Bohdi Byles (he/they) is a writer/makeup artist based in Sydney. He holds a Bachelor of Arts double majoring in Gender Studies and Writing, a Masters of Creative Writing, and has and a Diploma in Screen and Media (Specialist Makeup Services). He has professional experience working in multiple book stores (independent and commercial), was editorial team leader of Issue 14 of The Quarry, and has had his writing published in Archer Magazine. He is a vocal queer person, a proud Indigenous person, a passionate creative, and an avid reader.

Bianca Jafari (she/her) is a Product Development Executive at Thames and Hudson Australia. Her previous role with Laurence King Publishing instilled a passion for gift publishing – activity books, games, cards, puzzles. Her gift list at Thames and Hudson celebrates creativity and shines a light on contemporary independent women artists.

Maya Hodge is a proud Lardil & Yangkaal woman raised on Latje Latje Country (Mildura). Currently based on Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung Country, Maya is an emerging writer, creative, curator and violinist whose work explores the power of healing through uplighting First Nations creativity and autonomy. Her writing is featured in this mob’s Black Wattle, the Emerging Writers Festival, Cordite Poetry Review and Overland Literary Magazine. Recently, Maya co-edited (story) Loading…, an online writing project published by West Space. This year, Maya was awarded Runner Up of the SBS Emerging Writers Competition (2021).

Hella Ibrahim is an editor with a passion for activism through the Arts. Hella has over 10 years’ experience in the Arts and publishing industry, having worked both in-house at traditional print and digital publishers and in non-mainstream publishing. She currently works in comms on weekdays, and is the founder of Djed Press, an online publication that provides a paid platform for Bla(c)k creatives and other creatives of colour.

Mualla Aydogan is a freelance writer who nurtured her love for books and writing from a very young age. She has a Master’s degree in Writing and Literature and sees literature as a form of art that can spark both change and unity. Mualla is keenly interested in editorial, sales or marketing roles at publishers that specialise in fiction, non-fiction or children’s books. She is a member of writing collective Sweatshop, where she learns the craft of writing and editing from published writers and industry experts. Her work has appeared in publications such as Mamamia and lifestyle guides by Hunter and Bligh and she has significant sales and customer service experience.

Neysha Santos is an emerging writer who works on unceded Gadigal land. She has recently completed a Bachelor of Communications in Creative Writing. Neysha was a part of the editorial committee for the 2021 UTS Writers’ Anthology Bloom which gave her the opportunity to read and edit a wide range of forms and genres. She believes that literature is a lens for empathy and understanding and dreams of being a part of the conduit that helps produce this. Neysha is interested in editorial, marketing, and PR roles in the book industry. She has a particular passion for poetry. You can find her work in Bloom and kindling & sage.

Özge Sevindik Alkan was born in Turkey and grew up in America. She holds an honours degree in Journalism and a Master of Information Studies (Children’s Librarianship). She is the co-founder of The Right Pen Collective (TRPC), an organisation for Muslim Australian writers. With the TRPC she created and delivered Australia’s first Muslim Writers Festival in September 2021. Ozge has a particular interest in the creation of diverse stories for children and young adults. In 2021 she was an Australia Reads ambassador and the winner of the Creative Arts Pioneer award from Women Acknowledging Women awards. She works as a librarian and volunteers in the social media team of The Big Group Hug in Melbourne.

Shaani Jag has a genuine passion for reading, books, education and understands the importance of sharing stories and knowledge. She is a motivated, detail oriented person with a demonstrated aptitude for critical and analytical thinking. Shaani has worked closely with world-class researchers while at university and gained first-hand experience in reviewing academic papers and texts. She is an energetic and creative individual who is driven by curiosity and a willingness to learn from industry professionals and believes she can make a positive contribution to the publishing industry.