JO mackay

Jo Mackay is Head of Publishing at HQ, HarperCollins. She has worked un publishing for 30 years. For the past ten years she has built the list at HQ, an innovative publisher of fiction and a separate division of HarperCollins Australia, where she publishes bestselling, award-winning authors such as Tricia Stringer, Tea Cooper, Abigail Owen, Karen Brooks, Victoria Purman and Penelope Janu. She is currently focused on expanding the list.

Jo worked as a nonfiction publisher at ABC books for six years, prior to joining HQ where she published a range of bestselling and award-winning books.

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?
Erotica, Rural romance, Children's, Poetry, Gruesome Horror.

Is there a genre or sub-genre you’re particularly keen to see?
Not really

What genre is your personal favourite?
I don't have a favourite child and I don't have a favourite genre.

What is your major turn-off in a book?
Lack of craft and so lack of respect for the reader's experience.

What is likely to really knock your socks off besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
A great platform to reach readers and an author who can talk knowledgeable about their book.

Any advice to your potential pitchers?
Do your research, know your book and try not to worry too much - I really want to hear about your book.

All-time favourite book?

Current favourite book?

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

Too hard! It changes all the time.

The Prophet Song, Paul Lynch 

Head in the Clouds