The 2025 Visiting International Publishers: Why they’re coming and what they hope to find
The 2025 Creative Australia Visiting International Publishers (VIPs) Program is running in Sydney from 19–23 May, coinciding with the Sydney Writers’ Festival.
The program invites international publishers, scouts and literary agents to Australia to participate in ‘a week-long schedule of business meetings, networking events, industry forums, writers’ festival events, and panel discussions with Australian publishers and agents.’ Since its inception, the program has welcomed 307 international guests to Australia and seen more than 300 Australian titles sold into overseas markets, according to Creative Australia.
Ahead of this year’s visits, Books+Publishing publishing director Kate Cuthbert spoke with the 2025 participants to discuss their current engagement with Australian literature – and what they hope to achieve through the program.
‘It’s my first time in Australia’: The VIPs on choosing to travel
When asked their reasons for coming to Australia, the VIPs’ interest in the local scene was palpable. For many, this will be their first visit – often a result of the long distances required to travel from locations like Europe and the US (something with which Australians are very familiar!).
‘So far away’ – and a return home
Among those anticipating a first visit, curiosity and enthuasism about Australia itself was a clear motivating factor. Sandra Rothmund, editor – Thienemann Esslinger Verlag, Germany, described Australia as ‘an exciting country with so much impressive nature and exciting animals’, adding that travelling to the other side of the world by herself gives her the opportunity to get out of her comfort zone – a sentiment echoed by fellow first-time visitor Daniela Schlingmann, company director – Daniela Schlingmann Literary Scouting, UK, who attributed the upcoming trip to ‘a love of exploring new countries and new cities’. Lettice Franklin, publishing director – Weidenfeld and Nicolson, Orion, Hachette, UK, said she felt familiar with Australia – ‘its landscapes, its streets, its swimming pools’ – from books she loves, and that she ‘cannot wait to see them in person’.
Like Franklin, many other participants also feel familiar with Australia via reading. Anna Michels, editorial director – Sourcebooks and Poisoned Pen Press, US, said, ‘I’ve always been fascinated by Australia as an English-speaking country so far away from the US. As a tween I read Don’t Pat the Wombat [by Elizabeth Honey] and got hooked on the ideas of both Australia and summer camp! I ended up attending a summer camp in Wisconsin for seven years and am thrilled to finally be able to experience the second element of that surprisingly formative childhood read.’
But some attendees have existing ties to the continent, which they look forward to strengthening. Arthur A Levine, president and editor-in-chief – Levine Querido, US, shared a ‘love affair with Australia’ that goes back 50 years, through ‘hero worship of Australian tennis players Evonne Goolagong, Rod Laver and Ken Rosewall’. Added Levine: ‘Australian publishing has played a prominent role in my entire professional career, which began in 1984. The very first book I acquired was The Friends of Emily Culpepper by Ann Coleridge and Roland Harvey, which I still find hilarious and wonderful. And I still want to grow up to become [children’s publisher] Rosalind Price.’
Meanwhile, for Mieke Chew, editor and executive director of publicity – New Directions Publishing, US, the VIPs program gives her the opportunity to return home as a professional: ‘I moved from Melbourne to New York in 2014 and have been working at New Directions for most of that time [since]. But when I come home it’s to see family, so the VIP trip is a rare chance for me to meet with Australian editors, agents and writers.’
‘Publishing friends’ and ‘the print books in all their glory’
Excitement about forming in-person connections (with publishing people and their books) resonated not only with Chew, but also with many other VIPs. Schlingmann, for instance, anticipated encounters with ‘new writers, markets and publishing scenes’, expressing ‘great excitement’: ‘I will be able to see many of my Australian publishing friends on home turf.’
Marine Alata, editorial manager, foreign – HarperCollins, France, also highlighted the importance of forming strong relationships, stating: ‘I’m constantly seeking out new voices from around the world to champion and introduce to French readers. Taking part in esteemed fellowships like this one is a key way to achieve that goal. I’m also eager to immerse myself in the Australian book market, exchange ideas, discover potential collaborations, and build meaningful connections with fellow editors.’
From another corner of Europe, Hannerlie Modderman, senior commissioning editor for Children’s and YA – Uitgeverij Luitingh-Sijthoff, Netherlands, is also on a quest for new voices. ‘Australian and Dutch children’s book markets have a lot in common,’ Modderman observed. ‘We have a similar demographic composition, and Australian and Dutch children have almost the same taste when it comes to stories and humour. Australian children’s books and authors have been very successful in the Netherlands’.
Meanwhile, despite being relatively close geographically to Australia, Gray Tan, founder and president – The Grayhawk Agency, Taiwan, said that it is ‘actually very difficult’ to access ANZ editions in the local market. ‘Our bookstores regularly carry books imported from the US and UK, but rarely (if ever) from ANZ,’ Tan noted.
‘Without a US/UK deal, the ANZ edition will be the only English-language available in the world, which makes it even more precious. I represent a number of Australian clients, but [rights selling is] all done via PDF these days. Seeing the print books in all their glory, together on display in Dymocks or Readings or Kinokuniya, is probably the most beautiful picture I can imagine. Sorry, I’m just that nerdy.’
