Why audio matters for young readers and how it can empower children’s literacy and critical thinking. In this episode, we are joined by Carla Herbertson, former BBC children's radio producer and co-founder of Small Wardour. Carla is a passionate advocate for accessibility, literacy and the power of audio to bring stories to life. She talks about why kids audio is booming, how publishers can build creative multi-platform story worlds, and what the industry must do to engage children where they are. Carla also shares the story behind Bust or Trust, the hit investigative mystery podcast teaching media literacy to 7 to 11 year olds, and explains why audio can be a vital first step in helping children become confident, joyful readers.

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BookMachine Creative Agency
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Why a career in books has prepared Amelia Fairney to tackle digital misinformation and champion workplace inclusion. In this episode, we follow the inspiring career journey of publishing veteran Amelia Fairney as she pivots to advocate for digital integrity at Shout Out UK. We dive deep into the urgent threat of misinformation and the alarming link between declining children's literacy and vulnerability to harmful online influences. Amelia also shares the insights she gained founding the Age Inclusion Network at Penguin Random House and discusses the overlooked value of intergenerational workforces.

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What happens when a love of books meets the power of digital marketing? In this episode, we speak to Kate Molyneux, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Bloomsbury Publishing, whose journey from receptionist to leading award-winning campaigns is as inspiring as it is insightful. Kate shares how she’s helped shape the online presence of bestselling Children’s and YA titles, built a global community through the Bloomsbury Creator Circle, and created immersive experiences for superfans and influencers alike. We dive into the rise of BookTok, the impact of content creators, and what it really takes to build buzz around books in a fast-moving digital world. Whether you're a reader, marketer, or aspiring publisher, this episode is packed with fresh ideas and behind-the-scenes gems.

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Commissioning editors for Fiction are typically known for receiving submissions and collaborating with authors and agents to refine existing manuscripts. But there’s another approach. By starting with a synopsis and a clear vision for the type of book they want to publish, some publishers and imprints are commissioning authors to write fiction to brief. 

Ed Wood, Agent and Director of Fiction Development at The Blair Partnership, has built a range of hugely successful commercial fiction projects using this method.

In this episode, we speak with Ed about his work and how this model can produce standout titles, refresh an author’s backlist, and enhance rights and licensing opportunities from day one. We also delve into how his background in writing and teaching has shaped his perspective.

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Understanding differences and adapting to strengths

Leadership isn’t just something you’re good at. You have to work hard to continually evolve and adapt to company, people and place. In this episode, we delve into the leadership journey of Sanphy Thomas, Managing Director at Jessica Kingsley Publishing and Director of Specialist Publishing at John Murray Group.

Sanphy shares insights into navigating leadership across different sectors and company cultures. She discusses how her style has adapted and how she has learned how to approach and embrace the differences of the teams she leads. Her publishing experience has shaped her approach and helped her to identify and nurture unconventional strengths in individuals. We also cover common leadership misconceptions and how definitions of “exceptional” leadership have evolved over time.

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It is well documented that reading for pleasure is the biggest single factor in influencing a child’s future success. Evidence suggests that it feeds into improved vocabulary, enhanced academic performance at school, empathy and wellbeing. Founded thirty years ago in 1995, World Book Day has evolved to become one of the most high profile charities that promotes reading for pleasure, offering the opportunity for every child and young person to own a book of their own.

In this episode, we speak with Cassie Chadderton, Chief Executive of World Book Day. Cassie joined in 2019 and draws on a range of experience in cultural organisations including the Arts Council, CultureCentral as well as at Penguin Random House. We discuss her work with World Book Day, how they are shaping their mission to encourage and inspire more children and families to read for fun, and the potential this has to transform lives for the better.

Useful links

• World Book Day Website
• World Book Day Shop
• Celebrating World Book Day

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The life of an agent is full of long lunches and torrid tales of schmoozing publishers on behalf of celebrity authors. Or is it? There are many misconceptions around what agents do and, with daily tasks changing significantly from even 10 years ago, we wanted to lift the veil on the role. In this episode, we speak to experienced agents Abi Fellows (DHH Literary Agency) and Julia Silk (Greyhound Literary). With many years between them in literary agenting and publishing roles, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. We dive into what agents do now, how this has changed over the past decade, and what makes an author/agent/publisher relationship tick.

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It is a truth universally acknowledged that commissioning editors receive submissions and work with authors and agents to finesse an existing manuscript. But there’s another way. 

Independent publisher of adult non-fiction illustrated titles, Amber Books, has spent years developing their own content, commissioning authors to a brief and developing a wide range of projects that span topics and categories. 

In this episode, we speak with Amber Books’ Editorial Director, Charles Catton, about how they successfully create standout titles with this unique approach to illustrated projects. We also touch on how Charles’ role has developed over the years, the journey behind finding the right author for each project, and the behind-the-scenes from an indie publishing perspective.

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Emma Steel started her career in teaching and went on to be a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (known as a SENCO to those in the know). But how did her journey lead her to award-winning independent children’s publisher Sweet Cherry, and how did her experiences feed into the founding of their Every Cherry, their innovative imprint that focuses on bringing high quality reading material to people with a range of learning disabilities and difficulties? In this fascinating conversation, we speak to Emma about her route from teaching to publishing and how she constantly – and successfully – balances the needs of students and teachers with those of the industry.

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Remember those memorable campaigns for non-fiction books that took to the streets to gain maximum impact? Akua Boateng, Senior Marketing Manager for non-fiction at Bloomsbury, does.

She has worked on a range of events, marketing stunts and other “out-of-home” promotions to make a splash, build awareness, entertain and capture the imagination and attention of audiences. 

We were thrilled to speak to her about her work crafting campaigns, her  thoughts on what makes them successful, and where they really have an impact. We also asked her about her work with Bloomsbury’s Bloom network and her role as a Creative Access steering group member.

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