14/02/2022
Two interns, Bohdi Byles and Maya Hodge, have been selected for the Open Book Internship pilot program, which is now underway in Sydney and Melbourne.
The Open Book internship aims to provide a well-rounded introduction to the Australian publishing industry, and create practical and sustainable pathways towards long-term careers for aspiring professionals.
Over the course of the six month program, interns will gain in-house experience at three Australian publishing organisations from across the commercial, independent, and education sectors. They will also have the opportunity to meet with a range of industry professionals from the broader publishing industry – including literary agencies, writers festivals and bookstores.
Throughout the program, interns will be supported by a mentor, who will act as an external contact to guide and support them through their internship.
About the 2022 interns and mentors
Sydney
Bohdi Byles is a writer/makeup artist who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies and Writing, a Masters of Creative Writing, and a Diploma in Screen and Media (Specialist Makeup Services). He has worked in multiple book stores and was editorial team leader of Issue 14 of The Quarry. He is a vocal queer person, a proud Indigenous person, a passionate creative, and an avid reader.
Bohdi is undertaking the Sydney internship rotation with NewSouth Books, Pan Macmillan and Hachette, supported by mentor Bianca Jafari, Product Development Executive at Thames and Hudson.
Melbourne
Maya Hodge is a proud Lardil & Yangkaal woman, an emerging writer, creative, curator and violinist, whose writing is featured in this mob’s Black Wattle, the Emerging Writers Festival, Cordite Poetry Review and Overland Literary Magazine.
Maya is undertaking the Melbourne internship rotation with Hardie Grant, OUP and Scribe, supported by mentor Hella Ibrahim, editor and founder of Djed Press.
The two candidates were selected from a shortlist of seven and over 200 applications by the Open Book Selection Committee comprising Grace Heifetz, Mark Campbell, Shalini Kunahlan and Raelee Lancaster, overseen by Diversity Arts Australia.
More on Open Book
Further information about the interns, and several of the shortlisted candidates, has been published on the Open Book website to assist organisations looking for new staff.
Open Book is a paid internship program aiming to increase cultural diversity in the Australian publishing workforce, which is supported by the Australia Council and the Copyright Agency. The APA is a partner of the Open Book program.