Cassandra di bello

Cassandra Di Bello is a commercial fiction publisher at Allen & Unwin, acquiring across a range of genres from crime/thriller to historical fiction and romance, with a focus on cultivating and celebrating Australian voices. She loves though-provoking fiction that makes us step back and question our own perspective, as well as novels that effortlessly transport us to new worlds and boast a distinctive and irrestible hook.

What is the minimum word-count your agency or publishing house accepts? 
65k words

Which historical sub-genres or genres are you not looking for?
Military, political

Is there a historical sub-genre you're particularly keen to see?
I love reading about the forgotten women of history and/or feminist retellings.

Which historical sub-genre is your personal favourite?
Romance and gothic

What is your major turn-off in a book?
Slow pace and overwritten

What is likely to really impress you besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
A writer who knows the market and how their novel stands out in that market, as well as a knockout one-line pitch.

Any advice to your potential pitchers?
Hone your elevator pitch.