Alex Adsett is an Australian literary agent, representing works from picture books to narrative non-fiction, with a focus on genre fiction. She is also a freelance publishing consultant offering commercial contract advice to authors and publishers. She has almost twenty five years’ experience working in the publishing and bookselling industry and has managed Alex Adsett Publishing Services since 2008. As a consultant, Alex helps authors and publishers negotiate publishing contracts in line with industry standards. As a literary agent, she is focused on finding exceptional manuscripts for adults, young adults and childrens, including romance, science fiction, fantasy, crime and mystery. Alex represents a select stable of authors including Isobelle Carmody, Trent Jamieson, Jodi McAlister, Alan Baxter, and Marlee Jane Ward. She is often to be found on twitter at @alexadsett or via her website www.alexadsett.com.au.
1. Tell us about your recent publications/projects?
As an agent, I have a number of titles in the works, but most recently we launched the incredible science fiction picture book The Giant and the Sea by Trent Jamieson and illustrated by Rovina Cai. This is a stunning work, combining Trent’s lyrical writing with Rovina’s epic artwork, with themes of climate change, bravery and persistence.
2. What has been the best publishing experience of your career so far?
On a social level, one of the highlights of my career was talking six other authors (and a publisher) into dressing as a flock of flamingos with me for the Romance Writers Australia cocktail party. We were glorious, and won third prize to prove it.
On a more serious career level, I’m delighted that my agency has grown over the past ten years into a organisation that represents more than forty authors, with print and film deals around the world. I am so proud of my authors, and am still excited every day about what we can do together.
3. Which recent Australian/NZ work would you recommend to international fans interested in expanding their Antipodean spec fic knowledge?
The standout new release for me is Kathleen Jenning’s debut novel Flyway. It is a stunning, lyrical, eerie exploration of the Australian bush and folklore, and the mythology we build around ourselves as colonial settlers in this land. It is also an incredible story. Flyaway is one of the most powerful and beautiful pieces of writing you will read about Australia, and I could not recommend it more highly.
In addition, After Australia is a collection of SFF works by authors of colour, and is a stunning, dark vision of the future well worth reading!
Australian SF Snapshot Project 