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Author, Mentor, Developmental Editor

I’ve worked with many writers at all stages of their careers over the past thirty years. As well as being passionate about my own writing, I love partnering with writers to help them hone their craft, explore new techniques, become confident about process, and write the best possible manuscripts.

I lead workshops and masterclasses, creative projects and consultancies. For over 15 years I led the postgraduate creative writing programs at Macquarie University. I am a Visiting Fellow, Associate Professor with the Centre for Cultural and Creative Research, University of Canberra (virtual).

I’m also the Director, aka Chief Saloonist at StorySALOON: Short Stories, Centre Stage — three short stories by award-winning and emerging Australian writers, narrated by some of our most talented actors. StorySALOON aims to grow the audience for Australian short stories by curating the best published works and launching them onto the stage and via a weekly podcast, StorySALOON Podcast.

Testimonials

Julie Janson, Compassion:

…gratitude to Jane Messer, an extraordinarily gifted writer and mentor who I met through the Australian Society of Authors’ Mentorship program. She became my trusted editor who helped me bring together the threads of a rambling story into a cohesive novel. Her insight and perception were fearless and brilliant.’

julie janson, compassion, MilES FRANKLIN AWARD shortlist 2025, Magabala Books, 2024.

Lauren Crozier, The Best Witch in Paris:

Working with Jane made the experience of writing The Best Witch in Paris one of the happiest in my life. Jane wholeheartedly supported my vision, gave me the space I needed to find my story, and offered endless encouragement and brilliant advice along the way. My mentorship was more than a masterclass in writing – Jane’s support throughout the creative writing process helped me make my novel the best it could be, and to achieve my dream of becoming a published writer.’ 

Lauren Crozier, winner of the 2023 Text Prize, Best Witch in Paris, TEXT PUBLISHING 2024
Organisations I have worked with.

She/her. I work and live on unceded Gadigal country and acknowledge our First Nations peoples as the original storytellers of this country.

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