Media Release: AWARD WINNING AUSTRALIAN AUTHORS SECURE FUNDING TO TRAVEL TO US AND PROMOTE AUSTRALIAN CRIME WRITING

AWARD WINNING AUSTRALIAN AUTHORS SECURE FUNDING TO TRAVEL TO US AND PROMOTE AUSTRALIAN CRIME WRITING

 

The Australia Council has awarded Sulari Gentill, Robert Gott, Jock Serong and Emma Viskic a career development grant valued at $25,000. With the funds they will embark on a tour of the US to promote their work, and Australian crime fiction, to a global audience.

The group, who hold nine Ned Kelly and Davitt awards between them, will travel to the US in November for the ‘On the Run’ tour meeting publishers, booksellers and readers and showcasing the breadth and quality of Australian crime writing.

The authors will undertake speaking events and bookshop tours in Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Arizona, and Texas. They will also attend the Bouchercon festival which will be held in Dallas this year from October 31 to November 3. The crime festival showcases writers from around the world and sees attendances of 150,000 guests over four days.

In a comment from the authors they said, “We’re very grateful to the Australia Council for its support, and absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to take Australia’s unique styles of crime fiction to the US as a team of touring writers.”

“As far as we know, this is the first time Australian novelists have travelled as a literary band.  We expect that will be a story in itself… though hopefully not crime.”

The authors’ publishers, Echo Publishing, Pantera Press, Scribe and Text Publishing were also thrilled to hear of the grant and their author’s upcoming promotional plans.

“We could not be happier for this group of incredibly talented and hardworking authors,” said the publishers in a joint statement.

“It’s a thrill for authors who have worked tirelessly to promote their books in Australia to be given the opportunity to be showcased on an international platform and reach a new market. We can’t wait to follow their adventures.”

 

For more information contact Anabel Pandiella | E: anabel.pandiella@panterapress.com | Tel: 02 8076 7133