Quarto launches sub-imprint for children's debuts

Frances Lincoln Children’s Books is launching a sub-imprint devoted to debuts with a “diverse and global focus”.

The Lincoln First Editions team, which forms part of the Quarto group, will “travel the world to discover the best children’s picture books” from new authors and illustrators, “using its publishing expertise to turn them into global brands”.

Commissioning editor Katie Cotton (pictured left) will oversee and curate the new list and described it as a a “wonderful opportunity”.

The sub-imprint will publish up to six books a year for which either the author or illustrator will have only published up to two books previously. It will also have “a diverse and global focus looking for the best new talent, irrespective of background or nationality”.                                         

The Spring 2018 First Editions launch titles are Erik and the Lone Wolf by Sarah Finan, which will be published in February, Baby Bird by Andrew Gibbs and Zosienka, in March, Cannonball Coralie by Grace Easton, in May. If All the World Were by Joe Coehlo and Allison Colpoys, publishing in June.

Cotton said: “On our launch list we’ve got books that’ll make you laugh, books that’ll make you cry and books that’ll make you think – plus a cross-country skiing wolf, a sound-collecting lion and even a human cannonball. It’s the start of a very exciting journey.”     

“Turning artists into prize-winning authors is what Katie does best, and we’re delighted to be launching this new initiative with her next Spring” said Rachel Williams, publisher at Frances Lincoln Children’s Books.

The London-based imprint began to publish books for children in 1983 and now focuses on picture books and gift titles promoting cultural diversity, as well as narrative non-fiction.