Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I find a literary mentor in Australia?

    Finding the right literary mentor involves matching your specific genre and goals with an established industry professional. At Hey Author, we connect aspiring, emerging, and established Australian writers with bestselling authors and seasoned publishing specialists who provide tailored, virtual one-on-one coaching to help you navigate your writing journey.

    What is the average author mentoring cost?

    Author mentoring costs in Australia vary depending on the depth and frequency of support. At Hey Author, we offer transparent, upfront pricing packages to suit different stages of your project:

    • One-off 1-Hour Session: $300 (Ideal for targeted advice or breaking through writer's block)

    • 3 x 1-Hour Ongoing Package: $1,000 (Great for structural accountability)

    • 6 x 1-Hour Ongoing Package: $2,000 (Best for comprehensive manuscript development)

    What is the difference between writing mentoring and an "Ask Us Anything" session?

    A writing mentoring session is deeply focused on your specific manuscript, craft development, and long-term career strategy. An "Ask Us Anything" session ($250 for one hour) is a more casual, rapid-fire Q&A consult designed for writers who want to pick an industry expert's brain about traditional publishing, self-publishing routes, or general industry mechanics.

  • What is included in a professional manuscript assessment?

    A professional manuscript assessment provides a comprehensive structural review of your uncompleted or completed draft. Your assessment includes detailed feedback on core storytelling elements—such as plot architecture, character arcs, pacing, point of view, dialogue, and world-building—alongside a clear, actionable roadmap for your next draft.

    • How much does a manuscript assessment cost in Australia?

    Manuscript assessment costs are calculated based on your total word count and specific genre (e.g., picture books vs. an 80,000-word adult fiction novel). Because every project requires a different level of deep-dive review, we provide custom, obligation-free quotes. Contact us with your project details to receive a tailored estimate.

    What is the difference between a manuscript assessment and developmental editing?

    A manuscript assessment provides an objective structural report that highlights what is working and what needs revision, so you can rewrite it yourself. A developmental edit is a highly collaborative, hands-on process where an editor works directly within your manuscript file to address structural issues, pacing gaps, and line-level craft elements alongside you.

  • How do I pitch a book to agents and publishers in Australia?

    Pitching a book successfully requires three critical components: a polished sample hook, an airtight synopsis, and a compelling query letter tailored to submission guidelines. Hey Author provides query and pitching support to help you refine your submission package, target the right literary agents or publishers, and navigate the traditional submission pool with confidence.

    Do you offer self-publishing and book production services?

    Yes. If you are choosing the independent or self-publishing path, we offer end-to-end book production services. This includes pre-production planning, printing and ebook costing, professional copyediting, proofreading, formatting, and long-term backlist republication strategies.

  • How do I market a self-published or traditionally published book?

    Effective book marketing requires a multi-channel approach tailored to your specific audience. Hey Author designs customised marketing and publicity campaigns, assisting authors with social media content strategies, author website optimisation, book launch planning, and targeted pitches for literary festivals and media appearances.

    How do I book an author for a school visit or writing workshop?

    You can book our roster of bestselling Australian authors and publishing professionals for both virtual and in-person events. We offer tailored writing workshops, masterclasses, and virtual classroom visits designed to inspire creativity and teach practical writing skills to students or writing groups. Get in touch for current speaker rates and availability.

  • Are writing mentorship sessions held online or in person?

    All of our one-on-one writing mentorship and "Ask Us Anything" sessions are held virtually via secure video conferencing. This allows us to connect writers anywhere in the world with the absolute best Australian publishing mentors, regardless of location. Writing workshops and school visits can be booked either virtually or in person, depending on location.

    Where is Hey Author based?

    Hey Author is proudly based in Australia and has a nationwide network of remote mentors, editors, and publishing consultants.