Event:

First Friday with Perentie Press

Friday 7 November, 12.30pm

First Friday, our monthly conversation with an industry professional, is a chance for our community to learn more about the writing and publishing industry. This November, we invite you to our online event with Bethany Loveridge and Rochelle Stephens of Perentie Press.

While much of the publishing industry wrestles with talk of contraction and consolidation, two Australian publishers have chosen a different path: launching Perentie Press, a new publishing house dedicated exclusively to graphic novels. But why now? And why Australia? In this season finale episode, we sit down with Bethany Loveridge and Rochelle Stephens, the co-founders of Perentie Press, to explore their bold venture into the world of visual storytelling. At a time when industry headlines seem dominated by doom and gloom, these two publishers see opportunity where others see risk.

Whether you’re a creator hoping to break into graphic novels, a reader curious about the Australian comics scene, or simply someone who loves a good story about taking creative risks, this conversation offers insight into what it takes to build something new.

This event starts online at 12:30pm, via Zoom, and will run for 60 minutes. If there is time, we will take audience questions at the end. First Friday events are free and open to members and non-members, but RSVPs are essential. You can also submit a question for Bethany Loveridge or Rochelle Stephens in the ‘Additional Information – Order Notes’ section at Checkout.

If you have additional access needs please contact us at info@writingnsw.org.au or 02 9555 9757.

Registered attendees will receive a link to access this event prior to the start time.

Interested in visual storytelling? Read more about this topic in our Q&A with Christof Bogacs.


Perentie Press was founded by Bethany Loveridge and Rochelle Stephens in 2025.

Bethany is a film, TV, media and visual art teacher with a keen eye for storyboarding and stop-motion animation, and a big love of graphic novels. She is a passionate advocate of the arts, has served on national judging panels and executive committees, and written many articles, learning resources and curriculum materials. As an emerging author, Bethany won several awards and mentorship opportunities to develop her debut middle grade story, released later this year.

Rochelle is passionate about books. She runs publishing house Wombat Books and has a growing list of her own titles, including her Riz Chester junior fiction series. Having over 15 years in publishing and a Masters in Editing and Publishing, Rochelle is keen to keep seeing original Australian stories in all formats. Through Wombat Books Rochelle has worked with novels and picture books and seen the growth in graphic novels.

Click to discover more about Perentie Press or Wombat Books.

Register

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First Friday with Perentie Press

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First Friday, our monthly conversation with an industry professional, is a chance for our community to learn more about the writing and publishing industry. This November we chat with Bethany Loveridge and Rochelle Stephens from Perentie Press.

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