability to contribute to multiple sessions.
Conclusion
Submitting your book to Australian writing festivals is a long-term career strategy rather than a single opportunity. Authors who invest in professional preparation, understand the festival landscape, and actively grow their visibility are far more likely to be selected. Alongside submissions, refining your manuscript, strengthening your profile, and improving how you market your book will position you as a confident and credible festival guest.