Jane Curry is a publishing expert, giving aspiring writers insider access to the expert knowledge of the publishing world. 

Jane Curry sitting looking to the side
Peach coloured hand drawn line

Receive tailored, expert publishing advice from Jane Curry, a renowned leader in the Australian publishing industry and founder of award winning Ventura Press. Book a single session or a full manuscript assessment and receive the very best professional advice exclusively tailored for your work. 

 Expert Publishing Advice • Manuscript Assessment• Author Coaching

Published Titles

  • Front cover of Paris Savages by Katherine Johnson
  • Front cover of The Better Son by Katherine Johnson
  • Front cover of The Night Letters by Denise Leith
  • Front cover of Poly by Paul Dalgarno
  • Front cover of The Changing Room by Christine Sykes
  • Front cover of Love Oil and the Fortunes of War by Paul Ashford Harris
  • Front cover of No Small Shame by Christine Bell
  • Front cover of A Superior Spectre by Angela Meyer
  • Front cover of Matryoshka by Katherine Johnson
  • Front cover of The Banksia House Breakout
  • Front cover of As Swallows Fly by L.P. McMahon

Services

A 50 minute personalised session to give you tailored advice on your work.

Discussion will include the market potential of your publishing or writing project, where your work fits in the book industry landscape and your pathways to getting published.

As this is a live zoom you can ask any questions, and even record the session for later use.

1-ON-1 EXPERT PUBLISHING ADVICE

Ventura Publisher Jane Curry will read your manuscript in full, prepare a written report and discuss your work via a 50-minute live zoom consultation.

In booking this service, you will receive frank and clear feedback, understand where your manuscript fits into the current publishing landscape and your options to become a published author.

MANUSCRIPT ASSESSMENT

The key steps to being a successful author, if you have a publisher already or are seeking one. Covering author branding, events, PR, social media, working with retailers and an essential long term revenue plan.

Authors can use this service to understand what to expect from their own publisher, what questions to ask and how they can maximise their marketing

AUTHOR COACHING

Jane Curry standing in a bookshop surrounded by books

Jane Curry, your publishing coach

Whether you are looking for honest feedback on your manuscript or need guidance through your publication month, Jane’s intelligent coaching will help you navigate the industry and market, providing invaluable advice to anyone who wants to write or publish a book. 

Get a publishing expert on your side.

  • “Over the last fifteen years it has been wonderful to work with someone as knowledgeable and clear sighted as Jane. She has excellent insights, terrific energy and a real sense of commitment to her authors. I can recommend her unreservedly.”

    Michael Parker, Headmaster of Newington College and Author

  • “Right from the very first conversation with Jane, I felt that what I wanted to accomplish was actually possible. Across the ensuing years between thought bubble (I want to write a book), to fruition (publishing 'The Other AI' in March 2023), Jane's sage advice and support was integral to the process.”

    Jenni-Lee Williams, Author

  • “Jane is incredibly knowledgeable, astute, wise and humane. Her insights into publishing are incisive and enormously helpful.”

    Deborah Pike, Author

  • “Jane's insight into the world of publishing gave me confidence to publish our two Dirty Janes books. Any road bump was overcome with aplomb, gentle guidance and a genuine desire to reach the best outcome for both the author and their work.”

    Jane Crowley, Author of Dirty Janes Vintage Style and Beeswax and Tall Tales

  • “When I first connected with Jane she knew exactly what I needed to republish my book. From that moment on the process was seamless with connections to editors and cover designers. The final outcome was amazing and exactly what I wanted. So grateful to have had that initial face to face meeting. I’ll definitely be coming back with book number two. Thank you Jane.”

    Isabel Carter, Author

  • “…From the first zoom conversation with Jane Curry, I knew I wanted my book to be in the hands of this likeable, industry savvy woman. I feel like the only person in Jane's world when we chat and she is offering me so many opportunities to grow and learn the business.”

    Rhonda McCoy, Debut Author

Blog
Locked out of Instagram? Meta Care Factor Zero

When the Ventura Press Instagram account was hacked in September, we were instantly locked out of our own account and unable to gain any access. We trawled through Meta’s labyrinthine ‘help page’ death loop, and always ended up exactly where we started. With a chillingly passive message essentially saying, ‘if all the above doesn’t work there is nothing we can do”.

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An Audible Romantasy in Frankfurt?

Throughout my long career in the book business there has been one constant; being at the Frankfurt Book Fair. For starry-eyed newbies to the publishing industry, which was me back in the 1980s, going to the Frankfurt Book Fair marked your arrival into the ranks of the privileged few. You had made it. That, and having your first business card.  

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Recent acquisitions have changed the Australian publishing landscape, so what does that say about the industry?

Just last month, I recorded an episode for my podcast The Publisher and The Writer outlining all the publishers operating in Australia from the large international houses to small indies.

Since then, two award-winning Australian owned presses Affirm Press and Pantera Press have been bought out by larger companies.  Why?

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A Publisher and a Writer make a Podcast.

A ten-episode podcast series available on Spotify and Apple with the aim to demystify the publishing industry.

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What went wrong at Booktopia?

Today I filed my statement of claim with the receivers McGrathNicol for monies owed to my publishing company, Ventura Press, by the now defunct Booktopia.

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Ask the Publisher: How do I get my book into my local bookshop?

A common question I hear from authors after their book is published, is “Why isn’t my book in my local bookshop?”. There are many reasons why that might be the case.

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What makes a bestseller?

I believe for all authors, framing the terms reference of what a bestseller means is an important exercise. You can and should value your work by other measures.

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Everything I’ve learned in my 30+ years of publishing

Publishing is at an inflexion point. From within, as it grapples with a workforce that demands a living wage and better conditions, and from without as it is finally exposed to the power of digital transformation.

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