Join literary agent and author Danielle Binks for this two-part workshop on refining your pitch and gaining insight into the current publishing industry.

The Hollywood version of book publishing would have emerging creatives thinking that books are pitched and bought over boozy lunches in smoke-filled New York restaurant-dens … but the 2023 reality is vastly different. Pitching has been shaped by social media and digital trends (from Zoom literary speed dates to #ElevatorPitch Twitter sessions). Danielle will cover the tried-and-true basics of what will always make a good and solid pitch delivered to publishers and agents. Speaking from experience as both a literary agent and creative writing teacher she’ll go over cover letter and synopsis writing, answer any questions you may have about getting your manuscript seen by the right people for your creative ambitions, and facilitate a group pitching session to hone your pitch.

Session one will include an industry overview covering what an agent does, whether you need to engage one, the option to seek representation overseas, and practical advice for submitting your work. Danielle will discuss the ins and outs of how to pitch, including how to write an effective cover letter and one-page synopsis, how to find similar reads to your work and how build confidence pitching yourself via written and verbal submissions. Ask all your burning questions and get expert advice on getting your work seen by the right people.

Session two will comprise a group pitching session where you'll have the chance to showcase your work in a time-modified pitch. Each attendee will have up to 10 minutes to present their work in a "literary speed dating" format with follow-up questions from Danielle. This is a great chance to get industry feedback, learn from your peers, and hone your pitching skills.

*Please note, pitches are not private 1-1 sessions. They will be delivered in front of the group.

Session dates: 10:00am to 1:00pm Saturday August 5 and 12.

About Danielle Binks

Danielle Binks is a Melbourne-based writer and literary agent with Jacinta di Mase Management. In 2017, she edited and contributed to Begin, End, Begin, an anthology of new Australian young adult writing inspired by the #LoveOzYA movement, which won the ABIA Book of the Year for Older Children (Ages 13+). The Year the Maps Changed, Danielle’s bestselling middle-grade novel, was a 2021 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Notable Book, and released in North America in 2022 with Harper Collins. Her first solo YA novel The Monster of Her Age released in 2021, and won in the Young Adult category of the 2022 Indie Book Awards. Danielle is also teaching Fiction and Young Adult Writing in the Associate Degree of Professional Writing and Editing at RMIT University.

Members $130 / Non-members $205

This workshop will be delivered via Zoom. Instructions will be emailed to you, please check your spam/junk folders. A recording will be available to registered participants for two weeks after the course's conclusion.

—Not a Writers SA member? Members receive more than 30% off the full price of this workshop, you’ll also get a free 20 minute consult, expert advice about your career and your work, and join a community of like-minded creatives. Join now for as little as $60! 

—We strongly recommend all staff, speakers, and attendees of in-person events be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. You cannot attend if you are unwell or you or a close family member test positive to Covid-19 in the five days prior to this event. See our full policy here.

—Writers SA members must be logged in to receive the member discount. If you would like to use a workshop credit to book in, please contact [email protected] at least five working days before the workshop commencement date. Our staff don’t work full time and we don’t want you to miss out!

—If you are a member of another state based writers centre, SCBWI SA or Editors SA, please contact [email protected] at least five working days before the program commencement date to get a code for the member price.