Kirsty Horton announced as next Minderoo Editor at Fremantle Press
Emerging editor Kirsty Horton is the 2021 Minderoo Editor. The Minderoo Editorship provides funding for a position at Fremantle Press for three years. The program commenced in 2018 with the aim of fostering new Western Australian publishing talent, by helping entry-level editors develop editorial and project-management skills across all genres.
Fremantle Press CEO Jane Fraser said, ‘Very few commercial publishing companies in Western Australia are in a position to offer paid traineeships to young arts workers. The Minderoo Editorship helped us nurture editorial talent to work on the telling and sharing of Australian stories.’
Fraser said it was Horton’s university studies, combined with the editorial skills and enthusiasm she displayed while completing an internship that led to her being considered for the role. ‘She’s already proved to be an interactive, curious and lively member of the team. Her interest in manuscripts, reading and the book market is evident. She’s a voracious reader and runs her own book review blog. Through this opportunity, we look forward to giving Kirsty as much hands-on experience of editing as we can.’
Ella McNeill, who leads Minderoo Foundation’s Arts and Culture initiative, is thrilled that a new editor has been named. Ms McNeill said, ‘We are so proud to support Fremantle Press’s work to champion uniquely West Australian stories. A strong arts and culture sector is integral to a thriving WA community. Building sector capacity is a fundamental pillar of our work in the arts and it’s critical that young people are given viable options to pursue creative careers, including in writing and publishing.’
Kirsty Horton is a graduate of the University of Western Australia with a BA in History, and is currently completing an MA in Professional Writing and Publishing at Curtin University. Horton says, ‘The nuances of grammar, word play and storytelling fascinate me, so by stepping into the publishing world as an editor I can enjoy learning more about these areas. It’s wonderful to be able to do this work in my home state with equally passionate people.’
The Minderoo Editorship is sponsored by the Minderoo Foundation until 2024. More information is available on their website. https://www.minderoo.org/