samuel bernard
Samuel Bernard is a freelance writer, critic, editor and literary prize judge, who joined Zeitgeist as a Literary Agent in 2023.
He writes The Weekend Australian’s ‘Notable Books’ column, as well as a monthly opinion column for Good Reading Magazine and has appeared in the Australian Book Review, Zero Hanger, and Backstory Journal.
In 2024, Samuel was asked to be an inaugural judge for 'The Australian Fiction Prize' alongside industry legends Caroline Overington and Catherine Milne. A role in which he will continue in 2025. He has also been an editor for Verge Literary Journal, published by Monash University Publishing.
Samuel has a Master of Writing from Swinburne University and was working on a PhD in Creative Writing at Monash University, before deciding that the publishing industry was where he wanted to be. He has a passion for global history, including a deep interest in the world war era.
What is Samuel looking for?
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?
Children's, sci-fi or fantasy.
Is there a genre or sub-genre you’re particularly keen to see?
Romance, Contemporary women's fiction, Crime
What genre is your personal favourite?
Romance, Crime and Historical Fiction are all my favourites.
What is your major turn-off in a book?
The same old same old! Give me something unique with a good hook!
What is likely to really knock your socks off besides an engaging voice and well-written book?
A cracking one-line elevator pitch that is different from the rest.
Any advice to your potential pitchers?
Be original. Be unique. Be brave.
Get to know Samuel...
All-time favourite book?
Current favourite book?
Anything Hemmingway and Huxley!
Wayyyyyy too many to choose from.