A ’reading crisis’
In the midst of all this passion simmers a concern no doubt familiar to Australian industry professionals. Modderman singled out a particular topic she hopes to discuss: ‘Unfortunately, in the Netherlands, we are facing a reading crisis. Children are reading less, and also less well. Research shows that the reading skills of Dutch 15-year-old students have declined. In 2022, a third of the students did not meet the required reading level, compared to a quarter in 2018.’
Modderman added: ‘According to the researchers from PISA, a third of Dutch students do not reach the level necessary to participate well in school and society. They even risk leaving education as functionally illiterate. Of the 14 European countries participating in the research, only Greece scored lower than the Netherlands in reading proficiency.’
‘These are alarming figures,’ Modderman said. ‘Therefore, it’s important that we learn from other countries and see what they are doing to address the reading crisis, like social media bans for under-16-years-olds in Australia or the positive reading performance of children in Ireland.’
As meaningful connections form later this month, the potential for meaningful conversation also arises.
Beloved local books
We asked the VIPs about their most beloved Australian authors and books and found the participants are not landing uninformed. In fact, the responses were fast and effusive.
The ‘fierce heat’ of outback noir, crime and mystery
Unsurprisingly given its popularity at home, crime and outback noir titles have crossed the ocean and found their way into the hands of readers overseas.
Both Michels and Schlingmann named Jane Harper as a go-to author. Schlingmann said, ‘I remember reading The Dry … with bated breath, the fierce Australian heat burning off the page – whilst sitting on a freezing train, stuck halfway between Dorset and London.’
Candice Fox and Benjamin Stevenson also figured large in the minds of several VIPs, with Rothmund and Tan citing the former and Joanna Maciuk, Acquiring Editor – Grupa Wydawnicza Foksal, WAB, Poland and Michels the latter. Maciuk singled out Stevenson’s tendency to ‘play… with the readers’ – something that might also connect the author’s work with Michels’ other favourite Australian author published by Sourcebooks – mystery writer Sulari Gentill.
‘I love outback noir,’ Tan said, ‘so Australian crime fiction is a favourite genre.’ And, indeed, the longest list of beloved books in this category belonged to Tan, who also listed Chris Hammer, Garry Disher, Peter Papathanasiou, Michelle Prak and Caroline Overington, among local favourites – and added that he ‘can’t wait for Michael Robotham to finally write a novel set in Australia.’
Literary luminaries, fiction favourites
Several Australian authors were also favourites among the VIPs for work that tilted literary – though, of course, categorisation is immediately complicated by the work of these local legends.
Alexis Wright, Waanyi author and twice (each) winner of the Miles Franklin and Stella, was mentioned by both Schlingmann and Chew. The latter said: ‘Last February, we published Alexis Wright’s epic masterpieces Carpentaria and Praiseworthy. It’s been incredible to see the response here to an author who I’ve loved and revered for so long. Next, we’ll publish Tracker, which I hope will be another opportunity for readers to discover her.’
Chew also celebrated the US publication of Hasib Hourani and Jessica Au, noting that the last Australian book New Directions Publishing published before these three authors was The Bluebird Café by Carmel Bird in 1991.
‘I am excited for [the publication of] Helen Garner by Aschehoug in Norway,’ said Schlingmann of one of few local nonfiction authors to get a mention; while Angela Slatter – name-dropped by Tan – was among few speculative fiction authors to come to the minds of our visitors.
Tan also named Kate Grenville and Robbie Arnott among standouts on his list.
Meanwhile, Alata singled out Kate Morton: ‘Her novels masterfully weave together mystery, gothic atmosphere, and deep family secrets, creating immersive stories that keep readers spellbound. […] I love the way she blends past and present, crafting intricate narratives that unfold with a sense of elegance and suspense.’
And Jaclyn Moriarty came to mind for Levine, who called her ‘a writer whose understanding of friendship and ability to weave that into witty, surprising, and altogether delightful tales is unmatched’.
‘Our Dutch clients Luitingh-Sijthoff had an amazing success with The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion,’ Schlingmann said. ‘And for years, a Rosie Project–themed bicycle lived in their offices.’
Meanwhile, Maciuk had a few fiction titles to name – including one of the other Moriarty siblings: ‘I think that many people don’t know that some of books that they love come from Australian authors,’ she said. ‘During [my] studies I fell in love with The Book Thief by Markus Zusak; I’m a big fan of Liane Moriarty’s works […] Last year [I] published an amazing literary novel, Bodies of Light by Jennifer Down. The book emotionally crushes the reader and teaches them how to experience vulnerability.’
This (long) list doesn’t end here; also highlighted were Geraldine Brooks, Evelyn Juers, Jack Cox, Gerald Murnane, Madeleine Gray, Lauren Aimee Curtis, Stephanie Bishop, Shirley Hazzard, Meg Mason and Charlotte Wood – a wide mix of established and newer voices that have reached other shores.
Works for younger readers
Local children’s and young adult publishing also commands the attention of our overseas counterparts, with many highlights pitched for younger readers.
