Kill Your Darlings’ editor, Alan Vaarwerk, will be leaving us later this month to embark on an exciting European adventure!
Alan joined KYD’s online editorial team in 2016, and was then promoted to editor of the magazine in 2017, managing the magazine’s weekly content, several KYD writing awards and the KYD New Critics Program.
‘We’re all going to miss Alan so much,’ says publishing director Rebecca Starford. ‘Alan joined the team way back when we were still publishing a print journal, and KYD has changed so much in that time, and had so many successes, largely because of his hard work, skills and dedication. I’m really proud of all that Alan has achieved as editor of KYD magazine. He has always championed the work of contributors, been committed to editing their work to the highest standard and cared deeply about developing new voices. Alan is a wonderful editor. We’re very sad to see him leave, but he is long overdue for his amazing holiday. Thank you for everything, AV, it’s been a real pleasure working together and I will miss you.’
‘I couldn’t have asked for a better colleague,’ says deputy editor Suzy Garcia. ‘Alan has been a wonderful mentor and friend during my two years at KYD. His collaborative spirit, passionate support for writers and keen editor’s eye will be sorely missed. Best of luck for the future, Alan—I’m excited to see what you get up to next!’
‘Alan has been so welcoming, supportive and helpful since I started at KYD last year,’ says marketing and programming manager Maddy Crehan. ‘Generous with his ideas and time (and his impressive html skills!). I’m really going to miss him, but I know he’ll continue to do wonderful things!’
‘After seven years at KYD—nearly six as editor—the time feels right to hand over the reins,’ says Alan. ‘It’s been an immense privilege to work on what was always my favourite Australian lit mag, and I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to achieve amid some very challenging years for the literary sector and creative industries. I’ve been so lucky to work with so many incredible Australian and international writers—you’ve challenged, inspired and energised me in so many ways.
‘A huge thank you to Maddy, Suzy, and all my incredible KYD colleagues over the years for all the laughs and conversations, and to Rebecca Starford for her support, trust and ongoing effort in making KYD a sustainable and equitable workplace. Big congratulations and best wishes to Suzy as well—the magazine couldn’t be in safer hands, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!’
Alan’s last day at KYD is Friday, 24 March 2023.
Kill Your Darlings’ current deputy editor, Suzy Garcia, will be taking over the role of editor. For any further queries about these staff changes, please email [email protected].
