Thank you for your interest in the Writer’s Surgery program!
The Writer’s Surgery is a members-only service to provide direction and professional advice on a
completed work, or a work in progress. You will meet with a Consulting Writer who has experience in the
field for a 90-minute consultation, and receive feedback on—and tools to continue developing—your
manuscript, picture book, short story, screenplay or article. While the Consulting Writer will offer
professional guidance on your work, please be aware that the Writer’s Surgery is not a copy editing or
manuscript appraisal service.
How it works:
Once you’ve read through this application pack to help select your preferred consulting writer, complete
the application form, and format your sample and synopsis as per formatting guidelines in this pack. Then,
submit your application via email to [email protected].
Your application must include:
 A completed application form
 A synopsis (up to one page) of the work being reviewed
 The first 20 pages of your work formatted to industry standards
o Picture book and short story applications can include multiple stories up to 20 pages
o Poetry applications may include up to 200 lines
Manuscript formatting guidelines can be found in this application pack. For script formatting, we
recommend Screen Australia’s guide: https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/getmedia/dd176676-afd243a3-ab49-1514e010afc3/Suggested-script-layout.pdf
Please allow a minimum of 10 days from the receipt of your application to the consultation date. During
this time, the Consulting Writer will be reviewing your work, and we will be working to arrange a suitable
consultation date. Your consultation will be held during office hours (10am-5pm, Monday-Friday) at
Queensland Writers Centre offices, or via phone or Skype conference. Be sure to indicate your preference
on the application form, but please note that your chosen consulting writer may only be able to offer
consultations via phone or Skype. This information will be listed in their bio.
Payment for your Writer’s Surgery will be made on the day of consultation. If you are meeting your
Consulting Writer via phone or Skype, you will need to make payment over the phone prior to your
consultation.
Fees:
 One-off consultation: $180
 Bundle of three: $395
o Bundles are booked with the same consulting writer for the same sample of work
If you have any queries about the above steps, or would like help selecting your Consulting Writer, please
get in touch by phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Queensland Writers Centre
e [email protected] | w. www.qwc.asn.au
p. 07 3842 9922 | f. 07 3842 9920
Application Form
About You
Name:
QWC Member ID:
Email:
Phone number:
About Your Project
Title:
Stage of Development:
Word count:
Genre:
About Your Writer’s Surgery
I would like to book:
☐ A single session
☐ A bundle of three sessions
To be held:
☐ In person
☐ By phone
☐ By Skype
Three elected Consulting Writers (see below for list of Consulting Writers):
1:
2:
3:
Three elected date / times (see below for Consulting Writer availability):
1:
2:
3:
I would like feedback and advice on:
☐ Approaching publishers / agents
☐ Characterisation
☐ Manuscript development
☐ Dialogue
☐ Finding a market
☐ Formatting and presentation
☐ Overcoming writers’ block
☐ Editing & redrafting
☐ Structure
☐ Other (please specify below)
________________________________________
In 100 words or less, please describe what you would like to get out of The Writer’s
Surgery.
The Consulting Writers
Our Consulting Writers are practising writing professionals who are available for one-on-one
consultations about your project. They will bring their personal industry experience to the table and help
you work towards your writing goals.
Please see the below matrix to find the most suitable Consulting Writer for your project. You can find
more information about each writer and their field of expertise on the following pages. They are listed in
alphabetical order by last name, as they are listed in the matrix.
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Consulting Writer bios
Name: Elaine Acworth
Availability: by appointment, in person or via phone/Skype conference
Consults on: playwriting
Bio: Elaine Acworth has been writing for performance for 23 years. Her
work has been critically and popularly awarded: her most recent play,
Gloria, commissioned by Queensland Theatre Company, was a finalist in the
Rodney Seaborn Playwright’s Award (2012), a finalist for 5 Matilda Awards
(2014), and was the “smash hit” of QTC’s 2014 season, playing to sold-out
houses.
Recent productions: Gloria (2014), Water Wars (2011), Solitary Animals
(1997-2001)
Name: Robin Adolphs
Availability: by appointment, in person or via phone/Skype conference
Consults on: children’s picture books
Bio: Robin is a children’s author, the founding director of Butternut Books
and works closely with illustrators, editors and other professionals in the
publishing and marketing industries. She has a background in early
childhood education, and has published ten picture books.
