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.

In 2024 she was shortlisted for the ABIA Commissioning Editor/Publisher of the Year.

What is the minimum word-count your agency takes, or your publishing house requires? 
Single title only (80k and upwards) or Category Length (45k-55k) 

What sub-genres or genres are you not looking for?
I'm not currently looking for crime fiction.

Is there a genre or sub-genre you’re particularly keen to see?
I'm looking for cross-genre fiction and romance, western/cowboy romance and sweeping love stories that have an expansive setting and family at the heart of it, with series potential. 

What genre is your personal favourite?
All things romance!

What is your major turn-off in a book?
Characters that feel two-dimensional an dialogue that doesn't feel authentic.

What is likely to really knock your socks off besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
Characters that are multilayered and feel authentic, and writing that can both make me cry and laugh out loud.

Any advice to your potential pitchers?
Keep your pitch short and sharp, and make sure you can describe your book in just a couple of sentences. And if you know comp titles/ where your book sits in the market that helps a lot.

All-time favourite book?

Current favourite book?

The Bronze Horseman, Paullina Simons

The Wedding People, Alison Espach