Editor Interview: Bonfire Books Go to the listing List all editor interviews Edit answers (editors only) Describe what you publish in 25 characters or less.Strayan dreamscapesLucas Smith, Editor-in-chief on 24 November 2025What other current publications (or publishers) do you admire most?Wiseblood BooksBrindabella PressAngelico PressAngus & RobertsonDuffy & SnellgroveRecent Work PressText ClassicsMetropolitan ReviewDappled Things JournalLucas Smith, Editor-in-chief on 24 November 2025If you publish writing, who are your favorite writers? If you publish art, who are your favorite artists?Czeslaw MiloszVS NaipaulAD HopeLes MurrayAnthony HechtShusaku EndoJoshua HrenJohn GardnerFlaubertMelvilleKiplingMany, many moreLucas Smith, Editor-in-chief on 24 November 2025What sets your publication apart from others that publish similar material?We are able to operate much faster than other publishers and take on much more author input on design than is normal. We have superior taste and truly love everything we publish.Lucas Smith, Editor-in-chief on 24 November 2025What is the best advice you can give people who are considering submitting work to your publication?Write the best book you can.Lucas Smith, Editor-in-chief on 24 November 2025Describe the ideal submission.Work that only you could write.Lucas Smith, Editor-in-chief on 24 November 2025What do submitters most often get wrong about your submissions process?We only accept hard copy submissions.Lucas Smith, Editor-in-chief on 24 November 2025How much do you want to know about the person submitting to you?Yes, brief cv is good, including publication history. Previous publication is not necessary to be considered.Lucas Smith, Editor-in-chief on 24 November 2025If you publish writing, how much of a piece do you read before making the decision to reject it?Generally tell within first few pages, sometimes longer.Lucas Smith, Editor-in-chief on 24 November 2025What additional evaluations, if any, does a piece go through before it is accepted?We will always have a phone conversation with a promising author to make sure they understand our ethos and that we are a proper fit holistically for their work and life situation.Lucas Smith, Editor-in-chief on 24 November 2025What is a day in the life of an editor like for you?Reading, judging, and managing our catalogueLucas Smith, Editor-in-chief on 24 November 2025How much do you edit an accepted piece prior to publication?Final say always lies with authors. Sometimes substantial edits/rearrangements are strongly suggested/conditional to acceptance, sometimes very few. At least two proofreaders go through the book at proof stage.Lucas Smith, Editor-in-chief on 24 November 2025Do you nominate work you've published for any national or international awards?Yes, mostly just the major Australian awards, but also overseas, depending on author's eligibility.Lucas Smith, Editor-in-chief on 24 November 2025How is your project funded?We have been sustainable through sales and grants but make our livings elsewhere.Lucas Smith, Editor-in-chief on 24 November 2025How do you promote your project and published authors/artists?Substack, twitter, our newsletter, the occasional very targeted ad.Lucas Smith, Editor-in-chief on 24 November 2025 Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only