Recent publications: Brave Danny (2016), Lucy’s First Disco (2015),
Sylvia’s Itch (2014)
Links: robinadolphs.com / @RobinAdolphs /
facebook.com/authorrobinadolphs
Name: Anna Campbell
Availability: by appointment before 3pm, in person only
Consults on: general fiction, romance fiction, self-publishing, novellas
Bio: Anna Campbell has written 10 multi award-winning historical
romances for HarperCollins and Hachette. She has also independently
released 14 bestselling novellas. Since selling her first published novel at
auction to HarperCollins US in 2006, she has written full-time. Anna
regularly mentors other writers in technical skills, romance, and
commercial fiction.
Recent publications: A Scoundrel By Moonlight (2016), The Seduction of
Lord Stone (2015), Seven Nights in a Rogue’s Bed (2012)
Links: annacampbell.info / @AnnaCampbellOz /
facebook.com/AnnaCampbellFans
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Name: Christopher Currie
Availability: Wednesdays, in person or via phone/Skype conference
Consults on: young adult fiction, general fiction
Bio: Christopher Currie is a Brisbane-based writer and bookseller whose
latest book is the YA novel Clancy of the Undertow.
Recent publications: Clancy of the Undertow (2015), The Ottoman Motel
(2011)
Links: furioushorses.com / @furioushorses
Name: Aleesah Darlison
Availability: by appointment, via phone/Skype conference
Consults on: children’s fiction and non-fiction, picture books
Bio: Aleesah Darlison is an award-winning Australian author who writes
picture books, chapter books, novels and series. In 2015, she won the
Environment Award for Children’s Literature (Non-Fiction). Aleesah has
published over thirty-five books.
Recent publications: Stripes in the Forest: The Story of the Last Wild
Thylacine (2016), Awesome Animal Stories for Kids (2015), Ash Rover:
Keeper of the Phoenix (2014)
Links: www.aleesahdarlison.com /
www.facebook.com/AleesahDarlisonFanPage
Name: J. M. Donellan
Availability: by appointment, in person
Consulting writers on: young adult fiction, short fiction, poetry, general
fiction
Bio: J. M. Donellan is a fictional character masquerading as an author. He
came 2nd in the 2015 Australian Poetry Slam and has performed at the
Sydney Writers’ Festival, Brisbane Festival and some very prestigious
basements. His YA sci-fi novel, Jennifer Cellardoor, will be released in 2017.
Recent publications: Stendhal Syndrome (2016), Killing Adonis (2014), A
Beginner’s Guide to Dying in India (2009)
Links: jmdonellan.com / @jmdonellan / facebook.com/jmdonellanauthor
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Name: Dr Darryl Dymock
Availability: by appointment, in person or via phone/Skype conference
Consults on: narrative non-fiction and academic writing
Bio: Dr Darryl Dymock is a researcher, writer and teacher, and author of
five non-fiction books including biography and history, and dozens of
academic journal articles. He is a former editor of an international journal,
and was selected for the QWC/Hachette Manuscript Development Program
for his narrative non-fiction book, Hustling Hinkler.
Recent publications: The Chalkies: Educating an army for independence
(2016), Co-editor, Supporting learning across working life (2016), Hustling
Hinkler (2013)
Links: drdymock.wordpress.com
Name: Trent Jamieson
Availability: Thursdays, in person
Consults on: speculative fiction, short fiction, general fiction
Bio: Trent Jamieson is a multi-award winning short story writer and
novelist. He has taught as a sessional academic at QUT, and was a tutor at
the intensive writing workshop Clarion South. He was also fiction editor
of Redsine Magazine, and has edited short story collections, novels, and
anthologies. He is a current recipient of a Queensland Writers Fellowship
working on his new novel The Stone Road.
