Pathways for Poets: An Industry Discussion

The publishing landscape is rapidly changing and, as a result, publishers are increasingly cautious in commissioning new work, particularly from debut authors. Red Room Poetry and the Australian Society of Authors (ASA) are teaming up this National Poetry Month to host a free discussion with industry experts to demystify poetry publishing and chat about how to navigate the Australian book industry as a poet.

David Stavanger, poet and Artistic Director at Red Room Poetry, will be joined in conversation by Wiradjuri poet and Meanjin Poetry Editor Jeanine Leane, UQP publisher Aviva Tuffield, and the ASA’s CEO Lucy Hayward. The panel will discuss:

• The state of play for poetry in the Australian book industry?
• What are the publishing opportunities for poets in Australia?
• How can a poet pitch their work?
• How to identify the right avenue for your poetry?
• What effect is the rise of generative AI having on poetry and the wider publishing landscape?
• What does Writing Australia and the planned appointment of a Poet Laureate mean for poets?

There will be time for further questions from participants.

This event is co-presented with ASA.