BCDEFGHIJKLMNO
1
This is a database of First Nations and People of Colour freelancers working in Australian publishing (e.g. editors, designers, sensitivity readers). Please note that this database does not include freelance writers.
Any feedback or enquiries, please email fnpocinpublishing@pm.me
2
NameEmailBackground (e.g. First Nations, Bangladeshi, Vietnamese)Area(s) of expertisePlease specify your specialisation(s) in your area(s) of expertise (e.g. editor specialising in structural edits of YA books)LocationWebsiteWould you like to add any additional information?
3
Adele Aria
words@adelepurrsisted.com
Tie-Chiu, Chinese-Malaysian
Sensitivity reading, Marketing, development, project management, event management,Non-fiction, business (including board governance) and copywriting, human rights & intersectionality, government submissions, grants. Early-stage experience in cultural criticism.WA
https://www.adelepurrsisted.com/
Pronouns: they/them.Disabled. Trained facilitator in multiple individual and team development models. Undertaking PhD in family and domestic violence.
4
Anne-Marie Te Whiu
annemarietewhiu@gmail.com
Māori
Editing, Production, Proofreading, Sensitivity reading
Editor specialising in Poetry & FictionNSW
https://www.anne-marietewhiu.com/
Grateful that this space exists
5
Bridget Caldwell-Brightbridget.lcb@gmail.comFirst NationsEditing, Production, Proofreading, Sensitivity readingStructural edits, copyedits and proofreading across trade non-fiction titles, literary journals, local government publications and digital resources. VIC
6
Camha Phamcamha.pham@gmail.comVietnamese-AustralianEditing, ProofreadingGeneralist copyeditor and proofreader working across educational texts, trade fiction and non-fiction (with a penchant for short story anthologies!)VICwww.camhapham.com
7
Cher Tanwarrenofsnares@protonmail.comChinese-SingaporeanEditing, ProofreadingMy experience lies in editing digital writing (fiction and non-fiction, as well as experimental multi-form content) and book reviews.VIChttp://jerkofalltrades.net
8
Chitra Karunanayake
chitrai.karu@gmail.com
Sri Lankan (Australian citizen)
Indexing books (back of the book- non fiction)
Indexing books: biography, health, politics and current affairs, history, Journals
NSWnil
Professional Qualification: ICI Certified Indexer (http://www.certifiedindexers.com) awarded on results of an exam. Experience in indexing books on different subjects for several years. In addition indexed publications of different formats such as annual reports of Govt. departments, Minutes of the Council (for City of Sydney Archives), journal volumes. I have a sound knowledge and experience of using indexing software and continue updating skills. Worked with multinational and local publishers and government organizations. Have the ability to commit deadlines set by publishers. My background in librarianship complements indexing work. A qualified librarian (M.Lib Monash), Associate member of Australian Library and Information Ass (AALIA). Worked in a medical library in Sydney as manager for 25 years.
9
Elena Gomezelenamaria.gomez@gmail.comSouth AsianEditing, Proofreading, Manuscript assessment, project editingbook editor experienced across all genres of trade, with particular interest in literary fiction and narrative non-fiction VICwww.elenagomez.net
10
Grace Lucas-Penningtongrace.lucaspennington@outlook.comFirst Nations (Bundjalung)Structural editing, copyediting, sensitivity reading, MS assesments, mentoring
General and literary fiction, YA, poetry, essay. Also chairing panels for various literary festivals
QLDI work for a variety of Australian publishing organisations as a freelancer. Advance notice for projects always appreciated - not currently taking on work until 2022.
