EOIs NOW OPEN

Whether you're preparing to submit a manuscript, seeking representation, or simply trying to better understand how the publishing industry works, PROOF offers a practical introduction to the people, processes and decisions that shape contemporary publishing.

In this exclusive intensive, participants will hear directly from literary agents, publishers and authors about acquisitions, literary agents, copyright, contracts, submissions and pitching. Designed for writers with a substantial work in progress or completed manuscript, the program provides valuable insight into the realities of publication and the pathways available to today's writers.

 

Practical insights. Professional guidance. Industry expertise.

A publishing intensive for writers ready to take the next step towards publication.

KEY DATES

Deadline for expressions of interest:
Wednesday 19 August
Program payment for successful applicants due: Wednesday 26 August
WEEKEND INTENSIVE DAY ONE: 9am - 4:30pm Saturday 29 August
WEEKEND INTENSIVE DAY TWO: 9am - 4:30pm Sunday 30 August
ONLINE MASTERCLASS: 10:30am - 12:30pm Sunday 5 September

Places are strictly limited. Expressions of interest are required.

2026 PRESENTERS

  • Alex Adsett

    BIO

  • Kate Cuthbert

    BIO

  • Lisa Fuller

    BIO

  • Dan O'Malley

    BIO

PROGRAM COST

MARION MEMBERS
$550 - for members of MARION. If you are accepted to the program but are not a member of MARION, you can sign up here to access the lower member rate.

NONMEMBERS
$600 - for those who are not members of MARION

LOCATION

WEEKEND INTENSIVE: 29 + 30 August
The Pavillion on Northbourne
242 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson ACT 2602

ONLINE: 5 September
This session will be delivered via Zoom.

Successful applicants will receive payment information by Friday 21 August. Payment needs to be made by Wednesday 26 August to secure your place.

SUBMIT AN EOI

APPLY NOW

Schedule

DATE

SESSIONS

FACILITATORS

DAY ONE

9am - 4:30pm
Saturday 29 August

  • Intro to Literary Agents

  • Intro to Publishing Departments
    How it all fits together

  • What Agents are Looking for

    A practical discussion on submissions, query letters, manuscript packages and common mistakes

  • Intro to Copyright

  • Intro to Publishing Contracts

  • Pitching Dos and Don’ts

  • Developing Your Pitch

with Alex Adsett and Lisa Fuller

DAY TWO

9am - 4:30pm
Sunday 30 August

  • Building A Writing Career

    Reflections on publication, working with publishers and agents, and sustaining a writing practice over the long term.

  • Live Pitching Practice with Expert Feedback

    Participants will have the opportunity to practise a live three-minute pitch. Selected pitches will be chosen at random and workshopped with feedback from the panel.

  • Ask Us Anything - Publishing Pathways

with Alex Adsett, Lisa Fuller and Dan O’Malley

ONLINE SESSION

10:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday 5 September

 

  • Inside an Acquisitions Meeting
    Discover how publishers assess submissions, weigh editorial and commercial considerations, and make decisions on which books to acquire.

with Kate Cuthbert

  • MARION offers 2 semi-subsidised places in all programs which provides a 70% discount of program price. No personal details need to be disclosed, just email Katy Mutton ceo@marion.ink. These are available on a first come, first served basis.