Rachel Bin Salleh, publisher at Australia’s oldest indigenous independent publishing house, Magabala Books, will be visiting Armidale as one of fourteen independent publishers and editors in the New England Writers’ Centre unique pitch program, Pitch Independent, in early August. Based in Broome, Western Australia, Magabala Books has nurtured and showcased the work of many indigenous literary creators, whether writers in any genre and for any age, as well as illustrators. Indigenous creators will also have the opportunity to pitch to other publishers and editors represented at Pitch Independent.
Pitch Independent, organised by the New England Writers’ Centre, with the generous sponsorship of the University of New England & in-kind support from the Small Press Network, has a unique focus on giving writers and illustrators, at any stage of their careers and from any part of Australia, access to the increasingly important publication opportunities offered to creators by independent book publishers & literary magazines. From fiction to non-fiction, children’s books to poetry, illustrated books to prestigious literary magazines, our Pitch Independent publishers and editors represent a wide range of literary forms.
Pitch Independent will include a specialist pitch session for poets and a general pitch day for writers and illustrators in all genres. It will also feature a free public symposium on the significant contribution of independent book publishers & literary magazines to Australian literary culture, and a public book launch and display of participating publishers’ books. As well, an optional pitch preparation day will be held on the previous Saturday.
This is a fantastic opportunity for writers and illustrators in all genres. Bookings open Thursday May 24. Participants may book the full program or simply the parts of it they require. Full booking details, full list of publishers attending, program schedule and prices information at http://www.newc.org.au/pitch-independent.html

More information: Pitch Independent co-ordinators: newcpartners@gmail.com