Professional 1-1 Reviews

Anthony Hinton is a Commissioning Editor at David Fickling Books and is part of the team at The Phoenix Comic, where he edits the comic books produced through the DFB/Phoenix partnership, including Jamie Smart's number 1 bestselling Bunny vs Monkey, Neill Cameron's Mega Robo Bros, Laura Ellen Anderson's Evil Emperor Penguin, Adam and Lisa Murphy's Corpse Talk and many more. He has edited many books of children's and YA prose fiction - and non-fiction - working with writers including the Carnegie-shortlisted Candy Gourlay, the YA-prize shortlisted Melinda Salisbury, and the legendary Anne Fine, and was himself shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award for editing the late Tony Mitton's Potter's Boy. He is also an occasional writer for The Phoenix comic, including on their choose-your-own-adventure series Fates and Fortunes. CATEGORIES: MG, YA, Graphic novels

Penny has worked in children's publishing for nearly thirty years starting her career in the rights department at Walker Books. She was Rights Director at Candlewick Press in the US for over six years and then began her life as an agent with Caroline Sheldon where she stayed for ten years. In 2015 Penny launched Holroyde Cartey with Claire Cartey, formerly Art Director at Hachette Children's Books. Penny has a particular love for the picture book and for the author-illustrator, but is always looking for authors and illustrators working across fiction and non-fiction for all ages. CATEGORIES: Chapter Books, MG, YA, NF, Graphic novels

Prior to joining DKW in 2023, Camille worked at David Higham Associates as Agent’s Assistant to Jane Gregory and Assistant to the Children’s Rights team for almost four years. Over her career to date, she has also worked in editorial for an academic publisher, in rights and marketing for an audiobook publisher and as an intern at Felicity Bryan Literary Agency. Camille has an MSc in Publishing from Edinburgh Napier University and an MA in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh. She currently serves as the Secretary of the Association of Authors’ Agents, as well as Co-Chair for the AAA’s Bridge Committee for early career agents and assistants. She previously volunteered at the Story Museum in Oxford. Camille loves engaging with narratives on a structural level in order to draw out their best qualities. She is open to fiction in almost any genre, for readers aged 7+ to Young Adults. In MG, she would love to see stories with heart and with a classic, lyrical tone, in the vein of Katya Balen, with the inventiveness of Frances Hardinge, or the action-packed sequences and acerbic wit of Jonathan Stroud. In YA she is looking for all genres whether they be on the more literary or commercial sides, but with an emphasis on romance. She would also be interested in seeing crossover romance, be that contemporary or fantasy, and stories featuring characters at university or in their early twenties. She is not looking for picture books at this time. CATEGORIES: Chapter Books, MG, YA, Non-fic

Callen (he/him) joined Bell Lomax Moreton in April 2023 to assist Lauren Gardner (Senior Agent) across her list. Callen’s first bookish love will always be children’s and YA fiction, across all genres. In these areas, he is swept away by diverse, heroic, fun, and captivating titles that balance their strong characterisation and emotional depth against plots that he, and young readers, just have to keep turning the pages of. Although not yet an agent in his own right, as Lauren's assistant, Callen acts as the initial reader for all submissions made to Lauren and is actively looking for stories that he can bring to the attention of, and discuss with her. Prior to joining BLM, Callen previously worked at another literary agency and, freelance, as a manuscript assessor, sensitivity reader, and writing competition judge. In 2019 he graduated Bath Spa University’s MA in Writing for Young People, becoming the first care experienced person in the history of East Sussex to study at Postgraduate level. CATEGORIES: Chapter Books, MG, YA, Graphic novels

