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Studio Notes


Why The Great Gatsby Still Matters
Today, The Great Gatsby is enshrined as the Great American Novel. It's not just literature - it’s a cultural metronome, ticking through the decades with unnerving relevance. Every generation rediscovers Gatsby, and in doing so, sees itself reflected in the mirrored surface of Jay Gatsby’s champagne-soaked lifestyle.
39 min read


The Barrister of Amritsar: Gurdial Singh Salariya's Story
In 1919, as tensions exploded in Amritsar, a young Sikh barrister rode into a furious crowd on horseback to stop the violence. Educated in Dublin during Ireland’s rebellion, Gurdial Singh Salariya risked everything to prevent bloodshed—then was erased from history. This is the forgotten story of a man who stood between empires.
6 min read


"You Wouldn’t Want To Be..." Revisited: Trauma, Comedy, and the Neurodiverse Now
I created and designed the You Wouldn’t Want To Be... series in 1999, the world, and the world was completely different.
5 min read


Why Trauma Memoirs Are Taking Over the Publishing Industry
Misery, Marketed
There was a time when memoirs were quiet things - stitched together in notebooks or typed out slowly at kitchen tables.
6 min read


The Great AI Book Heist – How Big Tech is Plundering Our Cultural Heritage
How AI trained on pirated books is fuelling a cultural heist – what UK authors and publishers must do to fight back.
4 min read


Graphic Novels and Children’s Literacy: Why They Belong on Every Bookshelf
Discover why graphic novels are essential reading for children – boosting literacy, critical thinking and visual comprehension.
7 min read


Book Advances and Royalties Explained – What Authors Really Earn
Think signing a book deal means instant riches? Think again. This blog breaks down how authors are really paid – through advances, royalties
4 min read


World Book Day Around the World + Fun Bee Activity for Kids
World Book Day is a global celebration of books and reading. But did you know that it’s celebrated in different ways all over the world? From books and roses in Spain to manga and poetry in Japan, each country has its own unique way of honouring the power of stories
5 min read


Pulped by Progress: From Gutenberg's Press to Generative AI
In 1495, Gutenberg’s printing press rewrote the rules of power, religion, and knowledge - fueling revolutions and reshaping Europe.
6 min read


Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: What’s Best for Your Children’s Book
Self publish?ow do you get your story into the hands of readers? Should you go down the traditional publishing route?
6 min read


Publishing vs Content Creation – What Modern Book Companies Get Wrong
One still lives by the pitching of ideas and editorial meetings, perhaps dog-eared manuscripts in canvas bags are long gone.
7 min read


How to Succeed as a Freelance Illustrator or Writer in Children’s Publishing
This no-nonsense guide isn’t here to sell you a dream. It’s here to help you navigate the reality of freelancing.
11 min read


How to Design Children's Books with the Perfect Page Turn
In children's books, where visual appeal is just as important as the text, getting the layout right can make the big difference.
6 min read


Stoicism in the Boardroom: What Marcus Aurelius Can Teach the Publishing Industry
So, what can Meditations teach us about surviving the circus of modern publishing? Let’s take a leaf from his scrolls?
10 min read


How much does it cost to publish a children's book, What You Need to Know
Discover the true cost of publishing a children’s book in the UK! Whether you choose self-publishing or traditional publishing.
6 min read


So You Want to Work in Publishing?
Publishing: a world of book fairs, tote bags, and people who can write an 80,000-word novel but still don’t know how to use Track Changes.
6 min read


What to Expect from a Children's Book Editor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Struggling with your children's book? An editor refines pacing, clarity & style -learn how to make your story shine!
6 min read


Why Peter Pan Has Stood the Test of Time
Why JM Barrie’s story of the boy who never grows up is one of the most enduring children's books to resonate with children & adults.
11 min read


Proposals for changes to the UK's 1988 Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (CDPA)
The UK's 1988 Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (CDPA) reflect the creative and technological working processes of the late 20th Century.
5 min read


John Townsend: From Classroom Tales to 350 Books – An Interview with the Author and Playwright Powered by Rocket Fuel!
John’s path to becoming a writer is as intriguing as his stories. From early days as a teacher writing stories to engage reluctant readers.
14 min read
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