Submit Entries for Visiting International Publishers Program 2027

Writing Australia (part of Creative Australia) invites applications for participation in the Visiting International Publishers (VIPs) Program 2027. The intensive, business-focused program runs in Sydney from 17–21 May 2027, with applications opening on 30 September 2026 and closing on 10 November 2026. Selected international publishers, editors, rights managers, literary agents, and scouts will travel to Australia for networking, meetings, and industry forums. Opportunity at a Glance

- Opportunity name: Visiting International Publishers Program 2027 (VIPs 2027)

- Provider: Writing Australia (Creative Australia)

- Opportunity type: International industry participation program

- Main location: Sydney, Australia

- Program dates: 17–21 May 2027

- Applications open: 30 September 2026

- Applications close: 10 November 2026 (deadline time and time zone not specified in the source)

- Notification date: Mid-December 2026

- Accommodation support: Six nights of accommodation (provided)

- Meals: Meals at official program events (provided)

- Travel support (attendance-related):

- AUD $3,000 for attendees from Europe and North America - AUD $2,000 for attendees from the Asia Pacific

- Additional participant costs: Flights, travel insurance, visa costs, ground travel, per diems, and incidentals (delegates responsible)

About the Opportunity

The Visiting International Publishers Program (VIPs) 2027 supports a delegation of international publishers, scouts, and literary agents to travel to Australia. The program features an intensive week-long schedule of business meetings, networking events, industry forums, bookstore visits, writers’ festival events, and panel discussions with Australian publishers and agents. Participants are immersed in Australia’s literary culture and aim to strengthen relationships with Australian publishing professionals. The program also includes two full days of book-fair-style meetings, where Australian publishers and agents pitch titles to the international participants. Funding and Benefits Support provided by Creative Australia for selected participants includes: - Six nights of accommodation (provided) - Meals at official program events (provided) Travel support for attendance (in Australian dollars) includes: - AUD $3,000 to support attendees from Europe and North America - AUD $2,000 to support attendees from the Asia Pacific The source states that delegates are responsible for all other costs, including: - flights - travel insurance - visa costs - ground travel - per diems - incidentals Further details are provided to participants upon invitation. Who Is Eligible? Applications are welcome from all territories. The program is for international professionals including: - international publishers - editors - rights managers - literary agents - scouts

Eligible applicants should be:

- actively acquiring titles and authors - interested in Australian writing - prepared to offer insights into their own markets Applications with a focus on First Nations writing are strongly encouraged. Applications from literary agents, scouts, and publishers specialising in children’s literature are also strongly encouraged.

Eligibility requirements and exclusions

The source specifies the following eligibility requirements: - Applicants must work with titles in fiction, narrative non-fiction, poetry, or children’s books (creative writing). - Publishers primarily involved in educational/reference books, self-help books, cookbooks, and/or other non-literary titles will not be considered. - Self-publishers, printers, and distributors are not eligible. - VIPs alumni are eligible to apply again five years after their last attendance. Additional notes for application categories - The source encourages applicants to apply as an individual rather than through their organisation where possible. Applicants should contact Writing Australia if unsure about which category to apply for. - The source indicates that preference may be given to publishers and those in acquiring roles. - For literary agents, the application must make a convincing case for participation. If co-agents apply, they must demonstrate capacity to take on new Australian clients. - British publishers and agents should confirm (with examples where possible) that they are able to: - acquire titles without ANZ rights, or - separate UK/ANZ territories when licensing rights. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The program is designed around participation in a structured international publishing agenda in Sydney, including: - business meetings (including book-fair-style meetings) - networking events - industry forums - bookstore visits - writers’ festival events - panel discussions with Australian publishers and agents Priority themes and applicant focus (as stated) - First Nations writing (strongly encouraged) - Children’s literature (strongly encouraged for relevant agent/publisher/scout applicants) - A mix across genres and career stages is sought (see selection mix under “Selection process” in the official text) Why This Opportunity Matters VIPs 2027 is an international industry participation opportunity aimed at strengthening publishing relationships between international professionals and the Australian market. The program’s focus on acquiring titles, sharing market insights, and taking part in book-fair-style meetings is tailored to participants who are actively working with creative writing sectors. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their expertise and current work align with Australian publishing engagement—particularly through clear articulation of their links to the Australian market and their reasons for attending. How to Apply - Register in the application management system The source states that you must be registered at least two business days prior to the closing date. - Submit your application during the open period

- Applications open: 30 September 2026

- Applications close: 10 November 2026 (deadline time and time zo