Visiting International Publishers (VIPs) Program
Committee Member
2025–27
We are seeking an Australian literary agent to join the VIPs Committee from 2025-2027.
About the program
The Visiting International Publishers (VIPs) program invites international publishers, scouts and literary agents to Australia each year, to showcase Australia’s literary talent, discuss global publishing trends, strengthen cross-cultural relationships, and promote the sale of rights to Australian titles in international markets. The week-long schedule of business meetings, networking events, and industry forum panel discussions is delivered in Sydney across the same dates as the Sydney Writers’ Festival each year.
Since its inception, the program has been delivered in consultation with a Committee of Australian industry representatives, selected on the basis of their extensive industry expertise and international market knowledge. They represent a range of skills and experience across the Australian publishing industry, have strong connections internationally, and are passionate about Australian writers and writing.
One of our current committee members Annabel Barker, from the Annabel Barker Agency, has concluded her term this year, and we would like to sincerely thank her for her generous contribution of expertise, enthusiasm and patience, particularly across the pandemic disrupted years of the program. We are seeking a new industry representative to fill her position on the Committee.
Membership of the committee comprises a rights manager, a publisher and a literary agent, with at least one of the committee members specialising in books for younger readers. With Emma Dorph from Hachette Australia and New Zealand, and Marika Webb-Pullman from Scribe Publications, continuing their terms as our publisher and rights manager representatives, we invite applications from literary agents working in children’s and Young Adult fiction and non-fiction, or adult fiction and non-fiction.
Applications are now open for a position on the committee for the next three years, with the 2025 program dates of 19-23 May 2025.
If you need advice about applying, contact Karen Le Roy, Manager, International karen.leroy@creative.gov.au.
Responsibilities include:
- selection of the VIPs each year
- assistance with program planning and events, in particular the industry forum
- availability for the duration of the program week to host the VIPs in Sydney
- promoting the program internationally to encourage suitable applications.
An honorarium of $1,500 will be paid to the successful candidates as a contribution towards their work on the program. Return economy airfares to Sydney and accommodation for the program dates will also be covered, along with meals at official VIPs events.
All other costs associated with participation in the VIPs program are the responsibility of the individual.
Further details will be provided to committee members upon invitation.
An honorarium of $1,500 will also be paid to the successful candidates as a contribution towards their work on the program each year. Return economy airfares to Sydney and accommodation for the program dates will also be covered by Creative Australia, along with meals at official VIPs events.
All other costs associated with participation in the VIPs program are the responsibility of the individual.
Further details will be provided to committee members upon invitation.
Who can apply
- Australian literary agents working in children’s and Young Adult fiction and non-fiction, or adult fiction and non-fiction.
Who can’t apply
You can’t apply if:
- you have an overdue grant report to Creative Australia
- you owe money to Creative Australia.
Creative Australia staff will assess your application against the published selection criteria and will seek recommendations by industry advisers as needed.
You will be notified of the outcome of your application approximately six weeks after the closing date.
Applications are reviewed against a framework which considers the overall mix of representatives necessary to reflect the Australian publishing industry, including:
1. Literary agents
2. Genres and areas of expertise
3. A mix of smaller and larger agencies
4. Geographic spread across states and territories
Creative Australia staff will consider applications according to the selection criteria and the framework above, and may seek industry advice as needed.
Applicants are required to respond to the following selection criteria:
- 1. Industry experience and knowledge of international markets
- 2. The contribution you can make to the success of the program
To discuss your application, please contact Karen Le Roy, International Engagement, on 02 9215 9054 or karen.leroy@creative.gov.au.
Key dates
Applications close: Tuesday 12 November 2024 at 3pm AEDT
Program dates: 2025-2027
Location: Sydney, Australia
Art form: Literature
Amount: $1,500 each year, for three years
Apply now
Please note: To apply you must be registered in our Application Management System a minimum of two business days prior to the closing date.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application approximately six weeks after the closing date.
If you have a question, or need help with your application, please call or email Karen Le Roy, Manager, International:
T: +61 2 9215 9054
E: karen.leroy@creative.gov.au