Jemima Shafei-Ongu is a Dharug/Sydney-based writer who is passionate about picture books. She has a professional background in psychology and teaching, and believes in the power of picture books to connect readers, of all ages, through honouring and celebrating diverse cultures and experiences. In her writing, Jemima explores themes of belonging, well-being and inclusion. Some […]

Since leaving the world of screenwriting, Nova Weetman has published 20 books for children and young adults, including: Sonny & Tess, The Secrets We Keep, Sick Bay, Outlaw Girls, and The Edge of Thirteen. Nova’s books have been CBCA Notables, shortlisted for the Readings Children’s Prize, Japan’s Sakura Medal, the NSW Premier’s History Prize, and […]

Dr Jillian Schedneck is a Canberra-based author of the memoir Abu Dhabi Days, Dubai Nights and the craft book Write Your Travel Memoir: A Step-by-Step Guide. Her literary essays and fiction appear widely. She holds an MFA and PhD and has taught memoir and narrative craft in Australia and internationally.

Madeleine Cleary’s debut novel, The Butterfly Women (2025, Affirm Press), was chosen as Dymocks Fiction Book of the Month and was inspired by her family history. Her writing has been shortlisted for The Australian Fiction Prize and featured in The Australian Weekend Magazine. Madeleine is the co-host of The Book Deal Podcast, a popular podcast where she […]

Tina Strachan is an Australian children’s author whose debut middle-grade book, Neeka and the Missing Key, was published by HarperCollins Publishers in February 2025. This is the first book of the Wilder Zoo series, which was inspired by her work with wildlife and conservation. Book 2, Neeka and the Storm released in July 2025 and Book 3, Neeka […]

Kate Horan’s professional background is in corporate communications, helping executives to pitch and present. Before that, she taught English and Drama at high schools in Western Sydney where she relished inspiring teenagers with a love of reading and writing. She graduated from the University of Sydney in 2001 with an Honours degree in English Literature. […]

Natasha Rai is a writer and somatic counsellor. She is also the co-host of The Book Deal podcast, exploring writers’ publication journeys. Her debut novel, An Onslaught of Light, published by Pantera Press, was longlisted for the 2017 Richell Prize, 2018 KYD Unpublished Manuscript award, and highly commended for the 2022 Ultimo Press/Westwords Prize. Natasha’s […]

John Morrissey is a Kalkadoon writer raised in Melbourne. His debut short story collection, Firelight, won an Aurealis Award and the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards Steele Rudd Prize. He was the winner of the 2020 Boundless Indigenous Mentorship, through which he worked with Kim Scott on developing Firelight. He brings a distinctive voice to contemporary […]

Kelly Rigby is a freelance editor and coach who is passionate about helping writers tell their stories and polish their words. Over the past 20 years she has developed a unique combination of writing, marketing and teaching experience, and holds qualifications in creative writing (UTS), business and TESOL. Kelly has edited and assessed manuscripts from […]