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 Publishing Advice | Manuscript Assessment | Author Coaching

Jane Curry Advisory sessions give you access to expert advice to help navigate the publishing world.

Explore the range of services offered below:

1-On-1 Expert Publishing Advice

*Most Popular*

What can you expect?

Take advantage of a 50-minute personalised session with Ventura press founder and publishing expert Jane Curry, designed to provide you with bespoke, actionable advice on your writing project. Whether you’re just starting out or navigating the next steps in your writing journey, this session offers the expert guidance you need. Jane will read a synopsis of your work and provide a high level, intensive advice session.
During your one-on-one discussion, Jane will explore the market potential of your project, helping you understand where your work fits into the current book industry landscape. You'll receive tailored insights into your publishing options, ensuring you’re aware of the pathways available to bring your work to life.
Since this is a live Zoom session, you'll have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about your project or the industry and receive immediate, direct responses. Everything you have wanted to ask about the elusive behind-the-scenes of publishing, including contracts, money, agents, foreign rights, audio and more will be answered and explained. Plus, you can record the session for future reference, allowing you to revisit Jane's expert advice as you move forward with your project.

Why navigate the complexities of publishing alone when you can tap into decades of expertise?

You will receive the undivided attention of Jane Curry, a respected leader in the Australian publishing industry, founder of award winning Ventura Press and co-host of the popular book podcast The Publisher and the Writer.  Jane’s publishing knowledge and experience of the book industry is unsurpassed and covers every aspect of the book trade, from traditional trade publishing to export markets.  This is your chance to have your questions about books and publishing answered by the leading publishing advisor in Australia. 

This service is perfect for authors who want focused, high-level guidance without investing in a full manuscript assessment. JCA’s 1-On-1 Expert Publishing Advice is a worthwhile investment for your writing and publishing career.

COST: $450 plus gst

 “Jane knows how to combine impeccable professionalism and deep knowledge of the publishing world with an infectious passion for what she does. Thanks to Jane’s support and her innovative ideas my literary career has significantly advanced and I consider myself very fortunate to be working with her”

DR LEE KOFMAN, AUTHOR

Manuscript Assessment

Is your manuscript ready for its next step?

Writing a book takes incredible dedication, passion and hard work; reaching the final stages of your manuscript is an exciting milestone but navigating the next steps can be difficult, even manuscripts written by accomplished authors benefit from professional advice. This service is the best option for writers with a complete manuscript who are looking for what comes next. Jane Curry is an expert in the publishing industry with over 30 years experience who has worked with hundreds of authors in developing, refining and publishing their work.

What can you expect?

When you book this service, Jane will read your manuscript in its entirety, prepare a detailed written report, and then discuss her insights with you during a Zoom consultation. Jane will discuss the options available to help you move forward on your journey to becoming a published author, this may include:
  • Advice if extra work is necessary, or any major structural/stylistic changes that can be made to enhance your work.
  • Recommendations for editors that can help to polish your manuscript.
  • Advice on title changes and creating a commercially viable title and subtitle.
  • You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how your manuscript fits into the current publishing landscape, receive honest, professional feedback and a publishing roadmap specific to your manuscript.
  • Advice on the submissions process, how it works and which publishers are open to submissions. 
  • Potential referral to a literary agent. If in Jane’s opinion, your work may be of interest to a specific agent then a referral can be made.  
  • Potential recommendation to a publisher. If in Jane’s opinion your work is a good match for a local trade publisher, an introduction may be made.  
  • Insight into whether self-publishing would be a viable option for your work. . 
As JCA is a boutique, focused service, you’ll receive the full benefit of Jane’s decades of experience - rather than having your manuscript passed through multiple hands.

What kind of manuscripts does JCA accept?

JCA welcomes both fiction and non-fiction complete manuscripts, with a particular interest in commercial women’s fiction and thought-provoking non-fiction that addresses contemporary social issues. We do not accept poetry, plays or children’s book manuscripts.

A manuscript assessment is a valuable investment in your work that will not only allow you to visualise your publishing pathway, but give you the confidence and understanding to brave the publishing industry. You are not alone. 

COST: $1650 plus gst

“Jane Curry provided me with a constructive, insightful manuscript appraisal and a realistic snapshot of today's publishing market.”

MARCIA VANZELLER, AUTHOR

Author Coaching

So you have a publishing contract… What now?

This service is perfect for writers who have got their foot in the door and are now wondering what to expect in the publishing world. As an expert with decades of experience not only working in the publishing industry but also running her own publishing company, Jane Curry knows all the ins and outs of the publishing world and contracts. 

What can you expect?

This author mentorship program is designed to help both new and published authors navigate the complexities of the industry and champion their best interests. This service includes an initial one-off zoom consultation and a plethora of PDF resources, with the option for follow-up sessions. As part of this service, Jane will: 
  • Help you to understand your contract and what you can expect from your publisher. 
  • Explain what a publisher does and what you can do to maximize their efforts. 
  • Advise you on how to set up and maintain your author profile, especially on social media. 
  • Give insights into the best practice for author behaviour.
  • How to act with and what to expect from bookshops.
  • Outline how Writers’ Festivals work.
  • Provide varied PDF resources, case studies and checklists.
  • What is ‘the long tail’ and how do you utilise it for your book?
Jane is passionate about demystifying the publishing world, her Author Coaching service ensures that writers can access the knowledge they need to navigate a competitive and complex industry, with the guidance and expertise of a seasoned professional.

Author Coaching will give you a meticulous understanding of your position in the publishing landscape and how to make the most out of your relationship with your publisher.

We recommend beginning with an initial session and checking in again as your book tour and commitments progress. 

COST: $450 PLUS GST

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

DEBORAH PIKE, AUTHOR

Unsure which service best fits your needs?

We can help you decide which JCA service will most benefit you.

Assessment by Ventura Press

Ventura Press is one of Australia’s leading independent publishers. Their range of fiction and non-fiction books are distributed by Simon & Schuster Australia throughout ANZ, they also offer access to the global market. When collaborating with Jane Curry Advisory, Jane may recommend your manuscript to be assessed by the Ventura Press publishing team.