Australian Book Review

What this publication wants

This is BRYME's summary of the publication's focus — not a copy of their website. Type of writing: Essays, Reviews, Opinion, Analysis. Official guideline: Australian Book Review guidelines.

Topics, themes and styles they look for

• Succinct pitches for commentary essays on topics of political and cultural moment.
• Ideas that complement ABR's increased focus in its areas of interest and expertise.
• Pitches sent to the Editor by email.

Subjects they avoid

• Long, unfocused pitches — they ask for succinct ones.

Key requirements

• Email pitch
• Succinct

Who can submit

No nationality restriction stated on the submissions page. ABR is Australia's leading review of books and arts.

Rights

Not stated on the submissions page.

AI policy

Not stated in the guideline

How to write for them

Official requirement: always follow the publication's own guideline exactly.

BRYME's practical advice: write for the publication's audience, use a clear structure, keep paragraphs short, lead with a specific angle, and confirm the word count before submitting. These are practical suggestions — they are not the publication's official rules.

How to pitch

Where a pitch is required, this is the general pattern BRYME recommends — always adapt it to the publication's guideline.

1. Research the publication and read several recent pieces.
2. Choose a specific idea that fits their beat and audience.
3. Write a concise subject line naming your idea.
4. Introduce yourself in one or two lines (who you are, where you publish).
5. Explain the proposed piece in a short paragraph — angle, structure, length.
6. Say why it fits this publication.
7. Include 2–3 relevant clips or links.
8. Close professionally and thank them for their time.
9. Send through the official channel only.

Accepting submissions now, with no stated closing date.

Track this pitch

How to submit

Email pitch to the Editor

Apply through the official channel below. BRYME only records submission destinations it has verified.

• Official guideline: opens the publication guideline (new tab)
• Submission: Email pitch to the Editor

What the guideline asks you to prepare

• Read https://www.australianbookreview.com.au/submissions.
• Read recent commentary essays to judge the fit.
• Send a succinct pitch to the Editor at the address on that page.

What happens after submission

Expected response: Not stated

If the publication does not state a response time, BRYME records that it is unknown. A follow-up is generally reasonable after a couple of weeks; if there is still no response, treat that as a likely non-acceptance rather than a rejection. Acceptance is normally communicated by the publication. If they accept, they will tell you exactly how to submit the final piece and, for most, how and when payment is made.