07/08/2025

Arlie Alizzi has been named as the winner of the Australian publishing industry’s 2025 Rising Star award, with the judges celebrating a 'remarkable person' who brings a 'unique set of skills to publishing’.

Proudly supported by Media Super, the Rising Star award recognises emerging talent in the Australian publishing industry, and is open to Australian publishing professionals who have been part of the industry for no more than 10 years.

Arlie was named Rising Star for the leadership and cultural insights that he brings to the Magabala Books team, selected from a ‘highly deserving' shortlist of six industry professionals who display 'great determination, passion and potential'.

The judges were impressed by the 'great initiatives' Arlie has brought to his workplace 'bringing joy and care [and a] level of empathy' to his job, saying:

‘[Arlie] plays an integral and unique role in the industry.'

'It's clear he's both beloved at Magabala and also a shining star in their workforce.'

‘The descriptions of Arlie working outside of his departmental role are a key indicator of Rising Star status...people who are curious enough and care enough to make initiative to work on matters outside of their role descriptor are the ones who truly make a workplace special.’

The judges also acknowledged the other shortlisted candidates are 'a reflection of the incredible young talent across the industry in the past decade', saying:

‘The shortlisted candidates are undeniably Rising Stars, leading change within their roles and in the industry. They display a willingness to take on challenges, learn, upskill and excel.'

To learn more about Arlie's career, read his interview with Books+Publishing.

This year’s award was judged by Mizz De Zoysa-Lewis (Insight Publications), Jackie Money (Melbourne University Publishing), Robert Watkins (Ultimo Press) and Terri-Ann White (Upswell Publishing), with Arlie accepting the award via Zoom at the BookUp conference in Sydney on 7 August.

Congratulations to Arlie and all the nominated and shortlisted candidates this year:

• Melena Cole-Manolis – Editor, Magabala Books
• Rachel Cramp – Editor, HarperCollins Australia
• Ali Hampton – Senior Publicity Manager, Allen & Unwin
• Jen Topham – Deputy Production Manager, Hachette Australia
• Sarah Valle – Senior Publicist, University of Queensland Press

The Rising Star award is proudly supported by Media Super, the super fund dedicated to those who publish, inform, entertain, create and inspire.