11
Jinghua Qianjinghua@jinghuaqian.comShanghainese, ChineseEditing, Proofreading, Sensitivity reading, CriticismI'm open to any project but my experience is in journalism, cultural criticism and literary non-fiction. For sensitivity reading specialisations, see my website.VICwww.jinghuaqian.com/servicesPronouns: ey/eir/em or they/their/them
12
Jon Tjhiajon@paperradio.netChinese AustralianDesign, Editing, Production, Audiobooks, podcasts, digital/videoI have experience as a commissioning editor, digital publisher/producer, multimedia producer and podcast/radio producer. I've worked with artists who identify as marginalised, particularly in the fields of radio, essays, digital writing and creative art.VIChttps://informationjewellery.com/
13
Laura La Rosa
contact@lauralarosa.com
First Nations (Aboriginal)
Design, Production, Illustration, art direction, cover design, book layout design.
Graphic designer, illustrator, digital artist, writer. NSWlauralarosa.com
14
Marisa Wikramanayakemarisa@marisa.com.auSri LankanEditing, Proofreading, Sensitivity readingI work across all genresVICHttp://www.marisa.com.au
15
Rashida Murphyrashidam@iinet.net.auIndianEditing, Proofreading, Manuscript assessmentsLiterary fiction, memoir and poetry. Mentor to POC writers of fiction, poetry and essays.WAhttps://rashidawritenow.com/
16
Renée Otmar, PhD DE HLMadmin@reneeotmar.com.auSouth African Editing, Proofreading, Sensitivity reading, Coaching and professional supervision for writers and editorsmanuscript assessment & developmental editing across narrative fiction and non-fiction genres; academic editing; coaching and professional supervision for writers and editorsVIChttps://reneeotmar.com.auI provide in-person, live online and online training for novice and experienced editors across a range of topics.
17
Robert Denish Woodrobert@centreforstories.comMalayali (Indian)Editing, Production, Project ManagementLiterary - poetry, essay, interviews, conversations, journalWAwww.robertdwood.netMy workplace, Centre for Stories, also has mentoring, training, festivals, events, and other aspects of literature. Happy to guide and be guided.
18
Rowena Morais
rowenamorais@gmail.com
AsianEditing, Proofreadingbusiness and non fiction writingACT
rowenamorais.com and digitalconfluence.info
Feel free to email me if you need to clarify anything.
19
Sara Kitaoji, PhD, AE
Sarakitaoji@gmail.com
Japanese Australian
Editing, Proofreading, Translation
I edit academic texts (e.g. books, journal articles, theses), and I edit, fact-check and consult on any texts pertaining to Japanese language, history and culture. My Japanese–English translation work covers a wide range of fields and genres, including government, business and media. My doctoral thesis addressed the problems of translating Japanese literature into English.

I’ve taught Japanese and English in Australia and Japan. In working with writers from diverse backgrounds, I draw on both my language-teaching background and my own language-learning experiences. I’ve studied German, Mandarin and French for many years, as well as Ancient Greek, Spanish and currently Russian.
NSW
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakitaoji
I’ve spent most of my life in Australia, but I’ve also lived, researched and worked in Tokyo (10 years), as well as Kyoto, Hong Kong and Paris. I’m a member of IPEd, CIEP, ATA (American Translators Association), JTA (Japanese Translators Association) and SWET (Society of Writers, Editors and Translators in Japan).
20
Suzy GarciaEmail on request via Twitter @suzygraciasTurkish, Chilean, SpanishEditing, ProofreadingLiterary: fiction, short stories, essay, narrative non-fiction
Journalism: features, interviews, reviews, general news media
VIC
21
Winnie Dunn winnie.a.dunn@gmail.comTongan Editing, ProofreadingStructural edits NSWwww.sweatshop.ws
22
Mark Lock
chiefeditor@culturalsafetyeditingservice.com
First Nations Australian (Ngiyampaa)
Editing, Proofreading, Sensitivity reading, academic theses
Editor specialising in academic theses, journal articles, and technical reports.
