Widener was established in 2022 by Charlie Garfield, Sarah Zhi and Sandy Alexander. As graduates or students of Melbourne University, and having completed degrees at Harvard University, Charlie and Sarah recognised that many forms of writing were no longer being represented in the contemporary publishing world. 

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The Widener Group is a boutique publishing house founded by Charlie Garfield, Sarah Micallef, and Sandy Cho — three longtime friends united by a shared passion for bold storytelling and unorthodox ideas. Established in Melbourne, the trio set out to create a space where boundary-pushing fiction and thought-provoking nonfiction could thrive outside the confines of traditional publishing. The name "Widener" reflects their mission: to widen the scope of what literature can be, who gets to publish, and how stories are told in the 21st century.

 

Charlie, the strategist and creative director, brings a deep knowledge of digital media and indie marketing to the team, ensuring each book not only finds its audience but becomes part of a cultural conversation. Sarah, a former editor at a major publishing house, leads the editorial arm of the business with a sharp eye for language and a passion for emerging voices. Sandy oversees operations and production, balancing their ambitious vision with meticulous attention to detail—from cover design to print quality and distribution logistics.

 

Together, the Widener Group has carved out a distinct niche, publishing everything from surreal speculative fiction to radical essays on politics, art, and identity. Their catalogue is curated but eclectic, often spotlighting debut authors and underrepresented voices. What truly sets them apart is their collaborative approach: authors are treated as creative partners, and the publishing process is intentionally transparent and flexible. The Widener Group isn’t just a publisher—it’s a platform for disruption, dialogue, and daring ideas.