Dugan Lentz
Hi, I’m Dugan Lentz. I’m a current student at Appalachian State University studying English with a concentration in Creative Writing. For the last two years, I’ve served as the associate prose editor for my school’s literary magazine, The Peel. When I’m not at school, you can find me in Cary, North Carolina, lifeguarding at the YMCA or trekking through Russian literature. As an aspiring author, I am grateful for the chance to take a peek behind the scenes of the publishing world.
Valeria Quintero
Valeria Quintero is a 2025 graduate of the University of South Florida’s English BA program with a concentration in Creative Writing. She has also been admitted to NYU SPS’s MS in Publishing program beginning in 2026. Between then and now, she is dedicating time to her writing, chiefly her novel and getting some of her existing short fiction and poetry published. When she isn’t reading or writing, she enjoys watching horror movies and spending time with friends.
Renee Gauthier
Renee Gauthier is a graduate of Ferris State University in Michigan. While achieving her BA in English with a minor in Creative Writing, she also pursued and received a certification in Japanese. In her free time, she enjoys reading speculative fiction, writing short stories, and learning languages.
Maya Nesbitt
My name is Maya Nesbitt, and I recently graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in English. My concentration was in creative writing, and my minor was in marketing. While at App State, I spent several years serving as an editor for the school newspaper. I currently live in Raleigh, and in my free time I enjoy reading and writing, particularly poems and short stories. I have always wanted to work in the publishing industry, and I’m excited to find out more about it.
Ayesha Nezamabadi
Ayesha Nezamabadi recently graduated from the University of New Hampshire with her bachelor’s in English. She enjoys being surrounded by books as a bookseller in her local Barnes and Noble and she worked as a literary assistant for a local poet, Bedell Philips. She is looking to start her career in publishing and is excited to learn about the different parts of the industry. In her free time she loves to read, write, and watch crime shows.
Andy Stanlewich
Andy Stanulewich is a current student at Appalachian State University, studying English with a focus on Creative Writing. Andy is also minoring in Theatre, and has worked on many university productions. When not reading or writing, Andy enjoys spending their time cooking or playing video games. After graduation, they hope to explore a career in publishing or library science.
