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Studio Notes


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


What’s Wrong with the 1993 Commercial Agents Law?
The 1993 Commercial Agents (Council Problems withDirective) Regulations (CARs) were introduced to bring UK law into compliance with the EEC.
4 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


Create Your Own You Wouldn’t Want To Be... Book Workshop for School Kids
Engage young minds with You Wouldn’t Want To Be... book workshop! Kids explore history, creativity, and teamwork by making their own book
10 min read


In Conversation with Dr. Elesa Zehndorfer: Exploring Leadership, Disinformation, and Storytelling
Dr. Elesa Zehndorfer is an award-winning leadership and academic researcher, consultant, TEDx speaker, and writer.
11 min read


How to Write for Reluctant Readers (and Help Children Fall in Love with Books)
Creating, designing and writing for reluctant readers requires creativity, empathy, and a few innovative techniques.
15 min read


How to Create and Design Illustrated Non-Fiction Books for Children: A Behind-the-Scenes Guide
Travel back to the 1980’s to look at my approach to making non-fiction books for children from the initial concept to publication.
6 min read


Who Really Owns a Book? Why the UK 1988 Copyright Act Needs an Update for Today’s Creators
Imagine creating the blueprint for a book concept, compelling enough that the books become bestsellers - then your credit is removed.
4 min read


The Art of Writing Christmas Stories for Children
We’ll explore the secrets to writing Christmas stories for children, with practical tips, a list of inspiring examples.
19 min read


What comes after "Once Upon a Time" in Storytelling?
Once upon a time, a long time ago storytelling for children was dominated by magical kingdoms, brave knights, and fire-breathing dragons.
6 min read


How Do I Write for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEND) ? A UK Guide
Writing for children with special needs presents unique and fulfilling challenges. Whether you’re creating a story, an educational resource,
10 min read


David Antram: Book Maker,The Maverick Illustrator of the "You Wouldn't Want To Be..!" Series
David Antram is the celebrated illustrator who works in an astonishing variety of styles, yet he is perhaps best known for his caricatures.
22 min read


A Ghost in My Own Books: The Existential Adventures of a Schrödinger’s Cat/Author
In this strange business of ours, where we live and die by names, what irony to find myself suddenly nameless. A refresh, they called it.
6 min read


"The Universe is Made of Stories, Not of Atoms"
Muriel Rukeyser wrote, "that stories, not atoms, comprise the universe." In her 1968 poem "The Speed of Darkness".
7 min read
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