About Jo Tuscano
Jo Tuscano is a Sydney writer, editor, teacher, and presenter. She is an author of both fiction and non-fiction.
Her first novel, The River Child, was published in 2023 by Odyssey Books. Her second novel, Girl of Sea and Sky, will be published by Interactive Press in May 2026.
Her non-fiction co-authored book, Back on the Block, was published in 2009 and is the story of Bill Simon, a member of the Stolen Generations, taken to the notorious Kinchela Boys’ Home. Her second non-fiction work, This is Where You Have to Go, was published by Hardie Grant in April 2024, and is the story of Lynda Holden, a Biripi woman, who had her son taken away by forced adoption. Her other non-fiction, With What I Have Left, published by New Holland Press in 2023, is the story of her friend, Melissa, who fights a debilitating disease, but finds peace in the time she has left.
Jo has been published in the Sydney Morning Herald, Marie Claire, Women’s Weekly, the New England Review, Westerly Journal, Newswrite, the NSW History Teachers’ Association Journal, Spineless Wonders, Stringybark Press and in various other media. She has been a presenter on Indigenous issues, particularly about the Kinchela Boys Home and issues regarding youth justice in the Northern Territory. She has appeared on Stateline and ABC Radio and has been a guest speaker for Reconciliation for Western Sydney on a number of occasions.
Jo has a BA from Macquarie University and a Dip.Ed from Sydney Teachers’ College, a Cert TESOL from the Australian Catholic University and a Master’s in Writing from UTS. She is a graduate of Allen and Unwin’s Faber Academy. In 2019, Jo’s piece Down Under was selected with other writers’ pieces to be performed in the Voices of Women project.
Jo taught English, English as a Second Language and History in the state school system for sixteen years. She was also employed as a private tutor with Tranby Aboriginal College in Sydney, and taught HSC English at various institutions.
Jo lives and works on Cadigal land. She is presently writing her third novel.
Endorsements
Dr Keith Mascord
Academic and author, A Restless Faith: Leaving Fundamentalism in a Quest for God
While in the process of getting A Restless Faith: Leaving Fundamentalism in a Quest for God ready for publishing, I was on the lookout for an expert editor and found one in Jo Tuscano. She came with high praise from those who recommended her, and well and truly earned that praise by her meticulous, skillful and experienced work. Those who read the book described it as a fascinating read and Jo is owed at least some of the credit for that description. I highly recommend her.
Ava Darwin
Poet and Author, Pieces of My Heart, Poems from My Soul
Jo's editing was really helpful. She made my writing flow. I'd edited myself many times, but Jo was able to point out mistakes that I hadn't been aware of. My manuscript is now ready to go. Jo is reliable and has a strong work ethic, and I would definitely recommend her.'
Bernadette Aguis
Author, I’m Staying at Richard’s
In dire straits with my manuscript, I was looking for an editor I could trust and rely on. My previous editor had let me down and I found myself with a deadline and a manuscript that was not up to scratch. Jo was recommended to me, and although she was in the middle of another project, she assured me she could do it in another week. It was worth the wait. A great decision on my part. Jo took my manuscript and worked on it with great professionalism, empathy for the subject and a sense of humour. Within a short period of time, and with phone calls and emails to keep me in the loop, Jo had turned my manuscript into a structured, entertaining and emotional read. I was delighted. Actually, I was ecstatic. I cannot recommend Jo highly enough.
Caitlin Robson
Author, Taylor Swift: The Story of Us
I was rushing to find an editor as the manuscript was due at the publishers in a few weeks. Jo worked wonders on my book and even did her own research on my topic to make sure the feel and tone of the work were in accordance with the demographic my book was aimed at. She had suggestions on how to improve the manuscript, and it was certainly in great shape when she finished. She did an amazing job! I will definitely work with her again on future projects and would highly recommend her.
Melissa James
I’d been working on my life story for ten years but hadn’t had any luck with it. I started working with Jo some time ago. She taught me how to tell a story in a way that was honest and compelling. She gave me homework to do to improve my writing skills (and she made me do it!). She also recommended books for me to read. Jo said I had a story to tell but I didn’t know how to tell it. Now my life story With What I Have Left is ready to be published by New Holland Press. I’m so excited! I’ve learned so much about writing and my dream is coming true. My subject matter is not easy to deal with at times. It can be confronting. Jo helped me draw it out in a way that was compassionate yet professional. I would recommend Jo to anyone who needs help with their writing.
Dr Kathryn Spurling
Academic and author of fifteen non-fiction books
After ten non-fiction books, I decided to chance a novel. I had much to learn, but Jo Tuscano’s patience and professionalism gave my raw work a much better direction. Fiction is harder than non-fiction. My language lacked impact, and my tenses were wrong. Jo taught me so much. I hardly recognised my manuscript when she had worked on it. I applied the edits she recommended, and now it is ready to go. I am very grateful to Jo and recommend her unconditionally.