Lisa Murray (Barrington Stoke)
This month we are delighted to have a special Q&A with Lisa Murray, an Assistant Editor at Barrington Stoke publishers in Edinburgh.
Can you tell us a little bit about Barrington Stoke and the books that you publish?
Barrington Stoke publish books for children aged 9 to 16 who are dyslexic, struggling to read or who simply want a fast, hassle-free read.
We publish stories by some of the best children’s authors working today – authors such as Kevin Crossley-Holland, Keith Gray and Frank Cottrell Boyce, amongst many others.
Each book is tested by children before it’s published and we have our own specially designed font and paper to make sure everyone is able to read and enjoy the books. We publish fiction and non-fiction, covering everything from action-packed myths in our Reloaded list, to teen issues in our older Gr8read list, to inspiring true-life stories in our Reality Check series. We try and ensure there’s something for everyone.
What is your job at Barrington Stoke and how did you get it?
My job title is Assistant Editor. I completed a Publishing Masters course at uni and was then lucky enough to get a work experience placement at Barrington Stoke. I knew straight away I wanted to work there – I love the ethos behind the company and I’ve always wanted to work with children’s books. I was offered a part-time job which grew into a full-time position.
I work in an editorial department of three but because we’re a small company we get to do a variety of other interesting things too – for example I oversee the covers and illustrations. Being involved in the jacket process, from the initial idea to the moment I see the finished jacket, never loses its magic, and I get to work with some amazing illustrators and designers.
What is a normal day like in the Barrington Stoke office?
Busy! The best thing about working for BS is every day is different and it’s never predictable – there are always so many things happening and because we’re a small team you feel really involved. I always start my day by checking my emails – then the rest of the day could involve editing a story with an author, choosing an image for a cover, finding a new illustrator, proofing, writing a blurb for a back jacket, getting new titles to the printer, or whatever else is most urgent at the time!
How do you choose which authors that you want to work with?
We think our readers deserve to enjoy books by the same authors that their friends are reading, so we approach best-selling authors. Authors who write books you’re dying to pick up and don’t want to put back down again!
Which books are hot in the office at the moment?
There are so many! We are thrilled to have two of the biggest names in comedy writing for us – we’ve just published Desirable by Frank Cottrell Boyce, the award-winning author of Millions, and next year we will be publishing The Story of Matthew Buzzington by Andy Stanton, the author of the hugely successful Mr Gum books. Both books actually make me snort out loud with laughter, no matter how many times I re-read them.
We also have a fantastic new teen title by Keith Gray coming out next year called The Return of Johnny Kemp – plus an adrenalin-fuelled thriller, Free Runner by James Lovegrove, in which a boy has to use all his free running skills to make it across the estate in time to prevent his father being killed. It’s incredibly nail-biting. As part of our Gr8read list for older teenagers, we are proud to be publishing Mine by Joanna Kenrick, a powerful and thought-provoking story about date rape. We are genuinely excited about every title we have on our 2009 list.
What was the last book you read?
The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud – the first book in his brilliant Bartimaeus trilogy. I’m hugely fond of this series and since we just received the MS for a story Jonathan is writing for our Reloaded list (which we’re very excited about) I decided to re-read it in celebration!
What was your favourite book as a child?
I really liked the The Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton. Such a fantastic idea – any land you can possibly imagine (and some you wouldn’t want to) waiting for you to explore at the top of a tree. What child wouldn’t love that?! Although in hindsight Moon-face in his stripy leotard was a little sinister! I’m obsessed with the idea that someone should make a film of this series – a dark Tim Burton-esque style fairytale – it could be great!
Who’s your favourite author?
It has to be JK Rowling. I’m a huge Harry Potter fan! It frustrates me when people are snobby about her writing or the series. She has created such an exciting world, a world of pure escapism, a world which millions of people love being a part of – and not many people can say that!
If you could only take 3 books out the library for the rest of your life which 3 would you choose?
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon, The Solitaire Mystery by Jostein Gaarder and Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn.
Thank you very much Lisa, if you would like to find out more about Barrington Stoke and their web address is below.
