Open Book 2023 interns announced

The successful applicants for the 2023 Open Book: Australian Publishing Internship have been announced.

Selected from over 220 applications were Enchinea Close-Brown, Keerthana Ravindran and Isabelle Webb.

Close-Brown, who will undertake placements at Allen & Unwin and HarperCollins, is a First Nation creative based in Sydney. Currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Wollongong, with a major in international relations and creative writing, Close-Brown intends to combine the creative and humanitarian aspects of her degree into a union of activism, which works towards positive change within the world. ‘As an avid traveller who has undertaken trips throughout Europe and Asia, she believes that all voices need to be heard and all people seen in the stories that are published. As a proud Indigenous woman Enchinea knows the power of storytelling, the boundaries in which stories transcend, and the lives they change upon doing so.’

Keerthana Ravindran, who will undertake placements at Oxford University Press and Scribe Publications, moved to Melbourne from Sivakasi, India and has worked as an editor and writer for her college magazines. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history and is passionate about historical writing and historical fiction. ‘Curious about all things books—ranging from printing to marketing, she finished her master’s in creative writing, publishing, and editing. She has completed two marketing internships in Melbourne and hopes to bring her previous experiences to sales and marketing in publishing.’

Isabelle Webb, who will undertake placements at Thames & Hudson and Hardie Grant, is a proud Palawa woman, originally from Hobart, and has a background in the Torres Strait as well. She has qualifications in event management, and has previously volunteered with local Tasmanian events such as the Twilight Market and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Children’s Festival. ‘She is a huge reader and writer, and loves posting reviews on GoodReads and sharing books with friends. She has always had an eager interest in book publishing, and has a special interest in marketing and editorial.’

Close-Brown, Ravindran and Webb will be supported through their placements by Open Book mentor and accredited freelance editor Camha Pham.

Said chair of the Open Book Advisory Board Grace Heifetz: ‘Our selection panel was completely blown away by the enthusiasm, skill, and experience of the applicants we received for this year’s program. We look forward to welcoming this outstanding cohort of interns into the program, and encourage publishers from across the industry to reach out to Open Book to facilitate introductions with our shortlisted candidates too.’

Details of the outstanding shortlisted candidates can be found on the Open Book website here.

‘The program strongly encourages publishers who are actively recruiting to read their bios and reach out with any opportunities,’ said Open Book, which can facilitate introductions via email.

First run as a pilot program offering two internships in 2022, the Open Book paid internship program is a joint sector initiative that aims to foster cultural and linguistic diversity in the Australian publishing industry. In 2023 it expanded to offer three paid internships, with one an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified role.

For more information see the Open Book website here.

Pictured (L–R): Enchinea Close-Brown, Keerthana Ravindran, Isabelle Webb.

Category: Local news