RWA23

Suzanne O’Sullivan

I’ve been a booklover since before I could read, thanks to my mum’s one-chapter-a-night introduction to classics like Anne of Green Gables (I still haven’t emotionally recovered from Matthew’s death), so it was probably inevitable that I would end up working with words. I’ve been in the book industry for over twenty years, as a bookseller, editor and publisher.

There is no greater joy than connecting with authors, hearing their stories and helping them share those stories with readers. After many years working on children’s books, I moved into commercial fiction for adults. It turns out the same principles appeal to booklovers of all ages: the need to connect with characters, the need to find a deeper understanding of the world through fiction, and the simple desire to be entertained by a good story!

Right now I am particularly keen to find smart rom-coms that balance humour with heart, crime stories with compelling plots and emotional depth, queer love stories, and contemporary fiction about all kinds of women’s lives written with a fresh voice and perspective.

.........	Availability:	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY	..........
	In Person	Yes	Yes	Yes

What is the minimum word-count your agency takes, or your publishing house requires?
I will be considering pitches for both HQ (our print list) and Escape (our digital list).
For Escape the minimum is category length (45k-55k).
For HQ it is single title only (80k and upwards).

What sub-genres or genres are you not looking for?
HQ (print): Children’s, nonfiction, horror, science-fiction, erotica or fantasy.
Escape (digital): Children’s, nonfiction, horror and science-fiction.

Is there a genre or sub-genre you’re particularly keen to see?
Rural romance, rom-com, crime, suspense and historical (especially when blended with another genre, eg historical mystery).

What genre is your personal favourite?
That’s like asking a mother her favourite child! I read just about every genre, but ones that I return to often include historical (especially where there’s a fresh, contemporary approach or a clever mix of genres), crime/thriller, contemporary stories about women’s lives, and quirky or offbeat fantasy.

What is your major turn-off in a book?
Too much exposition – the author filling in every detail and explaining everything rather than trusting the reader to infer things. I find it stops me from getting immersed in the world of the story.

What is likely to really knock your socks off besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
Characters that I can become emotionally invested in. I want to feel something about these characters, and really care about whatever experiences they are having.

Any advice to your potential pitchers?
Try to relax and approach it as a conversation – we are there because we’re keen to hear from you! Try to have a clear sense of what your story is, and who it will appeal to (for example, what already-published Australian books your readers enjoy).