Anthea bariamis

Anthea Bariamis is a publisher at Simon & Schuster Australia, where she has worked since 2018. Anthea publishes across a range of genres, with a focus on commercial and upmarket fiction. She was shortlisted for the ABIA Commissioning Editor/ Publisher of the Year in 2024 and 2025.

In 2025, Anthea launched Atria Books Australia, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Australia.

What is the minimum word-count your agency or publishing house accepts? 
No minimum word count, but we are not seeking novellas at this stage.

Which historical sub-genres or genres are you not looking for?
N/A

Is there a historical sub-genre you're particularly keen to see?
Historical fiction inspired by real events and/or people.

Which historical sub-genre is your personal favourite?
I love historical mysteries, romance and sagas.

What is your major turn-off in a book?
Dialogue and characters that don't feel authentic, and internalised misogyny in female characters.

What is likely to really impress you besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
A book that makes me feel really strong emotion i.e. a book that makes me cry and/or laugh out loud.

Any advice to your potential pitchers?
Know how to describe your book in a couple of sentences, and if you can identify the books your manuscript would sit alongside, that's really helpful too.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

Oscar Wilde! I was obsessed with all his works as a teenager and I can only imagine the fun conversations to be had. Also, the Brontë sisters. Will never not be obsessed with their life and works.