Jo Mackay heads the local fiction lists for Mira and HQ at Harlequin Books (a division of HarperCollins Publishers). A passionate advocate for her authors, Jo firmly believes good writing can change lives. 

She loves strong characters, historical novels, mysteries, family sagas, pacey woman-centred fiction, psychological thrillers, romance set in close-knit communities and any story she can’t put down after the first page.

Jo has worked in publishing for more than 20 years. Originally from the UK, she began her career as a journalist in London before training as a book editor. Since then she has worked in Australia for several trade publishing houses in senior editorial roles, including six years as a Commissioning Editor at ABC Books and three years as an Associate Publisher at HarperCollins Publisher. 

She has worked at Harlequin Books since 2014.

Do you want to increase your chances of turning your raw manuscript into a book deal? Or perhaps you want to see the publication of your first book turn into a long-term career as an author?

Then join Head of Publishing at HQ, Harper Collins, Jo Mackay, as she unveils the secret life of publishing and shares those things a publisher really wants you to know before you begin the journey. 

Followed by a Q & A where you can put the questions you have always wanted answered.