Jessica Hare is a literary agent, running the Children’s Books department at The Agency (London) Ltd, who was selected as one of The Bookseller’s Rising Stars for 2023. Jessica recently stepped up to take over from Hilary Delamere and now represents established authors and illustrators including Malorie Blackman, Lydia Monks and the Michael Bond Estate, as well as emerging talent such as debuts Ash Bond and Nadia Mikail, this year’s Waterstones Children’s Book Prize winner. Jessica represents children’s book authors and illustrators across every age range and genre and is especially open-minded to middle-grade stories, graphic novelists and non-fiction proposals at the moment. CATEGORIES: MG, YA, non-fiction, Graphic novels

Catherine joined Marjacq in 2015. She began agenting at Rogers, Coleridge and White in 2007 and set up her own agency CPA when she moved to France in 2011. She is now based in London. Catherine represents children’s (middle grade and YA) and adult fiction. In children’s fiction, whether literary, commercial or genre, she is looking for singular and underrepresented voices, powerful ideas, imaginative storytelling and characters who from the opening pages, take up residence in your heart and in your head. CATEGORIES: MG, Teen, YA

Stephanie is a freelance editor with over sixteen years’ experience in the children’s and young adult books publishing industry. As Commissioning Fiction Editor at Usborne Publishing, she commissioned and edited an eclectic range of books for 7+ up to YA by bestselling, award-winning authors including Sara Hagger-Holt, William Hussey, Ann M Martin, Serena Patel, Meredith Russo and Darren Simpson. As a freelance editor, Stephanie works with a variety of children’s publishers including Faber and Hachette, as well as working with the inclusive fiction studio, Storymix, and as a mentor and editor at the Golden Egg Academy. She is also a Co-Director at Megaphone Write C.I.C., a mentoring scheme for unpublished children’s writers of colour. CATEGORIES: MG, YA

Clare joined the Darley Anderson Agency in January 2011 and is building both the Darley Anderson Children’s Agency and the Darley Anderson Illustration Agency lists. As chief talent-spotter, Clare loves to discover memorable new characters, bold and unique narrators, strong concepts and gripping storytelling. She represents picture books, middle-grade, teenage and YA. Clare is particularly looking for teen and YA rom coms at the moment, especially with underrepresented protagonists, and YA fantasy. Whatever the age range, Clare loves a big hook, a lot of heart, and a standout voice. CATEGORIES: Chapter Books, MG, teen, YA, Non-fiction

Emma Layfield is Picture Book Development Director for Hachette Children’s Group and is focused on working with writers and illustrators based in the North, Scotland and Ireland. She is based at Hachette UK’s new Manchester office. She is also co-founder of Children’s Books North, an independent network set up to promote and support published children’s authors, illustrators and publishing professionals living in the north. twitter @emmalayfield2, instagram emma.layfield. Emma is looking for funny picture books with strong characters and real child appeal. CATEGORIES: PB author/illustrators

Libby Hamilton (she/her) is publisher of brand new picture book list Rocket Bird Books which launched in April 2023. She has worked for Frances Lincoln, Templar Books, Andersen Press and now on her own imprint for HarperCollins. During a career spanning over 20 years, worked with some incredible authors and illustrators including Joseph Coelho, Jonny Duddle, Levi Pinfold, Julia Sarda, Tony Ross, David McKee, Michael Morpurgo and Michelle Robinson. Phew! Books that she has worked on have won the Kate Greenaway Medal (twice), the Lollies and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, among other awards. Libby lives in London with her partner and little boy. CATEGORIES: PB Author/Illustrators

Ness Wood is an award-winning book designer and art director and she has worked for many major children’s publishers designing picture books and fiction. She has taught publishing at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), on the Illustration MA course at Goldsmiths, run the Cambridge School of Art Summer School (2014-2020) and taught Design History at the University of Brighton. Ness is a Leader in Residence at UCLAN. Ness is known for her encouraging, straightforward and collaborative approach with illustrators and students. Ness has also been a judge for the Bologna Ragazzi Award. In 2018, she was part of the winning team at the British Design and Production Awards, in the Graphic Novel Category. Ness is co-founder of Orange Beak Studio who offer insight and encouragement for illustrators through individual tutorials, talks and varied workshops. CATEGORIES: Illustrators, Author/Illustrators