Recent publications: Day Boy (2015), Death Works series (2010-2014),
The Nightbound Land Duology (2011-2012)
Links: trentjamieson.com / @trentonomicon
Name: Caylie Jeffery
Availability: by appointment, in person or via phone conference
Consults on: memoir, self-help and mindfulness, blog-to-book projects and
journaling
Bio: With a background in nursing, counselling and education, Caylie
Jeffery became a blogger-turned-author after some particularly exciting
ocean adventures. By writing mindful essays for The Social Conscience,
iVillage and others, teaching creative writing and facilitating journaling
workshops, Caylie helps children and adults connect with their authentic
and courageous selves, in a bid to keep their worlds right-side-up.
Recent publications: Bedtime Stories for Busy Mothers (2014)
Links: www.cayliejeffery.com.au / @CaylieAuthor /
www.facebook.com/CaylieJefferyWriter
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Name: Michelle Law
Availability: by appointment, via phone or Skype conference
Consults on: screenwriting, life writing, freelance projects and playwriting
Bio: Michelle Law is a freelance writer with experience working for many
Australian publications including the Sydney Morning Herald, Frankie,
Daily Life, the Griffith Review and Meanjin. She is an AWGIE award winning
screenwriter who has worked on productions for ABC, SBS, Fox, Channel
Nine and Ten.
Recent publications and productions: Single Asian Female (2017), The
Family Law (2015), Sh*t Asian Mothers Say (2014), Bloomers (2013)
Links: www.michelle-law.com / @ms_michellelaw
Name: Dave Lowe
Availability: by appointment, in person only
Consults on: middle primary chapter books
Bio: Dave is the author of the Stinky & Jinks novels. Aimed at 7-10 yearolds, the books are published in Australia, the UK and in 6 translations.
Three books in a new series, The Incredible Dadventure, about an explorer
dad and his adventurous daughter, will be published in 2017 by Piccadilly
in the UK and Australia.
Recent publications: Squirrel Boy series (2015-16), Stinky & Jinks series
(2012-14)
Links: davelowebooks.com
Name: Cass Moriarty
Availability: by appointment, in person and via phone conference
Consults on: literary fiction, general fiction, corporate writing, preparing
submissions and project development
Bio: After completing a Business/Communication degree at Queensland
University of Technology, Cass Moriarty honed her corporate writing skills
on media releases, annual reports, speeches and in-house magazine articles
in various PR and marketing roles. In 2007, she began writing fiction. Her
debut novel, The Promise Seed, was shortlisted in the 2013 Queensland
Literary Awards, and went on to be published by The University of
Queensland Press to critical acclaim.
Recent publications: Parting Words (2017), The Promise Seed (2013)
Links: www.cassmoriarty.com / @MoriartyCass /
facebook.com/cassmoriartyauthor
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Name: Sally Piper
Availability: by appointment, in person or via phone conference
Consults on: literary fiction, short fiction, general fiction
Bio: Sally Piper’s debut novel, Grace’s Table, was shortlisted for the 2011
Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards. Her short fiction and non-fiction
has been published in print and online in Australia and the UK, appearing
in anthologies, literary magazines and The Weekend Australian. Sally assists
writers to craft tight sentences and a strong narrative voice that will attract
the attention of editors and literary award judges.
Recent publications: Grace’s Table (2014)
Links: sallypiper.com / @SallyPiper / facebook.com/sallypiperwriter
Name: Lea Scott
Availability: by appointment, in person and via phone conference
Consults on: crime fiction and self-publishing projects
Bio: Lea Scott is a Brisbane-based writer who has published three indie
crime thrillers in print and digital versions. She has also co-authored
several short story anthologies. She holds a Commerce/Arts degree with
studies in Communications and English Literature and is currently
undertaking a PhD in Creative Writing.
Recent publications: One for All (2013), Eclipsed (2010), The Ned Kelly
Game (2009)
Links: leascott.com
Name: Edwina Shaw
Availability: by appointment, in person and via phone or Skype conference
Consults on: general fiction, literary fiction, memoir, essays and children’s
chapter books
Bio: Edwina Shaw is a Brisbane-based writer of fiction, memoir and essays.
She has been publishing short pieces of life writing, self-help and fiction
since 2002. Her book Thrill Seekers was shortlisted for a 2012 New South
Wales Premier’s Award. In the Dark of Night her children’s chapter book
was released in 2016.
