Kate Cuthbert is the Editorial Director at Pantera Press. She has worked with writers for almost 20 years, in several different capacities. 

A genre fiction advocate, she notably launched the Escape imprint for Harlequin Australia, and remains a proud popular fiction enthusiast. 

Kate is currently pursuing a PhD examining representations of Australia on book covers and in book titles and is a co-host on the podcast What Would Danbury Do?.

What is the minimum word-count your agency takes, or your publishing house requires? 
Pantera Press only accepts full-length, single-title novels.

What sub-genres or genres are you not looking for?
We are not currently looking for YA or erotic romance. 

Is there a genre or sub-genre you’re particularly keen to see?
We're interested in all varieties of contemporary romance, romantic comedies, historical novels with strong romantic elements, rainbow romance, and any kind of cosy story: cosy crime, cosy fantasy, whatever is going to make us feel warm and fuzzy.
Pantera also publishes commercial women's fiction, crime, literary cross-over, and non-fiction titles, and we'd be very happy to hear about your writing in these areas as well!

What genre is your personal favourite?
Fantasy? Historical. No, contemporary. Maybe SF? How does one choose?!? 

What is your major turn-off in a book?
Lack of character development: I want your characters to be changed by the events in the book! 

What is likely to really knock your socks off besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
Clever conflict, well-resolved 

Any advice to your potential pitchers?
Take a deep breath and take the chance. We're here because we genuinely want to hear from you!