Rachael Donovan



Fifteen years ago, I started in book publishing in sales and marketing with Little Brown, a division of Hachette Australia before moving into editorial and publishing. In 2015, I joined HQ as a commissioning editor where I discovered how genre and commercial fiction can reach out to entertain, start conversations and change minds. 

Now a publisher, I love connecting readers with remarkable stories and talented voices.

Looking for: Genre fiction with fresh voice or surprising layers that wow (If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane and The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary are some favourites). Character-driven women-centric contemporary fiction, book club fiction and family dramedy, especially if it has an edge to it, a touch of black comedy, or hot button issue at its core (Beartown by Fredrik Backman, Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, or The Dressmaker by Rosalee Ham). And hooky character-driven adventure or thriller (Forces of Nature by Jane Harper).

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Availability: 
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In Person
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What is the minimum word-count your agency takes, or your publishing house requires? 
Single title only (80k and upwards)

What sub-genres or genres are you not looking for?
Erotica, historical romance, paranormal, sci-fi & fantasy, horror and YA. 

Is there a genre or sub-genre you’re particularly keen to see?
Being Conference time, I’m thinking a lot about genre fiction. So I’m particularly submissions for well-written romance that celebrates its subgenre but brings a freshness to it. Any kind of setting will do – contemporary, rural, suburban – but an Australian hook is always a benefit. Sweet slow-burn romance or some heat in there is fine, but not to the point of erotica. It can be relatable, funny or touching and bittersweet, but I love stories that say something about who we are and how we live our lives. 
I’m also looking for mystery, and adventure thrillers that are fast-paced and surprising, with characterisation so absorbing the real world melts away. In particular, I’m interested in when a mystery or crime crosses into the domestic space (though prefer to avoid domestic violence as the sole topic). Think stories that at their core question women’s experience in our world. Or perhaps have a psychological bent or intriguing relationship unfolding between its investigative duo. 

What genre is your personal favourite?
There are too many to count! Like most readers, I read widely. 

What is your major turn-off in a book?
Our lead character not being in the driver’s seat. When I run into that in a submission, the chances are the character has slipped into passively telling us of the events unfolding around them, rather than having a depth of motivation and personality to enact change. 

What is likely to really knock your socks off besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
Something that shows you more about the world around us or the universality of human experience without you even realising it as we’re too engrossed by the characters.

Any advice to your potential pitchers?
Easy to say, but don’t be nervous. We’re looking for books to publish from new Australian writers, so I want to hear about you and your story.