UCLan partnership to create a Centre of Publishing Excellence in Preston
The award winning UCLan university press is launching its adult fiction list in June 2024 and in collaboration with Bluemoose Books whom The Guardian says is a ‘Small but mighty literary hit factory,’ they will be developing a central publishing hub which will be home to designers, illustrators, typesetters, publishers, artists, writers, editors, sales and marketing professionals.
The vision is to create a cluster of creative publishing excellence promoting publishing regionally, nationally, and internationally becoming a beacon for those who wish to start their careers in publishing and those like Fox & Windmill, the UK’s first publishers of southeast Asian writers wish to broaden their reach.
Bluemoose Books has a history of publishing award winning writers whose novels have become TV series, including The Gallows Pole by Benjamin Myers which was shown on BBC 2 in a 3-part series in 2023. The production and tourism from the book and drama series has brought millions into the Calder Valley economy. The centre will be working with TV and Film professionals to replicate this success bringing millions into the regional and national economy.
We will be working with regional mayors and the creative industries creating a high street presence with a bookshop and event space allowing writers, poets, designers and illustrators to promote their work all year round.
Access to publishing has always been an issue within the industry and the centre of excellence will attract creative people who wish to start their careers in publishing whether it be in editorial, design, production, and sales without having to live or travel to London.
Kevin Duffy – ‘Creating a publishing centre of excellence with a bookshop and performance space will become a beacon for those choosing to work in the publishing industry powering the creative economy for the region and beyond. It is a statement of intent in promoting publishing and creative talent which is just brilliant news.’
Hazel Holmes – ‘This is a great opportunity to build upon a thriving creative sector in the North. There is so much talent here, and to have an accessible hub for creatives to meet, work and share ideas will only enhance the Northen publishing scene.’ Bluemoose Books is a multi- award winning publisher based in Hebden Bridge. Publishers of Benjamin Myers, Sharon Duggal, Rónán Hession, Heidi James, Colette Snowden, Devika Ponnambalam.
UCLan Publishing is an award winning independent publisher based at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston. They are unique in their innovative approach to publishing, combining the best in publishing education with exciting live projects.