NSW
https://culturalsafetyeditingservice.com/
Former academic researcher exclusively in Aboriginal health and cultural safety
23
Chitra Karunanayake
chitrai.karu@gmail.com
Sri LankanIndexing (back of the book)Compiling back of the book indexesNSWhttp://ckindexing.com.au/
Professionally qualified indexer: ICI Certified indexer: Certification was awarded based on the results of an examination. (HTTP://WWW.CERTIFIEDINDEXERS.COM). Member Australian and New Zealand society of Indexers, Associate Member Australian Library and information Association (ALIA)
24
Carmen-Sibha Keiso
Carmen.s.keiso@gmail.com
Indigenous Assyrian, Lebanese
Editing, Proofreading, Art Consultance, Videography, Video Editing
Practicing artist, DJ and experimental documentarian. Writing workshop director, specialising in poetry and essays. Can handle anything that draws itself from experimentation.
VICcskeiso.com
25
Nadia Johansen
nadia.johansen@outlook.com.au
First Nations - Gunggari
Editing, Sensitivity reading, Copywriting, Judging and short/longlisting for prizes, MS assessments
Structural editing and copyediting literary and general fiction. Also editing poetry and short non-fiction: essay, memoir and personal essay.
QLD
I am queer and disabled/neurodivergent.
26
Bianca Valentino
conversationswithbianca@gmail.com
First Nations
Editing, Proofreading, Sensitivity reading, Writing
Structural edits, copyediting, sensitivity reading, manuscript assessment, judging and long-lasting and shortlisting prizes, commissioning First Nations writers, copywriting.
QLD
General and literary fiction, YA, poetry and essay editor. Publisher and editor of a music magazine. Music editor for art, design, culture publication. 20+ years experience in music, arts and culture feature writing, criticism and interviewing. Independent publication workshop mentor.
27
Casey Mulder
csymldr@gmail.com
First Nations (Ballardong Noongar)
Editing, Proofreading, Sensitivity reading
Structural edits, copyediting and sensitivity reads. Specialising in First Nations work, and all children's, junior and YA texts. Open to discussing any project outside of this also.
WA
In development. Will update asap.
Qualified high school English teacher, with experience teaching Creative Writing at a tertiary level. Currently First Nations editor for Westerly Magazine.
28
Marina Sano
marinasano.lit@gmail.com
mixed Japanese x white Australian
Editing, Proofreading, Sensitivity reading
Copyeditor and proofreader with experience across adult and MG books (both fiction & non). Structural and copyeditor of short fiction, essays, poetry, and online content. Can also sensitivity read for the representation of mental ill-health (please inquire for specifics).
VIC
n/a (or amplifybookstore.com ?)
29
Masako Fukui
masako@masakofukui.com
Japanese Australian
Editing, Proofreading, Sensitivity reading, Audio production
I'm an experienced writer, editor, proofreader and audio/radio producer. Previously a bilingual journalist in radio and print.
NSWhttps://masakofukui.com/
30
Thirangie Jayatilake
thirangiejayatilake@gmail.com
Sri LankanEditing, ProofreadingProofreading and Copyediting for fiction and poetry VIC
31
Lucia Tường Vy Nguyễn
lucia.v.nguyen@gmail.com
Vietnamese
Editing, Production, Proofreading, Sensitivity reading
Editor specialising in structural edits/copyediting/proofreading of nonfiction texts and poetry
NSWhttps://msha.ke/luciavyn
32
Isabelle Webb
isabellewebb99@gmail.com
First Nations
Editing, Proofreading, Sensitivity reading
Copy editor and copywriter, willing to proof/edit/write on any topics
VIC
Currently interning through the Open Book Internship program, so any and all projects are welcome as I value the experience!
33
Mariam Ella Arcilla
mariam.ella.arcilla@gmail.com
Filipino-SingaporeanEditing, Copywriting
I specialise in editing digital publications (experimental, fiction, non-fiction, multimedia and other hybrid forms)
NSW
www.mariamarcilla.com / www.magentahouse.com.au
I run Magenta House ~ a gathering space and library in Redfern that hosts talks, feeding sessions and workshops. I have previously edited for Runway Journal, fine print, 4A Papers and am co-editing for Debris Magazine (Issue 05 out May 2025) I'm presently studying at the School for Poetic Computation (NY) and Food & Art Alternative Masters at The Gramounce (UK).
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100