Deadline: 04-Aug-2026
The North America Publishers’ Program 2027 – Adult Lists supports Australian rights sellers, literary agents, and publishers in attending a publishing delegation to Toronto and New York from 3–12 March 2027. The program helps participants strengthen international publishing relationships, develop expertise in the North American rights market, and promote Australian authors and titles to editors, agents, and industry decision-makers.
Up to eight delegates will receive $6,000 each to support participation costs. The initiative focuses on international market development, rights sales opportunities, professional networking, and increasing the visibility of Australian literature in North America.
Program Overview
The North America Publishers’ Program 2027 – Adult Lists is designed to help Australian publishing professionals build stronger connections with the North American publishing industry.
The program provides selected delegates with the opportunity to participate in a structured nine-day publishing delegation across Toronto and New York. Participants will engage directly with editors, literary agents, scouts, and other publishing professionals while promoting Australian books and authors to key international markets.
The initiative supports the global growth of Australian publishing by facilitating rights sales discussions, industry networking, market intelligence gathering, and professional development opportunities.
Program Objectives
The program aims to:
- Increase international exposure for Australian authors and titles.
- Strengthen relationships between Australian and North American publishing professionals.
- Support international rights sales and licensing opportunities.
- Build delegates’ understanding of North American publishing markets.
- Expand professional networks across the publishing industry.
- Create opportunities for long-term international market development.
- Enhance the global visibility of Australian literature.
Key Focus Areas
International Rights Market Development
Delegates gain firsthand experience in the North American publishing rights market, including opportunities to pitch books and negotiate publishing partnerships.
Areas of focus include:
- Foreign rights sales
- Licensing opportunities
- International publishing partnerships
- Market positioning strategies
- Rights acquisition processes
Author and Title Promotion
Participants are expected to present Australian authors and books with strong potential for the North American market.
This may include:
- Literary fiction
- Commercial fiction
- Narrative nonfiction
- Memoir
- Cultural writing
- Other creative writing categories
Industry Networking
The delegation provides access to influential publishing professionals, including:
- Editors
- Literary agents
- Rights managers
- Publishing scouts
- Acquisitions professionals
- Industry consultants
Market Intelligence and Professional Development
Delegates receive valuable insights into:
- Publishing trends
- Reader preferences
- Rights acquisition strategies
- Industry challenges
- Emerging opportunities in North America
What the Delegation Includes
The program features a structured schedule of professional activities across Toronto and New York.
Activities may include:
- One-on-one meetings with editors and agents.
- Industry briefings and market updates.
- Networking events.
- Rights pitching opportunities.
- Professional development sessions.
- Publishing market discussions.
- Relationship-building activities.
The delegation runs from 3 March to 12 March 2027.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must be actively working in the Australian publishing industry and demonstrate experience in international market engagement.
Eligible applicants include:
- Australian rights sellers.
- Literary agents.
- Publishers working in creative writing.
Applicants must have the capacity to represent authors and titles suitable for North American publishing markets.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be an Australian rights seller, literary agent, or publisher.
- Work within the creative writing sector.
- Represent a minimum of six authors.
- Demonstrate professional experience relevant to international publishing markets.
- Show the ability to deliver outcomes from international engagement activities.
- Provide an indicative list of authors and titles for presentation.
- Comply with all application requirements and protocols.
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- Represent fewer than six authors.
- Have overdue grant reports.
- Have outstanding debts to Creative Australia.
- Fail to meet program eligibility requirements.
First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property Requirements
Where relevant, applicants must comply with First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) protocols.
This includes:
- Respecting Indigenous cultural rights.
- Ensuring appropriate representation of First Nations stories and creators.
- Following ethical publishing and engagement practices.
- Demonstrating cultural responsibility where applicable.
Applicants should ensure that any proposed works involving First Nations content align with established protocols and industry standards.
Funding Available
Grant Amount
Successful delegates will receive:
$6,000 per delegate
Up to eight delegates will be selected.
Total Delegate Support
The funding is intended to help offset the costs associated with participation in the delegation.
What the Funding Covers
The grant provides partial financial support toward participation in the Toronto and New York delegation.
Funding may assist with:
- Program participation expenses.
- International market engagement activities.
- Delegation-related professional opportunities.
The grant is intended as a contribution rather than full funding for attendance.
