Looking for workshops that will ignite your library’s writing community and attract new members?
Australian author Kylie Orr delivers dynamic, hands-on writing and publishing sessions designed to empower writers at every stage of their journey.
Whether your community’s budding novelists are polishing their opening chapters or gearing up to navigate the publishing world, Kylie’s practical, engaging workshops offer expert guidance paired with real-world examples and interactive exercises that leave participants buzzing with confidence and ideas.
Kylie is a respected manuscript assessor for the Australian Society of Authors and holds a degree in Professional Writing and Editing. Her warm, straightforward style and insider knowledge have drawn sold-out crowds at workshops and events across Victoria, Tasmania and SA.
All enquiries & bookings: speaktome@kylieorr.com | kylieorr.com
Testimonials
“I wanted to thank you for the workshop yesterday and to congratulate you on doing an orphic job! You are so relatable it made everyone comfortable and you were so inclusive of us in your exercises and stories. I have done countless workshops and presentations over the years and I can tell you sincerely that yours was one of the best.”
Muriel Cooper | Psychologist, Author, President Peninsula Writers’ Club“Author Kylie Orr visited City of Marion Libraries to present an engaging talk about her book The Eleventh Floor. The audience appreciated her generosity in sharing her knowledge, along with her honesty, warmth, and sense of humour. Kylie was a pleasure to work with—punctual in her communication, friendly, and consistently positive with all her interactions.”
Jess Harris | Community Programs and Events Officer Libraries, City of Marion, SA
Invite Kylie to your library and give your local writers the tools and the inspiration to write boldly and publish smartly.
Workshop 1: Write a Killer Opening Chapter
Your opening chapter can make or break your novel. So how do you hook a reader, agent, or publisher from page one?
In this energising, practical workshop, Kylie takes participants deep into the art of the all-important beginning. Learn how to make your opening irresistible, introduce characters and stakes without the dreaded info-dump, and establish tone and genre from the very first paragraph.
Using a mix of examples, industry insights, and in-session writing, you’ll leave with sharper skills, a stronger opening, and a toolkit to keep readers turning the page.
Topics include:
– What agents and publishers look for in opening pages
– Nailing tone, genre, and stakes early
– Balancing action, character, and world-building
– Avoiding common first-chapter pitfalls
Format: 2-hour condensed workshop or 3-hour extended version (more time for exercises)
Ideal for: Aspiring and emerging writers, writing groups, and libraries.
Max. participants: negotiable
Bonus: Participants can get FREE access to my downloadable PDF booklet (normally $29)
Fee: $672 for a 2-hour workshop (including prep. and up to 2 hours travel)
Workshop 2: The Business of Getting Published
A 3-part workshop series with Kylie Orr (available individually or as a complete series)
Are you ready to take the leap from writer to published author, but unsure of the steps ahead? Join author Kylie Orr for a practical, empowering three-part workshop series designed to guide you through the crucial stages of preparing your manuscript, choosing your publishing path, and navigating the realities of contracts and marketing.
- Session 1) The Final Edit: Is Your Manuscript Really Done?
- Session 2) Choosing Your Publishing Path: Publisher, Agent, or Indie?
- Session 3) Publishing Realities for Authors: Money, Contracts & Making It Work
Each session delivers focused insights, real-world examples, and actionable strategies to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re still polishing your draft or ready to sign your first contract, this series will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions that suit your goals and creative vision.
Format: Three x 2-hour sessions, available individually or as a complete series.
Ideal for: Aspiring and emerging writers, writing groups, and libraries.
Max. participants: negotiable
Bonus: Participants can get FREE access to my downloadable PDF booklet (normally $29) for each session
Fee: $672 per 2-hour workshop or $1,850 if all three are booked together
Session 1) The Final Edit: Is Your Manuscript Really Done?
Learn how to honestly assess your manuscript’s readiness, use beta readers effectively, and know when it’s time to seek professional editing.
By the end of this session, you will:
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- Recognise the signs that your manuscript is ready to pitch and the red flags that mean it’s not.
- Understand why stepping away from your draft is essential for gaining clarity.
- Use practical strategies for conducting a final, honest self-assessment.
- Know how to find and work effectively with beta readers who provide constructive feedback.
- Analyse feedback objectively and decide what to change (and what to leave).
- Distinguish between different types of editing (structural, copyediting, proofreading).
- Identify when and how to engage a professional editor for extra polish.
Format: 2 hours
Fee: based on ASA rates $400
Session 2) Choosing Your Publishing Path: Publisher, Agent, or Indie?
Explore your publishing options, weigh the pros and cons of each route, and build a shortlist of agents or publishers that fit your project.
By the end of this session, you will:
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- Understand the main publishing options available in Australia (and beyond).
- Compare the benefits and drawbacks of traditional publishing, working with an agent, and independent publishing.
- Know what to expect (and what to look out for) if you receive a publishing offer.
- Begin a shortlist of possible agents, publishers, or next-step actions tailored to your work.
- Move forward with clarity and confidence about your chosen path.
Format: 2 hours
Fee: based on ASA rates $400
Session 3) Publishing Realities for Authors: Money, Contracts & Making It Work
Understand publishing offers, contracts, advances, and royalties; prepare for marketing and promotion; and learn how to establish a professional author platform.
By the end of this session, you will:
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- Understand what a publishing or agent offer really means in practical terms.
- Read and understand the basics of contracts (and know what to pay attention to).
- Know what your advance and royalties actually cover and when you get paid.
- Get the right professional advice before signing anything.
- Prepare for the realities of marketing and promotion in today’s book industry.
- Learn how to build your author platform and be a positive, professional presence in the literary community.
Format: 2 hours
Fee: based on ASA rates $400
About Kylie Orr
Kylie Orr is the author of four children’s books and two adult suspense novels, published by HarperCollins. She is a sought-after speaker at festivals and writing events, known for her engaging and honest teaching style and her ability to make even the most daunting aspects of writing and publishing accessible.
“Kylie Orr is one of the most engaging authors I have had the pleasure to work with. Not only is she is insightful and eloquent, she is also laugh-out-loud funny. Audiences love her, and so do I!”
Catie Maher | Library Programs Lead, Bayside City Council“Kylie, many, many thanks to you for such a great presentation. I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation, and everyone was so impressed with the territory traversed and the opportunity to pitch in.”
Graeme Johnstone | President, Mentone Public Library
Socials: Instagram @kylieorr_writer
Substack Newsletter: https://kylieorr.substack.com
Website: www.kylieorr.com (about to be upgraded with all the new workbooks etc)
[post sponsored by Kylie Orr]