Children's Books North launches directory for authors, illustrators and publishing professionals

The Children’s Books North (CBN) network is launching a directory listing published children’s authors, illustrators and publishing professionals based in the north-east, north-west, Yorkshire and Scotland.

Tilda Johnson, CBN co-founder, said: "The directory is a key resource in our aim to connect the children’s book professionals living in our regions, to promote our members’ work, and to champion the importance of regional diversity in children’s books and the publishing industry."

CBN members will be listed with their details, with the aim of enabling booksellers, librarians, schools, festivals, literacy organisations, agents and publishers to get in touch. The directory, which will be updated annually, is also aimed at authors and illustrators looking to connect with other creatives working in their region and to forge new networks.

The directory will be supported and shared by partners including BookTrust, Creative UK, Madeleine Lindley and the National Literacy Trust. New Writing North, Publishing Scotland and Manchester City of Literature are also among the partners supporting the initiative, as are Read Manchester, SYP North, The Reading Agency and Youth Libraries Group.

Marykate McGrath, publisher relations manager at the National Literacy Trust, added: "As a charity that prides itself on place-based working, having a directory that connects us to local, regional voices in children’s books is incredibly helpful. Connecting our literacy hubs with a network of authors, poets, illustrators, editors and agents who reflect and represent the communities we work with is vital to our work."