Recent publications: In the Dark of Night (2016), Thrill Seekers (2012)
Links: edwinashaw.com / facebook.com/EdwinaShawAuthor
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Name: Lesley Synge
Availability: by appointment, in person or phone conference
Consults on: poetry and life writing
Bio: Lesley Synge teaches writing across the community, and enjoys
supporting publishing journeys of all kinds. She has an MA in Creative
Writing from The University of Queensland, and is a regular at Speed Poets.
Her reviews have been published in Social Alternatives and Transnational
Literature, and in 2011, the film of her collection Mountains Belong to the
People Who Love Them premiered at the Queensland Poetry Festival.
Lesley’s latest work is the biography, Wharfie.
Recent publications: Mountains Belong to the People Who Love Them
(2011), Organic Sister (2005), Cry Ma Ma to the Moon (2002)
Links: zingstories.com.au
Name: Sally Wilson
Availability: Daily between 10am-2pm, in person and via phone
conference
Consults on: freelance journalism, blogging, food and travel writing,
corporate writing
Bio: Sally Wilson is a freelance writer, editor, and restaurant reviewer with
more than 13 years' experience in magazine publishing and
communications. Her work has appeared in magazines such as Collective
Magazine, Good Food Guide, Jetstar Australia, and BBC Good Food. She also
tutors in the Writing, Editing & Publishing program at UQ. Sally blogs about
some of her favourite subjects — food, books and travel — at Scribe &
Spoon.
Recent publications: works appear at Scribe & Spoon, Collective
Magazine, Australian Table and more
Links: sallywilson.com.au / @salwilsonwords /
facebook.com/Scribeandspoon
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Formatting your sample
Kate Eltham
[email protected]
(07) 3842 9922
c/o Queensland Writers Centre
Level 2, State Library of Queensland
South Brisbane QLD 4101
498 words
Formatting Your Manuscript
by Kate Eltham
American science fiction author, William Shunn, has said “No one knows for certain
how many good stories are passed over because the manuscripts containing them are
formatted poorly, but it is certain that a properly formatted manuscript will be more eagerly
read by an editor than a poorly formatted one.”
Here are some tips for you to ensure your manuscript is well formatted and won’t end
up in the rejection bin merely because of its physical presentation.
Type your manuscript in black ink on white paper, on only one side of each page. Use
standard sized paper (A4) of standard thickness (80gsm). Using coloured paper or inks only
calls unfavourable attention to your manuscript. It will also be harder to read.
On your first page, include your full name and contact details in the upper left corner.
If you are submitting to a publication where word length may be of concern, it is also
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advisable to note the total word count of your story. Repeat your
name and the title of your story on every page. This way, if any of your pages come loose
from the manuscript, it will be easy to identify them. Be sure to number every page!
Use a standard font, preferably 12 point size, to make your manuscript easy to read.
This example uses Times New Roman in 12 point. You can also use courier, which is a
fixed-width font. Some editors of magazines and anthologies prefer a fixed-width font
because it helps them estimate the physical amount of space your story will occupy in the
printed publication. Times New Roman and Courier are both serif fonts –the letters have little
“feet”. Don’t use a sans serif font, such as Arial or Verdana. Those fonts are not as readable
for the human eye. Remember, the goal is to make things simple and easy for the people who
will make decisions about your manuscript.
The first line of each paragraph should be indented, like this one. Indents help to
break up large blocks of text and make it easy to identify where new paragraphs begin. Line
spacing is important in a properly formatted manuscript. Ensure you use double line spacing,
not 1.5, not single. Double. This is not only readable but gives plenty of space for editors to
mark comments on the manuscript. For the same reason, you should use generous margins, at
least 3cm on left and right.
Apply left alignment to your paragraphs the left side is ramrod straight but the right
side is ragged. If you justify your paragraphs it will screw up the spacing between words and,
again, make the manuscript harder to read. Sensing a theme?
If you follow these guidelines your manuscript will look very similar to this
document. Your manuscript will look as though it has been prepared by a competent
professional. Most importantly, it will allow your words, not the physical presentation of your
manuscript, to attract the proper scrutiny of publishers and editors. Good luck!
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