Jane Messer

Author, Mentor, Developmental editor, Teacher

Over the past thirty years in my work as a creative writing teacher, mentor and editor I’ve worked with many writers at all stages of their career. As well as being passionate about my own work as a writer of fiction and nonfiction, I love working with writers to help them hone their craft, explore new techniques, become confident about process, and to write the best possible work. With years of experience in the publishing industry as a successful author, and through my work with various peak author groups and publishers, I also work with authors towards publication. She/her. I work and live on Gadigal country.

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 to 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

I work with a range of peak organisations and educators as a writing teacher, mentor and assessor, researcher and educational advisor. I’m formerly an Associate Professor, Department of Media, Communications, Creative Arts, Language and Literature at Macquarie University. Recent and current work, creative projects and consultancies have been with the following organisations. In 2023 I commenced as a Visiting Fellow, Associate Professor with the Centre for Cultural and Creative Research, University of Canberra.

Click here for a summary of my industry experience.