SYDNEY

Enchinea Close-Brown is a First Nation creative based in Sydney. Currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Wollongong, with a major in international relations and creative writing. Enchinea intends to combine the creative and humanitarian aspects of her degree into a union of activism, which works towards positive change within the world. As an avid traveller who has undertaken trips throughout Europe and Asia, she believes that all voices need to be heard and all people seen in the stories that are published. As a proud Indigenous woman Enchinea knows the power of storytelling, the boundaries in which stories transcend, and the lives they change upon doing so.

MELBOURNE

Keerthana Ravindran moved to Melbourne from Sivakasi, India. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and is passionate about historical writing and historical fiction. She has worked as an editor and writer for her college magazines. Curious about all things books - ranging from printing to marketing, she finished her master’s in creative writing, publishing, and editing. She has completed two marketing internships in Melbourne and hopes to bring her previous experiences to sales and marketing in publishing.

MELBOURNE

Isabelle Webb is a proud Palawa woman, originally from Hobart, and has a background in the Torres Strait as well. She has qualifications in event management, and has previously volunteered with local Tasmanian events such as the Twilight Market and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Children's Festival. She is a huge reader and writer, and loves posting reviews on GoodReads and sharing books with friends. She has always had an eager interest in book publishing, and has a special interest in marketing and editorial.

SYDNEY

Mansib Ahmad has an immense passion for reading, books, and education, and understands the impact stories can have on the world. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications, and has published works across publications like Vogue Australia, Wedded Wonderland, and Blitz Magazine. Currently, she isworking as Qnary APAC’s first ever Editorial Strategist hire, where she writes, edits, and provides strategic oversight on content for over 50 globally renowned enterprise clients. Mansib is driven by curiosity and passion, and is interested in editorial, marketing, and PR roles in the book industry, where she believes she can make positive, enthusiastic contributions.

SYDNEY

Yasmine Alwakal is currently studying a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) with a second major in Writing and Publishing at the University of Technology Sydney. An avid reader, her writing spans across the non-fiction, fiction and journalistic genres. She has experience working as a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia, as a Publications Assistant and her work is featured in Central News. This year, her short story; ‘Alphard’ will be published in the UTS Writers Anthology and she looks forward to contributing further to the industry.

BRISBANE

Tewekwitha Tawny Ambrum is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman from the small town of Babinda (Bunna Binda) in Yidinji country. Fuelling the fire that is her keen interest in languages and literature from a young age, she moved to Brisbane to study a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese and Writing at Queensland University, where she has gained firsthand experience of writing both academically and creatively, exchanging written pieces with other students, and reviewing/editing texts with feedback. She is highly motivated and passionate to learn about the publishing industry from professionals, as she believes that literature is a form of language to allow people from all backgrounds and cultures to share their voice. One day, Tawny wishes to work closely with authors in publishing their works, or to offer translation services for English or Japanese literature.

MELBOURNE

Daisy Henry is a curious and compassionate writer with a love for books, writing and sharing stories. She is in the final year of her Master of Journalism and Master of International Relations, with a specialisation in gender, peace and security. Creative by nature, Daisy co-runs Read My Blurb, where she creates content, hosts book-related events and interviews authors and her work has appeared in publications such as The Age and Fashion Journal Magazine. She has extensive copywriting experience and worked at Dymocks for 9+ years. Daisy is interested in editorial and marketing roles where she can help platform diverse voices.

MELBOURNE

Sharlene (she/her) is a Sri Lankan New Zealander based in Naarm, who is an avid reader and strong believer in amplifying diverse voices. With extensive digital marketing experience in the corporate and not-for-profit sectors, her time in London sparked an interest in pivoting to publishing. At one of the UK’s leading housing charities she co-led The Shelter Book Club, a fundraising subscription product and community of book-lovers, working with publishing houses to introduce new titles and run monthly discussions, Q&A events and interviews with prominent authors such as David Nicholls, Afua Hirsch and Musa Okwonga. Sharlene is interested in roles in editorial, product and logistics, and audio and e-book production, as well as in how the rapidly evolving digital space impacts and influences publishers.

MELBOURNE

Samantha Wheeler (she/her) is an Asian-Australian Freelance Digital Communicator, and aspiring writer based in Naarm (Melbourne). She previously worked with The Conversation Media Group as their Editorial Assistant and has diverse experience, working in fields such as digital media, science communication and political research. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Arts degree from Deakin University, at University undertook an internship with the Jaipur Literature Festival, one of the greatest literary shows in the world, volunteered with the YMCA Youth Press gallery in 2021 and the Independent Publishing Conference in 2019. She’s passionate in uplifting diverse storytelling, and hopes to work within editorial, marketing, or PR in publishing or digital media.