Ali Watts

Ali Watts is a publisher from Penguin Random House Australia. In a career spanning thirty years, she has produced a vast number of fiction and non-fiction titles across all genres with some of the world’s most beloved and successful writers. 

She has a particular passion for commercial fiction. Her extensive list of award-winning and bestselling authors includes Monica McInerney, Fiona McIntosh, Rachael Johns, Amanda Hampson, Meg Bignell, Tess Woods, Katherine Scholes, Kyle Perry, Anthea Hodgson and Fiona McArthur. Ali has a BA in English Literature from Melbourne University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Editing and Publishing from RMIT.

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?
Sci-fi; YA; rural romance

Is there a genre or sub-genre you’re particularly keen to see?
High-concept women's fiction and romance; general women's fiction; romantic thriller; tear-jerker; cosy romantasy; romance by diverse voices – writers of colour, LGBTQIA+ writers, and writers with disabilities.

What genre is your personal favourite?
High concept romance

What is your major turn-off in a book?
A story that is more a gentle 'slice of life' than an arresting and plot-driven drama that offers an escape from the real world.  

What is likely to really knock your socks off besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
A super engaging author who is passionate about their chosen genre. 

Any advice to your potential pitchers?
I'm more interested in finding out about you as a person and your writing aspirations than hearing you read an outline. 

All-time favourite book?

Current favourite book?

If your life was a romance novel, what would the title be?

Wuthering Heights 

The Wedding People by Alison Espach 

The Plot Twist