Lorna Hemingway

For picture books, I am looking for stories with a strong beginning, middle, and end with a fantastic narrative hook that exudes warmth and leaves plenty of room for surprise. Some of my favourite picture books that I have read recently include My Rice is Best, Heavy Metal Badger, Frida the Rock and Roll Moth, and Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob. For board books, I would love for someone who has a real eye for paper ingenuity and can think about this format as a tool for play, to submit to me. This format is a fascinating one and any creator has to think about the dexterity of their ideas alongside series potential.

For chapter books and highly illustrated middle grade, I would love to read any laugh-out-loud funny texts that knock my socks off. I have a special interest in stories with a strong main character that have real brand and series potential. Think James Bond as a suave caterpillar, a Grinch-inspired dinosaur, or a puppy that is a world-renowned rockstar. I wished I worked on InvestiGators, Bunny vs. Monkey, and anything by Harriet Muncaster. Please do not count me out for any texts that are a little more on the quiet side with gorgeous lyrical prose and stunning descriptions (anything similar to Kiran Millwood Hargrave or Jarvis’ Bear and Bird series is a huge thumbs up from me!); as long as they pack a punch or have me grabbing for a box of tissues, I would love to take a look.

For Teen and YA, I would love to receive graphic novel proposals that force me to devour the whole thing in one sitting! I have a special interest in non-Western mythologies or any interesting stories that have previously been unheard; some of my recent favourites include Cross My Heart and Never Lie and Lightfall.

For non-fiction, I would love to receive proposals across every age range from board books to YA. The category of non-fiction is a rather large and complex one that ranges from hilarious (think Adam Kay’s Marvellous Medicine) to more boutique and giftable (The Story Orchestra series is one of my favourites). I would love to hear from experts in their fields or individuals with a true passion who can take an educational subject and twist it into something spectacular and unique (a great example of this is Can You Get Jellyfish in Space?).