In this two-part masterclass, renowned literary agent Alex Adsett will provide an exclusive look into the world of publishing for writers seeking publication.

This full day experience, split into two optional sessions, will cover everything an author needs to know – from copyright and publishing contracts, to agents and pitching. Learn from one of Australia's most celebrated agents who represents literary luminaries including Melissa Lucashenko and Isobelle Carmody.

Morning session: Copyright and Publishing Contracts

Learn the copyright essentials all authors should know, and the ins and outs of what to expect from a publishing contract. What are the key things to consider before you sign on the dotted line? What rights do you have, or are giving away? Are you getting a fair royalty? And will you ever get your rights back? Publishing consultant and literary agent Alex Adsett will discuss some of the sneakier things publishers include in their contract, and how to avoid them. This behind the scenes look at the publishing industry will also provide advice on when to negotiate, and when to walk away, as well as an overview of the different publishing companies – when are they best for you, how and when to approach them, and what does everyone who works there actually do.

Afternoon session: Agents and Pitching

The second session focuses on one of the more daunting aspects of securing a publishing contract – pitching to agents and publishers.

Alex will demystify the role of the literary agent – what they do for an author, their place in the publishing industry ecosystem, and if and when you need one. Learn about the different kinds of pitches – verbal, written, accidental – and when and how to pitch. We’ll cover things like what to put into your cover letter, comparison titles, horror stories from the trenches, and the gold star examples of great pitches. This workshop will arm you with a great overview of pitching your manuscript, what not to do, and tips and tricks on how to make you and your manuscript stand out.

Participants will have the opportunity to present a 3-minute practice pitch to the room, and receive a live critique from Alex. There will be time for up to 10 pitches only. Participants will be asked to nominate themselves to be chosen at random to present.

You are then are invited to stay for networking drinks at Crystalbrook Byron after the workshop from 4:30pm – 6pm.

Workshop Details

When: Saturday June 7th 2025

Session One | Copyright and Publishing Contracts: 9:30am - 12:30pm

Lunch: 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Session Two | Intro to Agents and Pitching: 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Networking drinks: 4:30pm - 6pm

Where: In-person at Crystalbrook Byron, 77/97 Broken Head Rd, Byron Bay

Cost

All day workshop - includes lunch, tea/coffee and option to stay for networking drinks (cash bar)

Cost: General $324 +bf $9.59 / Festival Friend $244 +bf $7.60

Morning workshop - includes tea/coffee, optional lunch, and option to stay for networking drinks (cash bar)

Cost: General $149 + bf $4.23 / Festival Friend $109 +bf $3.23 / plus optional lunch

Afternoon workshop - tea/coffee, optional lunch, and option to stay for networking drinks (cash bar)

Cost: General $149 + $4.23 / Festival Friend $109 + bf $4.63 / plus optional lunch

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About Alex Adsett

Alex Adsett is a literary agent and publishing consultant, who has been working in the publishing and bookselling industries of Australia and the UK for more than twenty five years. She has managed Alex Adsett Literary since 2008, which now includes three other agents.

As a consultant, Alex provides commercial and strategic advice to authors and publishers regarding copyright and publishing contracts. She has worked with numerous small publishers and bestselling authors to negotiate their contracts, and make sure they have the best possible deal.

As a literary agent, Alex represents more than 50 exceptional authors and illustrators, writing stories for all ages and across all genres. She represents all fiction and narrative non-fiction for all ages, from picture books to young adult to adult, with a focus on commercial and genre fiction.

Some of her authors include Melissa Lucashenko, Isobelle Carmody, Peter Greste, and Dinuka McKenzie.

She is an alumni of the Australia Council’s Arts Leaders program, and regularly speaks on copyright and publishing contracts around Australia.

More info on Alex can be found via her website www.alexadsett.com.au.