Broken Sleep Books appoints editorial board

Independent press Broken Sleep Books is to appoint an editorial board, in a move that expands the company.

The Wales-based press publishes pamphlets, fiction and poetry, with a focus on encouraging working class, LGBTQ+ and BAME writers.

The new board will see four advisers oversee all editorial content, and includes the promotion of Charlie Baylis from assistant editor to chief editorial advisor. Gurdeep Mattu, who previously edited at Bloomsbury and Rowman & Littlefield, and poet Jennifer Edgecombe are also advisors. The board is completed by Jazmine Linklater, poet and founder of the queer feminist reading series No Matter, and Suna Afshan, co-editor of both Pallina Press and the Poetry Birmingham Literary Journal.

Aaron Kent, director of the press, said: "The quality of applicants for the roles offered was remarkable, and a real indication, to me, of the love and community Broken Sleep receives. I am extremely excited to get working with the board, and to utilise their frankly excellent range of skills. I believe this move indicates the future Broken Sleep has ahead of it, and our desire to create a communal, inclusive press that is both welcoming and forward-thinking."

The press is also currently running a Black Lives Matter fundraiser, with donations approaching £3,000, with books, gift cards and mentorships available for those who donate.

Broken Sleep has recently switched distributor, and its books are now available to purchase from Waterstones, Foyles, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository and from its website.