- Quillette celebrates its 10th anniversary in December 2025 with an invitation-only event at Watson's Bay Hotel, Sydney, featuring former PM Tony Abbott
- Founded in 2015 by Claire Lehmann, the magazine began as a small project and grew into a global platform for heterodox voices in science, academia and culture
- Notable contributors have included Steven Pinker, Richard Dawkins, Francis Fukuyama and emerging authors like Louise Perry and Coleman Hughes
- The publication has grown into a profitable, founder-owned media company generating over $1.2 million in annual revenue without institutional capital
- Quillette remains committed to independent journalism, evidence-based writing and intellectual freedom through its online platform
Sydney, Australia — November 12 2025 — This December marks a decade since Quillette first began publishing essays that challenged orthodoxies and championed free inquiry. To commemorate ten years of fearless ideas and independent journalism, Quillette will host an evening of reflection, drinks, and conversation at Watson’s Bay Hotel on Saturday, December 13.
Founded in 2015 by Australian editor and entrepreneur Claire Lehmann, Quillette began as what she calls “a small act of defiance.” After withdrawing from a master’s program in forensic psychology, Lehmann registered quillette.com on a whim — an impulsive decision that changed the course of her life.
From those beginnings, Quillette quickly became a hub for heterodox voices in science, academia, and culture. Early readers included luminaries such as Steven Pinker and Richard Dawkins, who helped amplify its work to millions worldwide.
Over the past decade, the magazine has featured ideas and essays from distinguished thinkers including Francis Fukuyama and historian Benny Morris, while also serving as an early platform for emerging authors such as Louise Perry, Coleman Hughes, and Rob Henderson — each now acclaimed for their bestselling books and cultural commentary.
“Ten years ago, I was working from home with two small children and no business plan — just a conviction that honest, evidence-based writing still mattered,” said Lehmann. “A decade later, Quillette is a sustainable, founder-owned company with a global readership and a talented team. This anniversary is as much a celebration of our writers and readers as it is of the publication itself.”
Today, Quillette is a profitable, founder-owned and fully independent media company generating over $1.2 million in annual revenue. It remains cash-flow positive, self-sustaining, and proudly free of institutional capital — a rarity in the modern media landscape.
The 10th Anniversary Celebration will feature a special appearance by The Hon. Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister of Australia, who will read from his forthcoming book Australia and sign copies for guests.
“Quillette began as a small act of defiance — and has grown into a community of readers and writers who value open inquiry,” Lehmann said. “This event is a celebration not just of what we’ve achieved, but of everyone who has believed in our mission over the past decade.”
Attendance is strictly limited. Invitations have been extended to Quillette’s closest friends, supporters, and contributors.
Event Details
What: Quillette 10th Anniversary Celebration
When: Saturday, December 13
Where: Watson’s Bay Hotel, Sydney, Australia
Special Guest: The Hon. Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister of Australia
Admission: By invitation only
About Quillette
Founded in 2015 by Claire Lehmann, Quillette is an independent online magazine dedicated to long-form journalism, reasoned debate, and intellectual freedom. With contributors ranging from scientists and academics to authors and artists, Quillette provides a platform for evidence-based ideas and rigorous discussion beyond the constraints of ideology.
Visit www.quillette.com for more.
Contact details:
Claire Lehmann
Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Quillette
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.quillette.com
