HARDCOPY

The flagship initiative of MARION (formerly ACT Writers), funded by the Australia Council, and delivered between 2014 and 2019, HARDCOPY was a highly regarded development program for emerging Australian writers.
HARDCOPY offered significant development opportunities for 150 emerging writers from all states and territories.
The program focused on:
manuscript development;
increasing industry knowledge;
facilitating relationships between emerging writers and agents/publishers; and
breaking down the barriers of location and geography.

Underpinned by the principle of pragmatic optimism – being aware of the challenges but also being positive about the future – HARDCOPY did not specifically aim to have its participants achieve publication. However, it is pleasing to note a wide range of publishing outcomes.

Agents and publishers who participated in the program included Affirm Press, Allen & Unwin, Black Inc., Blemish Books, Echo Publishing, Editia, Finlay Lloyd, Hachette Australia, HarperCollins, New South, Penguin Random House, Scribe, Text Publishing, Thames & Hudson, Transit Lounge, UQP, UWAP, and Xoum. Agents included Jenny Darling, Jacinta Di Mase, Grace Hefeitz, Fiona Inglis, Gaby Naher, Pippa Masson, Benython Oldfield, Jane Novak and Benjamin Stevenson. MARION (formerly ACT Writers) is grateful for the contributions made by the above industry leaders. MARION also wishes to acknowledge the significant contributions of freelance editors Mary Cunnane and Nadine Davidoff.

HARDCOPY is currently being rested. MARION is exploring ways to build on the experience and success of the program, so watch this space.