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 thought-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 irresistible hook.

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, erotica and YA. 

Is there a genre or sub-genre you’re particularly keen to see?
Romantic suspense, epic love stories, commercial women's fic and rural romance.

What genre is your personal favourite?
Thriller and speculative fiction

What is your major turn-off in a book?
Overwritten and two-dimensional characters

What is likely to really knock your socks off besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
A hooky, one-line pitch and pacy read

Any advice to your potential pitchers?
Know where your book sits in the market and how to pitch it