Lancet-Grant made Bluebird associate publisher and will build LGBTQIA+ list

Bluebird communications director Jodie Lancet-Grant is being promoted to the role of associate publisher at the Pan Macmillan division. 

In her new role, Lancet-Grant will extend her remit, becoming a senior publishing partner to Bluebird publisher Carole Tonkinson. She will contribute “creative and strategic direction to the shaping, development and growth” of Bluebird, the publisher said. The role includes development of Bluebird’s imprints, reputation and profile, and she will take on a new remit to co-commission and build her own curated list of LGBTQIA+ books. Alongside this, she will continue to lead its communications function, strategy and team. 

Bluebird said Lancet-Grant had already contributed significantly to the growth of its sales, list and profile, “using her creativity, passion, incredible attention to detail, brilliant management skills and tenacity”. 

She is also the author of two picture books. Her debut, The Pirate Mums (OUP), was the first book featuring a two-mum family to be read as a Cbeebies bedtime story and publication of the follow up, The Marvellous Doctors for Magical Creatures (OUP), was accompanied by a partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Just Like Us. She is also chair of judges for the children’s and YA category of the Polari Prize.

Tonkinson said: “I’m absolutely thrilled Jodie is becoming associate publisher where she will bring her drive, creativity and strategic vision to bear as we enter the next phase of Bluebird’s growth. Jodie has led the Bluebird communications team to win multiple industry awards and recognition and I’m delighted to expand her remit. I’m particularly eager to welcome Jodie’s contributions as a commissioner with a focus on LGBTQIA+ titles, an area she has championed from the perspective of a publisher and also a beloved author." 

Lancet-Grant commented: "I am delighted to be developing my career in a new direction here at Bluebird and Pan Macmillan. All Bluebird books have empathy at their core, so I’m particularly looking forward to commissioning titles in the LGBTQ+ space, an area I know, and care deeply about. I have loved helping to bring Bluebird books to the widest possible audiences over the past few years, and I’m excited to continue to do that, while also working more closely with Carole on list-wide strategy.”