UCLan's Centre of Publishing Excellence launches two new agencies and workshop

UCLan Publishing has launched two new agencies and a workshop, during the development of its Centre of Publishing Excellence. The university press launched its adult fiction list in June 2024 and, in collaboration with Bluemoose Books, developed a central publishing hub. The hub is now home to a rights centre focusing on cultural and knowledge exchange, and two creative agencies, Northernillo and Northernlit.

Northernillo represents illustrators based in the north, and was launched by Rachelle Panagarry in July 2024; Northernlit, which represents writers based in the north, will be managed by Hazel Holmes and Jake Hope. Both agencies are open for submissions.

Panagarry said: "I’m excited to have Northernillo joining forces with Northernlit to showcase the incredible creative talent the north has to offer. With the support of UCLan’s Centre of Publishing Excellence, we’re shining a spotlight on stories and illustrations that deserve to be seen and celebrated."

From February, the centre will also host specific author training workshops and courses to support writers navigating PR and marketing for their own titles. These sessions will be led by industry experts, including content from UCLan Publishing author Liz Flanagan.

Flanagan said: "For authors and illustrators to maintain a sustainable and thriving creative career, high-quality training, advice and peer support is needed at many stages. To hear practical advice and expertise from people in different roles within the industry is invaluable, as is having that community to draw on for support. I’m excited that UCLan is now offering this training at its Centre for Publishing Excellence, which will be accessible for authors and illustrators across the region and more widely."