What the Funding Does Not Cover
Delegates are responsible for all additional costs associated with participation.
These may include:
- Visa expenses.
- International flights.
- Accommodation.
- Travel insurance.
- Ground transportation.
- Meals and daily expenses.
- Event tickets.
- Personal incidentals.
Applicants should budget carefully and ensure they can cover any costs beyond the grant amount.
Why This Program Matters
The North American publishing market is one of the largest and most influential book markets in the world.
Participation in this program can help Australian publishing professionals:
- Build international business relationships.
- Increase foreign rights opportunities.
- Expand readership for Australian authors.
- Improve understanding of international publishing trends.
- Develop long-term export and market growth strategies.
- Strengthen Australia’s presence in global publishing.
The program also creates opportunities for Australian books to reach new audiences and publishing partners across North America.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review all eligibility requirements and ensure you meet the criteria for participation.
Step 2: Identify Authors and Titles
Prepare a list of authors and books that demonstrate strong potential for the North American market.
Applicants must represent at least six authors.
Step 3: Develop Your Market Strategy
Clearly explain:
- Your understanding of North American publishing markets.
- Why the selected titles are suitable for those markets.
- How participation will support your international development goals.
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Information
Provide:
- Professional background and experience.
- International publishing achievements.
- Proposed authors and titles.
- Market development objectives.
- Expected outcomes from participation.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Ensure all required information is complete and complies with program guidelines and protocols.
Step 6: Assessment and Selection
Applications will be reviewed by Creative Australia staff, with industry advisor input where required.
Step 7: Notification of Results
Successful applicants are generally notified approximately six weeks after the application closing date.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are assessed against several key criteria.
Understanding of North American Markets
Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of:
- Publishing trends.
- Rights opportunities.
- Reader interests.
- Market dynamics.
Suitability of Authors and Titles
Assessment considers whether the proposed books and authors are likely to attract interest from North American publishers and editors.
Professional Experience
Applicants should show experience relevant to:
- Rights sales.
- Literary representation.
- Publishing.
- International market development.
Potential Impact
Reviewers evaluate how participation may contribute to:
- Business growth.
- Rights sales opportunities.
- International partnerships.
- Long-term market development objectives.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve competitiveness:
- Select authors with clear international appeal.
- Demonstrate strong knowledge of North American publishing trends.
- Present realistic market development goals.
- Explain how participation aligns with broader business strategies.
- Highlight previous international publishing achievements.
- Clearly outline expected outcomes and opportunities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting fewer than six represented authors.
- Providing weak justification for title selection.
- Demonstrating limited knowledge of North American markets.
- Failing to explain expected outcomes.
- Omitting required supporting information.
- Ignoring First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property requirements where applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the North America Publishers’ Program 2027 – Adult Lists?
It is an international market development program that supports Australian publishing professionals participating in a delegation to Toronto and New York to promote Australian authors and titles.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include Australian rights sellers, literary agents, and publishers working in creative writing.
How many delegates will be selected?
Up to eight delegates will receive funding support.
How much funding is available?
Each successful delegate will receive $6,000 toward participation costs.
Do applicants need to represent a minimum number of authors?
Yes. Applicants must represent at least six authors to be eligible.
What expenses are not covered by the funding?
The grant does not cover visas, flights, accommodation, insurance, meals, local transport, event tickets, or personal expenses.
How are applications assessed?
Applications are evaluated based on understanding of North American markets, suitability of proposed authors and titles, professional experience, and the potential impact on international market development.
Expected Outcomes
Successful participation in the program may lead to:
- New publishing partnerships.
- Increased foreign rights sales.
- Expanded international networks.
- Greater visibility for Australian authors.
- Improved market intelligence.
- Long-term business development opportunities.
These outcomes contribute to strengthening Australia’s publishing sector and expanding its presence in international markets.
Conclusion
The North America Publishers’ Program 2027 – Adult Lists provides a valuable opportunity for Australian rights sellers, literary agents, and publishers to engage directly with the North American publishing industry. Through meetings, market briefings, networking opportunities, and rights-focused discussions, delegates can expand professional networks, promote Australian literature, and pursue international growth opportunities.
With targeted funding support, the program helps Australian publishing professionals build meaningful industry relationships and position Australian authors and titles for success in one of the world’s most influential publishing markets.
For more information, visit Creative Australia.
