Stevlyn Vermeulen started as an intern at Kwela Books in 2016. She launched her publishing career with two provocative publications, Chase Rhys’ Kinnes, written in Kaaps, and Mermaid Fillet by Mia Ardene. She has since established herself by aiming to stay in tune with new voices while guiding experienced writers such as Niq Mhlongo, Shafinaaz Hassim, Qarnita Loxton, Nathan Trantraal and Zukiswa Wanner. Stevlyn was made publisher of fiction at Kwela Books in 2023.