Resources
When it comes to writing, it's often useful to learn from other successful writers. Here are some short interviews with authors/editors who have talked to the Sydney Writers' Centre about their work.
For editing and proofreading your non-fiction book, we recommend Geoff Bartlett. Geoff is author of three books and has been teaching at the Sydney Writers’ Centre since 2006. His seminars include ‘How to get your book published’ and ‘Self publishing.’
He is available to:
- Edit and proof your manuscript. Both fiction and non-fiction
- Assist with drafting a sales proposal for submission to book publishers
- Provide information and advice on the publishing industry.
For more information, click here.
Interview with Valerie Khoo on how to get media attention
Sydney Writers' Centre director, Valerie Khoo, is interviewed by BNET's Robert Gerrish on how to get media attention.
Podcast interviews with authors
In our podcast series, Valerie Khoo interviews authors so you can find out why they write, what they write about and what keeps their creative juices flowing. So take a seat, grab a coffee (or a glass of wine) and let these authors inspire you to get creative - and get published. Every week, we'll add more interviews to our podcast series.
Interview with Mel Wilkinson
Mel Wilkinson is the founding director of Manhattan Communication and the presenter of our Professional business writing seminar at the Sydney Writers' Centre. Mel's video interview provides insight into the world of corporate writing. She provides insight into what's involved, from writing about climate change to superannuation to ghost writing for CEOs.
Interview with Pamela Freeman
Pamela Freeman is author of 18 books and a presenter of our Creative writing course at the Sydney Writers' Centre. Pamela's video interview covers advice for first-time writers and how to boost your creativity. She reveals how to find an agent and gives her unique insight into becoming a successful writer.
Interview with Valerie Khoo
Valerie Khoo is a journalist, author and entrepreneur. She is director of the Sydney Writers' Centre and is passionate about helping people achieve their writing goals. In this video interview, she talks about how to transition into a career in writing even if you are currently in a completely different industry. She also provides an insight into the world of freelance writing and reveals the key to success in their field.
Interview with Kerry Greenwood
Kerry Greenwood is author of the bestselling Phryne Fisher mysteries. When she is not writing, she works part time for Victoria Legal Aid as an advocate in Magistrates’ Courts. Kerry chatted with us recently about her books and the writing process.
Interview with Steven Herrick
Steven Herrick is an Australian author with a swag awards to his name. With a passion for poetry and verse-novels, he released Cold Skin in 2007. He has written 10 verse-novels and writes mainly for the young adult market. Cold Skin is an innovative novel about a murder in a small coal mining town. It's about "first love, sexual awakening, murder, cowardice, vengeance and forgiveness." Steven talks to the Sydney Writers' Centre about the novel and how aspiring creative writers should tackle the writing process.
Interview with Margo Lanagan
Sydney based Margo Lanagan is author of Red Spikes - a collection of short stories which are read by BOTH adults and teenagers. It is her third book of short stories. Her second collection, Black Juice, won the World Fantasy Award for Best Collection, the Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Young Adult Fiction and the Ditmar Award for Best Collection and was an honour book in the prestigious Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature.
Interview with Louise Woodbury
Louise did her first course the Sydney Writers' Centre in 2005. Her husband and now co-author William de Ora did one in 2006. By September 2006, they released their first book How to Grow Your Business By Taking 3 Months Off. Within weeks it was profiled in the Australian Financial Review, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Louise talks about their journey to publishing success.
Interview with Lisa Shanahan
Lisa is author of a number of picture books including Gordon's Got a Snookie and The Postman's Dog. She has written her first young adult book and has released My Big Birkett through Allen and Unwin in 2006.
She talks to us about what inspires her
Interview with Catherine Jinks
A prolific Australian author who successfully manages to write both children's and adult books. Her eighth adult novel is The Secret Familiar - Confessions of an Inquisitor's Spy (Allen & Unwin). It's a medieval murder mystery. She talks to us about the challenges of writing for both the adult and children's markets.
Interview with Geoff Bartlett
Geoff is an author, scriptwriter, journalist and editor. He also presents the seminar: How to Get Your Book Published at the Sydney Writers' Centre. Geoff's second book is Cattitude. It went from being an idea to a book deal in a week!
Interview with Judith Ridge
Judith is a specialist editor in books for children and young adults and she is widely recognised as one of the best editors of this genre in Australia. She also presents Writing book's for children and young adults at the Sydney Writers' Centre.
Judith talks to us about her passion for kids' books.
Interview with Katrina Lobley
Katrina has had 18 years' experience in the publishing industry, with five years as a sub-editor on The Sydney Morning Herald. She is currently in demand as a freelance editor of corporate and consumer publications. She also presents the Editing Essentials seminar at the Sydney Writers' Centre. Katrina talks to us about the joys of editing.
Other resources
The Australian Society of Authors is the professional association for Australia's literary creators, was formed in 1963 to promote and protect the rights of Australia's authors and illustrators. You can find out more about the society here.
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