May is now gone – nearly halfway through the year, and there is still much for IFWG Publishing/IFWG Publishing Australia to do. The Pouakai by David Sperry is going well, and we expect it to be published in the next month or so. We are also starting to ramp up the Ursus the Bear children’s book – stay tuned on that beauty. Buxacan Spicerunner will continue in earnest. Sealskin Coast and Brumbies in the Outback, as promised, are now published, and we are very happy with both titles.

Thanks to those who have provided moral support on SQ Mag’s minor faux pas last month – we are always grateful to those who support us. In the context of publishing, and particularly in Australia, this was a minor tremor in the earth’s crust. SQ Mag continues to grow from strength to strength, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it wins an award or two, and has some stories picked up in leading anthologies. I will make sure you all hear about it, of course. They are getting so many submissions they are now actively seeking Slush Readers.

On the topic of communication, I will be attending Continuum X in Melbourne from 6 to 9 June 2014 – only a week away. Coming with me is Steve McCracken, our new Marketing Director. As Chief Editor and Managing Director of both IFWG imprints, as well as publisher of SQ Mag, I have found it nearly impossible to supply the right amount of time to support our authors in the marketing space, or if I do, something else has to suffer. With Steve’s appointment, all press releases, support for launches and other events, and general activity to lift the profiles of IFWG and SQ Mag, are left to him. Soon after Continuum he will be travelling to the US and Canada – mostly for holidaying, but there is an opportunity for Steve to meet up with some of our North American authors (and Sophie Yorkston, our SQ Mag Editor in Chief, who is temporarily living in Vancouver).

At Continuum X, IFWG Publishing Australia will have a desk and will be selling Australian titles. We will also have a sampling of International titles and a catalogue for interested readers/retailers. We have a great banner, and look forward to sales as well as networking. IFWG Publishing and SQ Mag, both, will be actively marketed along with the Australian imprint.

I will report on our activities in the ifwgaustralia.com website soon after the event, hopefully with a few photos.

Gerry Huntman
Managing Director
IFWG Publishing/IFWG Publishing Australia