Northern Highlight - Anna Gamble

NORTHERN HIGHLIGHT

 

 

ANNA GAMBLE

 

Tell us about Liverpool Literary Agency

 

Founded in 2020, we are the first Liverpool-based literary agency and we’re committed to helping northern writers break into the publishing industry. We started as an editing company with a diverse list of clients comprising accountants, taxi drivers, sport scientists, NHS workers and hospitality sector workers, alongside more experienced writers with qualifications in Creative Writing or other literature-based subjects. They all had one thing in common – the publishing industry seemed inaccessible, London-centric and intimidating. So, we knew that it was time to go beyond editing and decided to set up the agency, joining many other publishing organisations who seek to diversify the geographic base of the industry. We’ve had a fantastic response from publishers so far, and our initial list is an exciting mix of virtually every genre.

 

 

 

Why did you recently decide to move into children’s books?

 

I joined the team this year, initially assisting with the adult submissions but my real love and expertise lies in children’s fiction. Previously a children’s worker and theatre maker before moving into publishing, I love to get lost in the magic of children’s stories and I’m keen to support northern authors to inspire this love in children too. 

 

We believe that a huge part of inspiring children to become readers (and to reap the lifetime rewards in doing so) is to ensure every child can see themselves represented, not only within the books they read but also in the means of production – in the industry itself. Engaging with the work of authors from backgrounds like their own can help to inspire children to see themselves as readers, writers and story makers, and that’s just one of many reasons why we would like to play a part in diversifying the industry. 

 

We’ve opened up submissions to children’s authors with these big ambitions at the very heart of what we do. Supporting northern writers through traditional publishing routes can benefit not only the authors themselves (which we are very keen to do), but also the children they write for. Plus, it means I get to seek out more magical stories and help make them soar.

 

What is the advantage of being based in Liverpool?

 

Many authors who have submitted to us have voiced their appreciation of having a more local agency option. Even those in the far reaches of Northumberland or up into Scotland will find us a little closer than the hub of London publishing. So, there’s the geographical factor that means we’re well placed to serve northern writers. But there’s a familiarity too, a kinship at work that some authors may seek. Because, although things are definitely beginning to change in the industry, there is still a residual sense that those not based in London or its locality feel like outsiders. Authors who feel this is a barrier may welcome an agent who is physically outside the hub but is also developing the contacts and relationships within it. Being based in Liverpool also allows us to embrace the rich cultural offering of this vibrant city, working with organisations like Writing on the Wall, Culture Liverpool and a host of other artistic professionals across the city.

 

Why did you want to work in the children's book industry?

 

I think I’ve answered this a little above! To inspire children – that’s at the heart of it. I wanted to be involved in shaping, supporting and championing the magic of children’s literature. Life can be hard, monotonous and even scary sometimes. Books bring us magic and possibility – new worlds, and places and ideas to explore – they’re exciting, and I wanted to share that feeling with others, especially children, because it can be a gift they carry through life. There’s also nothing as wonderful as helping an idea become a story that works, and which can really speak to the hearts of its readers or open their minds in new ways. So, all that is what hooked me in.

 

The children’s book industry also offered a perfect way to combine my story work in education and theatre, with my love of literature, and after having my own children I realised this was a perfect next step. 

 

What for you is the 'spirit of the North'?

 

This is a hard one because there are so many pockets of personality up here. The spirit of the North is so many things! Warmth, generosity, hard work and second chances, with a chorus of melodious voices dropping their ‘h’s or their ‘t’s. 

 

Who, for you, are the great northern writers and illustrators?

 

Shirley Hughes is from just down the road from me in West Kirby and even now her illustrations spark that warm feeling of childhood, so she is definitely one! Frank Cottrell-Boyce is another – his MG novel Millions perfectly captures the feel of the north - and more recently I’ve loved the work of Stephanie Burgis and Sophie Anderson and their magical middle grade fantasies full of warmth. I’ve also just discovered Phil Earle – his new novel When the Sky Falls had me hooked in a matter of pages and is definitely a voice I’d like more from.

 

If you could be transported to anywhere in the North right now, where would it be? 

 

Perched up high on the white rocks that look out on the North Sea at Thornwick bay in Flamborough. You have to clamber down there these days, but it’s a place I loved to go as a teenager to find a little peace.

 

What would you like to see from children's publishing in the North?

 

I believe this may be intended eventually, but I’d like to see resources that help northern children connect with northern authors more, and which can also help publishing professionals connect as well. 

 

Perhaps a platform of some kind ­– that parents and teachers can also access – that champions northern authors, book shops and publishing organisations/ professionals, helping us to localise our experiences a little more (and not be limited to the supermarket book shelves and more general book recommendations that look the same everywhere), whilst also embracing the wider publishing world too. 

 

You can follow Anna at:

Twitter: @anna_gamble