I am an independent publisher based in Perth. Operating within a national industry from the west coast is notoriously difficult. I believe I have experiences and insights of value to the broader membership of Copyright Agency, for both publishers and writers.

My working life has revolved around writing and books: as a writer, a bookseller, a publisher in two settings. I have sole-authored five books and produced an additional five books in the role of commissioning editor. At UWA Publishing (2005-2020) I introduced creative writing for the first time in its 70^th year of publishing. I shaped a list featuring narrative nonfiction, scholarly writing, and art monographs of more than 400 titles. I was successful in applying to Copyright Agency in 2015 for a new unpublished manuscript award—the Dorothy Hewett Award—that continues today.

Post-UWAP I launched a new publishing house in August 2021: Upswell Publishing. I am particularly interested in writing that bucks current trends, that is playful and generative with form and style, in its genre and the quality of the writing. Hybrid forms crowd my list, and poetry features strongly. I’ve also made a small number of art books to date and have an interest in beautifully drawn graphic novels. Narrative nonfiction is where my interests lie: through the strength of ambition in works coming my way.

I enjoy serving my community and sector by putting my hand up for roles such as this and have served on boards of organisations of a cultural, arts, research, and advocacy for women since I was a young woman. I have completed ‘leadership’ courses both conservatively shaped and driven by a radical ethos.

I enter into such service with fidelity to the great responsibility attached, alongside my pride and passion.