Australian children's publisher New Frontier sets up in London

Australian children’s press New Frontier Publishing has set up an office in London to focus on the UK market.

Established in Australia in 2002 by Sophia and Peter Whitfield, New Frontier Publishing said its aim is "to inspire, educate and uplift". It publishes books for both trade and educational markets, with particular expertise in picture books and junior fiction. It is also branching out into YA fiction.

The publisher will be introducing established Australian authors and illustrators to the UK market, as well as sourcing new talent from within the UK. 

Sophia Whitfield, publisher at New Frontier, said: “We will be approaching our UK publishing with the same commitment and creativity we have gained a reputation for in the Australian and International market. Our UK launch list for 2017 will introduce the very best of our Australian authors and illustrators to the UK market for the first time. In addition, we are delighted to be now actively commissioning writers and illustrators in the UK.”

Roy Johnson, commercial director at New Frontier, added: “It’s been an absolute joy working closely with Sophia and Peter over the past year, shaping our ideas and creating a UK list which we know will have a wide appeal in the children's market. It is exciting to see some of the new talent that Sophia is sourcing in the UK and bringing to the list in 2017 and 2018. The New Frontier Publishing website is now live, and I feel that this, our first big marker in this market, is a sign of our intent to build and develop our profile here in the UK and to publish specifically for the UK market.”

Orca Book Services will distribute New Frontier in the UK. 

Children's publishing sales agency MMS will manage its trade and direct school’s sales.