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Deal Sheet

Recent deals and rights sales, newest first. Tap a card to enlarge and share it.
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The Book Source5 November 2026Screen optionThe WorkBri LeeA long-distance love affair between a New York gallerist and a Sydney antiques appraiser, each trying to get ahead in the art world.Optioned by Dollhouse PicturesAgent: Grace Heifetz, a4 LiteraryThe Book Source5 November 2026TV rightsThree Reasons for RevengeDervla McTiernanThree mysterious gifts arrive at three Melbourne houses, each chosen to wreck the life of the person who receives it.Optioned by Easy Tiger ProductionsAgent: Dan Conaway, Writers HouseThe Book Source28 October 2026World rightsCheatercockSuri MatondkarMemoir and critique on English, power and identity, from a writer who grew up in Goa speaking her native language.Acquired by University of Queensland PressMentorship Prize winner · July 2027The Book Source26 October 2026ANZ rightsExchangeMegan CheongAutofiction about a young woman who moves to Berlin with little German, searching for the person she hopes to become.Sold to UWA PublishingAgent: Bella Suckling, Annabel Barker AgencyThe Book Source20 October 2026Fiction Prize contractSoftPenny RichardsA debut novel set in Christchurch as the city rebuilds after the earthquakes, and winner of the publisher's 2026 Fiction Prize.Acquired by Allen & Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand$10,000 advance · Mid-2027The Book Source10 September 2026Second novelThe HerdGeorge KempGeorge Kemp's second novel, which uses an outbreak of bird flu as its lens.Acquired by University of Queensland PressSoft Serve NA rights to EuropaThe Book Source2 September 2026World rightsLaughing RiverN. J. MaddenIn Victoria's goldrush era, a boy grows up to become a feared bushranger, then faces a moral and spiritual crisis.Acquired by UWA PublishingDebut novel · April 2027
People Kete Books: Fergus Barrowman hands over reins New Zealand · 5 Nov Kete Books: James Norcliffe. President of Honour New Zealand · 1 Nov Alice Miller is 2027 IIML Writer in Residence New Zealand · 28 Oct
Prizes 2026 Woollahra Digital Literary Award Shortlist Australia · 4 Nov Queensland Writers Centre: Aurealis Awards – Program Guidelines Australia · 4 Nov Ockham New Zealand Book Awards: How to Enter New Zealand · 4 Nov
Funding Creative Australia: National Poet Laureate Australia · 5 Nov Varuna, the National Writers' House: Varuna Residential Fellowships Australia · 3 Nov Library announces the David Scott Mitchell Institute and awards $274,000 in research funding for 2027 Australia · 15 Oct
Jobs Post a job
Role Employer Location Closes
Ticketing Manager Melbourne Writers Festival Melbourne 23 Nov
Internships Sydney Writers' Festival Sydney (The Rocks) 15 Nov
Marketing & Publicity Coordinator Murdoch Books (Allen & Unwin) Sydney Open
Publication Coordinator Debris Magazine Remote, Australia (Melbourne preferred) 22 Nov
Digital Marketing Manager Melbourne Writers Festival Melbourne 28 Sep
Senior Conservation Technician State Library Victoria Melbourne 14 Sep
Magazine · Explainer How to read a deal announcement

Pre-empts, auctions, world rights and ANZ: one sentence can tell you who wanted a book, how much, and where it will travel.

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Illustration: a woman at her desk reading a deal announcement, one line highlighted
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The Inside Track

Every deal, move, prize and job in the region, in your inbox at 7am on Monday and Wednesday. On Friday, The Deal Sheet sums up the week.