New York and Toronto bound: Australian publishing professionals take Australian stories to North American market?

Writing Australia has announced the participants of the North America Publishers’ Program, a unique opportunity designed to connect Australian rights sellers, literary agents and publishers with one of the world’s largest publishing markets.  

This year’s program focuses on professionals representing Australian works for children and young adults, and for the first time will include a visit to Toronto in addition to New York. The program provides the opportunity to expand networks, pitch titles to North American editors, and gain deeper insights into this influential market.  

Delegates will visit Toronto and New York from 25 February – 6 March 2026 and will take part in a program featuring industry meetings, market briefings and networking opportunities. Creative Australia will work with the delegates to develop a tailored schedule designed to maximise their impact and to build the international profile of Australian literature.   

Writing Australia, within Creative Australia, provides direct support to the literature sector to grow local and international audiences for Australian books, planning for new investments and providing strategic advice. 

Director of Writing Australia, Wenona Byrne said:     

“Writing Australia is delighted to announce the participants of the 2026 delegation to North America. This group of children's literature experts, comprised of agents, publishers and rights sellers, represent small independents and larger publishers working with our very best children's book authors and illustrators. We are delighted to work with the Canadian industry to include Toronto for the first time. Writing for children is more important than ever and this opportunity will deepen international networks and lay the groundwork for rights sales which benefit Australian creators and share our stories with the world.” 

Delegates:  

• Chren Byng, Hardie Grant Publishing        

• Emma Dorph, Hachette  

• Rochelle Fernandez, Alex Adsett Literary 

• Clair Hume, Thames & Hudson         

• Miriam Rosenbloom, Scribble                      

• Carey Schroeter, Allen & Unwin  

• Cathy Vallance, University of Queensland Press 
• Tara Wynne, Curtis Brown                              

Learn more about the North America Publishers’ Program on our website.  

Brianna Roberts
Senior Media Manager, Creative Australia
T: +61 9215 9030 M: +61 498 123 541
brianna.roberts@creative.gov.au