Bundyi acquires Sawyer’s debut

Bundyi has acquired world rights to Luca Sawyer’s novel Nightcrawlers.

Written from a First Nations perspective, Sawyer’s debut explores leaving Country, the experience of urban isolation, and the challenges posed by academic institutions.

A proud Wiradyuri woman who grew up on Biripi Country, Sawyer has a degree in creative writing and law from UNSW. She has been a co-recipient of the Hage Award for First Nations Writers through the Sweatshop Literacy Movement. Sawyer’s short stories will be published in Love (edited by Shirley Le, Sweatshop, 2025).

Sawyer said, “[The] manuscript is a work of fiction, but it’s inspired by the real experiences of mob who leave their rural towns to pursue higher education, leaving behind Country, family, and everything familiar. It draws on my own journey, leaving home at seventeen for uni, and the stories of those around me.

“University isn’t designed for Blakfellas, and it’s not always a culturally safe place. I have always loved writing, and I knew I wanted my debut novel to be deeply personal. I haven’t read a book about young mob in university, and I wanted that representation.”

“The story weaves in big ideas around identity, trauma, displacement, spirituality, and belonging without pretence, often using rhythm, repetition, and rich imagery to build tone and emotional resonance,” said the publisher.

Bundyi plans to release Nightcrawlers in 2027.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions