Samuel Bernard
Samuel Bernard is a freelance writer, critic, and editor, who joined Zeitgeist as a Literary Agent in 2023.
He writes for The Weekend Australian’s ‘Notable Books’ column, as well as a monthly opinion column for Good Reading Magazine and has appeared in the Australian Book Review and Backstory Journal. He has also been an editor for Verge Literary Journal, published by Monash University Publishing.
Sam has a Master of Writing from Swinburne University and was working on a PhD in Creative Writing at Monash University, before deciding that the publishing industry was where he wanted to be. He has a passion for global history, including a deep interest in the world war era.Samuel is only available for Virtual Appointments.
What is Samuel looking for?
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?
Not looking for childrens or YA. I am also not interested in Sci-fi or fantasty at this time
Is there a genre or sub-genre you’re particularly keen to see?
I am really interested in anything within commercial fiction. Whether that is crime, historical fiction, romance, and commercial women's fiction
What genre is your personal favourite?
Crime and historical fiction have always been my own personal favourites
What is your major turn-off in a book?
Anything unoriginal is a big turn off. From cliches to tired tropes, wow me with something new and creative, and I'm right there with you
What is likely to really knock your socks off besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
There are a range of things that could knock my socks off, including original ideas, engaging opening pages, fascinating characters, and a polished manuscript
Any advice to your potential pitchers?
Take your time to work on your elevator pitch and your synopsis. This is so critical. Don't spend hundreds of hours on a manuscript and then skimp on your pitch! It happens far too often
Get to know Samuel...
All-time favourite book?
Current favourite book?
Favourite tropes?
Favourite movies?
Favourite TV shows?
I'm a sucker for the Harry Potter series
The War Nurses by Anthea Hodgson
Yikes. This is such a difficult question. Too many to choose
Yikes again! Too hard HAHA
Schitt's Creek, Seinfeld, The Office