Fiona hazard

Fiona Hazard is a publishing professional focused on promoting writers and nurturing their writing careers. Always an avid reader, her love for books drew her to publishing and over the last 25 years she has gained a wealth of publishing experience in both the UK and Australia including as Group Publishing Director for Hachette Australia and New Zealand. There she was a key leader in growing their lists, worked with award-winning and bestselling authors including Geraldine Brooks, Sophie Green, Natasha Lester, Michael Robotham, and Jessica Townsend, and led their partnerships with with the State Library of Queensland's black&write! program and the Emerging Writers Festival. 

She was also Co-Convenor of Hachette's annual writing prize, The Richell Prize, which has launched several literary careers. She is currently Head of Global Strategy & Development for Keeperton and is looking for fresh new voices to share with a global audience.

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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?
Not excluding anything

Is there a genre or sub-genre you’re particularly keen to see?
All romance including YA and New Adult

What genre is your personal favourite?
Contemporary romance/ romantic suspense

What is your major turn-off in a book?
That it lacks originality and I feel like I've read it before.

What is likely to really knock your socks off besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
That it feels fresh and unlike anything I've read before. Has the potential to spin-off into a series/repeat character. 

Any advice to your potential pitchers?
Try not to be nervous. Easier said than done I know! Make sure you have your pitch clear in your mind and give it a few run throughs before the day.