Varuna's Publisher Introduction Program - A pathway to publication

Would you like the opportunity to have your work read by one of Australia’s leading publishers, with a view to possible publication? Varuna’s Publisher Introduction Program (PIP) offers just that, along with a seven-day residency at Varuna and a manuscript consultation with one of Varuna’s writing consultants.

I'm finally able to announce that Pan Macmillan have signed me up on a two-book deal. A new chapter begins. I must thank Varuna House and the Publishing Introduction Program; its amazing mentors and supporters have helped me get to this point in my writing career. Writing dreams really do come true!

Taryn Bashford, PIP participant, 2016

Each year, the Varuna assessors select the work of 25 writers to be read by a participating publishers. From that pool, the publishers choose five writers to receive a PIP Development Residency, which includes a seven-day residency at Varuna, extended manuscript consultation and a half-day publishing workshop. Up to five further writers will receive a PIP Pathways Residency, which includes a seven-day residency and a one-hour Varuna conversation with one of Varuna's writing consultants. Each publisher provides feedback as to what drew them to your work, and commits to reading your manuscript again at the end of your fellowship period.

While being chosen to participate in this program does not guarantee publication, this fellowship presents many opportunities both for emerging and established writers. You will have an opportunity to immerse yourself in your writing, gather with other writers in a collegiate environment, receive support from a literary mentor, and be eligible to join the prestigious Varuna alumni.

In 2019, participating publishers include Allen and Unwin, Black Inc, HardieGrant, HarperCollins, Pan Macmillan, Penguin Random House, UQP and UWA Publishing.

Applications open 1 October 2018 and close 30 October 2018. Shortlisted applicants will be announced on the Varuna website and notified on 5 February 2019. If you are successful in your application, the fellowship week will occur between 22 and 29 July, 2019.

To read more about this opportunity, click our FAQ page.

To find out what each of our publishers are looking for this year, click here.

To find out how to prepare your manuscript for submission, click here.

To submit your application, click here.