Levine discussed the acquisition of Afloat, written by Gunai Woman Kirli Saunders and illustrated by Freya Blackwood, calling it ‘a gorgeous book’.
Also in the illustrated space – though undoubtedly also with a mixed-age readership – is Shaun Tan, of whom Levine is a ‘devoted publisher’. ‘[His] artistic genius is equalled only by his kindness and humility,’ added Levine.
Meanwhile, Modderman sung the praises of Jessica Townsend’s Nevermoor series. She added, ‘On the humour side, I love the Worst Week Ever series by Eva Amores and Matt Cosgrove, and The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey.’
Tan, whose recommendations titled more towards the speculative than his peers, also wrote of the perennially popular Garth Nix; while another prolific author in this space – Steven Herrick – also received a mention.
Echoing another sentiment strongly felt at home, Modderman also praised John Marsden. ‘I have collected almost his complete works in English and Dutch,’ she said. ‘The Tomorrow series was my all-time favourite.’
‘I would have loved to meet John Marsden in real person and talk to him about writing children’s books. Unfortunately, he died last year. I dare to say that his book Everything I Know About Writing has made me a better editor.’
‘New and old friends’: VIPs’ hopes for their visits
During their visit to Australia, the VIPs will have their time packed full of meetings and bookish events at the Sydney Writers’ Festival. In the midst of all this, we asked what they hoped to leave with.
‘Talking for hours’
Unsurprisingly, many VIPs aspire to learn more about the Australian publishing market – and the unique stories we have to share. Rothmund said, ‘I hope to make lots of nice contacts so that I can discover even more Australian authors. It would be nice to dive deep into the Australian publishing landscape and book market and broaden my horizons. It will definitely be an unforgettable experience for me that will inspire me.’
Similarly, Maciuk said she hopes to ‘find great books, to meet wonderful people, to learn a lot about the market itself and have the insight how it is done the Australian way.’
Maciuk continued, ‘I want to exchange my experience with other professionals and talk for hours about the challenges and good parts of the publishing industry [and] the exciting titles, and to enjoy the Australian sun. […] I feel that it will be a great publishing adventure and I’m ready for it!’
‘Enduring friendships and connections’
Attendees who already have Australian connections or contacts are hoping to deepen and strengthen those relationships.
Levine said, ‘I’m hoping to find more of the enduring friendships and connections I made the first time I visited the VIP program 20-something years ago. Though I see Australian publishers, and the authors and artists they nurture, for 30 minutes at a time at the Bologna Book Fair, it can only scratch the surface of the thriving scene down under.’
‘I am hoping to use my trip visiting my existing Australian authors and their editors and agents, as well as keeping an eye out for more brilliant Australian books – both to join my list of contemporary fiction and narrative nonfiction, and to sit on the W&N Essentials list of modern classics,’ added Schlingmann.
‘Fresh voices’
Summing up hopes for the visit, Schlingmann evoked a collegial and cultured atmosphere: ‘Adventures, new and old friends, the best food, and most importantly: fantastic new voices that I can share with our publishers.’
It is that last point that recurred most strongly in the words of the 2025 VIPs, with many sharing their wishlists for new names (to them).
Chew hopes to find ‘literary fiction that moves the walls in the brain’, both from Australian writers and those in the Global South ‘who haven’t made it to the US yet’.
‘I’m always on the hunt for highly commercial fiction, especially crime/thriller/mystery, and narrative nonfiction,’ said Michels. ‘I would love to find books in those categories that will appeal to a broad international audience while also focusing on themes and landscapes that are quintessentially Australian.’
‘As a sci-fi and fantasy buff, I’m particularly curious about Australian writers in this field, including horror, which is a new favourite genre,’ said Tan, noting that he’s on the lookout for ‘fresh voices, be it from a debut author or an established name from a potential new client’.
Meanwhile, Alata is looking for ‘Australian authors who craft historical fiction with a strong sense of atmosphere, rich storytelling, and a touch of mystery’, evoking that favourite of hers, Kate Morton. Alata added that she’s also drawn to ‘dark, intense thrillers that delve into the depths of the human psyche – stories that are haunting, immersive, and impossible to put down’.
While several VIPs gave specific genre and topic preferences, there was also a sense of open-mindedness. ‘I’m eager to explore the diversity of Australian literature and find voices that could captivate French readers,’ Alata said, after giving her wish list; while Franklin said, ‘W&N [Weidendeld & Nicolson], where I work, is deeply committed to publishing the very best Australian fiction and nonfiction and finding it the readership it deserves in the UK.’
‘Return to books’
Once again, Modderman also took a bigger-picture perspective, expressing hopes that are no doubt felt in many places in our local industry.
‘I hope to meet a lot of old and new contacts in the Australian children’s book industry and of course my fellow VIPs. But most of all, I hope to get inspired by your books and authors and how you bring your stories to children,’ she said.
‘I really believe children love a good story and that we need to learn from each other how we can [inspire] children [who] grow up in the challenging 21st century to return to books and all the good things they have to offer.’
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