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Member only guide to the Australian book industry.
From domestic noir to shadowy espionage and global politics, the thriller genre has a wide appeal that keeps readers coming back for more. To feed the reading public’s interest, agents and publishers are always on the hunt for the next big thriller — but what does that look like in the current market, and how can an authors’ manuscript and pitch capture the attention of publishers?
Author Sam Guthrie writes international political thrillers based on his experience working at the nexus of business, politics, and international diplomacy, while his literary agent Tom Gilliatt’s keen interest in fresh takes on the thriller genre has led to him representing some of 2025’s bestselling thriller and crime fiction authors.
Join the pair in conversation with the ASA’s Kate Adams, as they delve into the essential elements of the thriller genre in the contemporary market. In this one-hour discussion, Sam and Tom will explore:
If you’ve ever wondered what combination of elements go into making a popular thriller, or how you can work towards getting your own book in the hands of readers, don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear directly from an author and their agent about their experience successfully publishing work in this genre.
There will be time for questions from the audience.
No problem! Everyone booked in to this event will be emailed a link and passcode to access the recording afterwards. This recording will be available to view for 10 days after the live session. This also means that if you wish to revisit the session after attending it live to take further notes, you can do so!
After 10 days, the link will expire and the recording will no longer be available to view.