Tiffany has worked as a designer in the Children’s Book industry for over 30 years. She’s always looking for commercial, surprising and original illustrations styles and clever concepts. She currently works at Farshore (part of HarperCollins UK) as Creative Director, managing a team of 20 designers. Tiffany is a Trustee of ‘Picture Hook’s and helped develop ‘Harpercollins Design Academy’, which is in its second year. Tiffany looks after the design out-put for all the Farshore lists from Picture books to YA, from Minecraft to Michael Morpurgo, from Winnie-the-Pooh to Holly Jackson and the new non-fiction series, Little Experts. Tiffany would love to see your illustration portfolios. CATEGORIES: Illustrators

Penny has worked in children's publishing for nearly thirty years starting her career in the rights department at Walker Books. She was Rights Director at Candlewick Press in the US for over six years and then began her life as an agent with Caroline Sheldon where she stayed for ten years. In 2015 Penny launched Holroyde Cartey with Claire Cartey, formerly Art Director at Hachette Children's Books. Penny has a particular love for the picture book and for the author-illustrator but am always looking for authors and illustrators working across fiction and non-fiction for all ages. CATEGORIES: PB authors author/illustrators (LITERARY AGENT)

Clare joined the Darley Anderson Agency in January 2011 and is building both the Darley Anderson Children’s Agency and the Darley Anderson Illustration Agency lists. As chief talent-spotter, Clare loves to discover memorable new characters, bold and unique narrators, strong concepts and gripping storytelling. She represents picture books, middle-grade, teenage and YA. Clare is particularly looking for teen and YA rom coms at the moment, especially with underrepresented protagonists, and YA fantasy. Whatever the age range, Clare loves a big hook, a lot of heart, and a standout voice. CATEGORIES: PB authors & author/illustrators (LITERARY AGENT)

Jessica Hare is a literary agent, running the Children’s Books department at The Agency (London) Ltd, who was selected as one of The Bookseller’s Rising Stars for 2023. Jessica recently stepped up to take over from Hilary Delamere and now represents established authors and illustrators including Malorie Blackman, Lydia Monks and the Michael Bond Estate, as well as emerging talent such as debuts Ash Bond and Nadia Mikail, this year’s Waterstones Children’s Book Prize winner. Jessica represents children’s book authors and illustrators across every age range and genre and is especially open-minded to middle-grade stories, graphic novelists and non-fiction proposals at the moment. CATEGORIES: Please note, Jessica is only open to PB author/illustrators at this time. (LITERARY AGENT)

Emma Layfield is Picture Book Development Director for Hachette Children’s Group and is focused on working with writers and illustrators based in the North, Scotland and Ireland. She is based at Hachette UK’s new Manchester office. She is also co-founder of Children’s Books North, an independent network set up to promote and support published children’s authors, illustrators and publishing professionals living in the north. twitter @emmalayfield2, instagram emma.layfield. Emma is looking for funny picture books with strong characters and real child appeal. CATEGORIES: PB authors or author/illustrators (PICTURE BOOK PUBLISHER / EDITOR)

Libby Hamilton (she/her) is publisher of brand new picture book list Rocket Bird Books which launched in April 2023. She has worked for Frances Lincoln, Templar Books, Andersen Press and now on her own imprint for HarperCollins. During a career spanning over 20 years, worked with some incredible authors and illustrators including Joseph Coelho, Jonny Duddle, Levi Pinfold, Julia Sarda, Tony Ross, David McKee, Michael Morpurgo and Michelle Robinson. Phew! Books that she has worked on have won the Kate Greenaway Medal (twice), the Lollies and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, among other awards. Libby lives in London with her partner and little boy. CATEGORIES: PB authors or author/illustrators (PICTURE BOOK PUBLISHER / EDITOR)