WRITERS' MINDS Emma Layfield

 


Words & Pictures magazine's feature writer Sarah Broadley talks to the owner of the newly launched literary agency Children's Books North Agency (CBNA), Emma Layfield.

 

 Emma Layfield has launched a new agency


Congratulations on the launch of your new literary agency - Children's Books North Agency (CBNA). Can you share with us the lead-up to its creation and the ethos behind the new agency?

 

After 20+ years working in publishing in London, I moved back home in 2019 to continue my career with Hachette Children’s Group and to help set up Hachette UK’s new Manchester office.

 

During this time, I realised that alongside publishers moving outside of London, we also needed to see more agents breaking out of the M25 to make the industry more accessible to everyone. So, in September, I launched Children’s Books North Agency to shine a light on the huge talent that is here.

 

CBNA is the only children’s book agency in Manchester and only one of three children’s book agencies in the North. The Agency is focused on representing writers and illustrators based in the North and Scotland as talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not, so CBNA champions Northern talent to the wider publishing industry.

 



How do creatives get in touch with CBNA?

 

Via the submissions page on our website. We welcome submissions from creatives who are based in the north of England (North West, North East and Yorkshire) and Scotland.

 

We are particularly looking for authors and illustrators who specialise in picture books, preschool, illustrated non-fiction and young graphic novels.

 

We only represent a small number of clients so that we can offer hands-on development work and the best author/illustrator care. We aim to hold all of our author/illustrator meetings in person so that we build strong relationships with our clients. We might be small, but we are mighty!

 



The publishing world can be convoluted for some, do you have any tips for those venturing out on submission (debuts and those already published)?

 

I agree the publishing industry can sometimes be tricky for creatives to navigate, especially for those starting out in their careers.

 

My top tip is to do your research! Cherry pick the publishers and editors/designers who are the best fit for your work. Really get to know the publishers - follow them on social media, sign up for their newsletters and look at their new publications on their website and in bookshops.

 

Also, make sure you carefully follow their submission guidelines and spend time developing your portfolio before you send it on. If you are an illustrator, make sure that your portfolio includes a good mix of people, animals, black-and-white work, covers and hand-lettering (if this a passion of yours). And if you are a writer, work on a full manuscript or up to 3 full manuscripts for picture books to really showcase your writing.

 



Diverse characters, storylines and authentic voices are key in children's books in order for every child to access relatable stories and art. Your tagline for the agency is 'Reaching and Representing' - can you tell us more about this?

 

CBNA proactively reaches across the North and Scotland to discover new voices and unique art styles.

 

We represent authors and illustrators from all backgrounds and want young readers to feel represented, wherever they are from and however they identify.

 

There is so much talent across the North and Scotland and the aim is for our client’s books to really stand out in a crowded market.

 



You're one of the founders of the Children's Books North network, a fantastic resource for published creatives in the North. You're also on the board of trustees of Seven Stories in Newcastle. The literary world is changing in the North. What are your hopes for the industry?

 

It's an exciting time to be in publishing in the North. It has been great to see some of the big five publishers like Hachette UK and HarperNorth setting up offices in the North and joining the brilliant independent publishers already here.

 

There has also been a real growth in regional writing groups and agencies, such as New Writing North, Commonword, The Writing Squad and Muslim Writers North, who offer amazing grassroots support to writers.

 

It has also been great to see the growth of MAs in Publishing across the North at Northumbria University, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Central Lancashire. Not to mention the much-needed new independent bookshops such as House of Books & Friends in Manchester and Topping & Company opening in York this year.

 

These are all really positive changes that are benefitting the industry enormously, but publishing is still too London-centric and we need more publishers and agents to commit to a presence outside London too.

 



What's next for Emma Layfield?

 

Professionally, CBNA is my focus and I’m excited to have a 3-year strategy, which includes expanding the agency and opening further offices in the North. I’m also looking forward to my first business trips as an agent – come and find me at both the London and Bologna Book Fairs!

 

Personally, I am getting a campervan this year so that I can explore the North further with my boyfriend and dog (Norman!). I live in a beautiful part of the country with stunning walks in Lancashire, Yorkshire, the Peak District and the Lake District on my doorstep!

 



 


Children’s Books North Agency (CBNA) was established in 2024 by Emma Layfield. We are based in Manchester and represent Northern and Scottish authors and illustrators of picture books, fiction and non-fiction. CBNA discovers and nurtures new talent, and takes creatives already in the industry to the next level of their careers.

 


*Header image: Ell Rose and Tita Berredo


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You can find Children’s Books North Agency (CBNA) here:


Website: www.childrensbooksnorthagency.co.uk

 

Instagram: childrensbooksnorthagency_


Bluesky: @cbnagency.bsky.social

 


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Sarah Broadley writes for children of all ages and lives in Edinburgh. She is a member of SCBWI Scotland, the Society of Authors and the Scottish Book Festival Network. Sarah is also a trustee on the board of Cymera – the UK's only sci-fi, horror and fantasy writing festival. She chats with creatives on her Words & Pictures feature Writers’ Minds and is a children’s book reviewer for online resource My Book Corner.


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Ell Rose is the Illustration Features Editor of Words & Pictures.
Find their work at https://fourfooteleven.com
Follow them on Instagram and Bluesky
Contact them at illustrators@britishscbwi.org


Tita Berredo is the Illustrator Coordinator of SCBWI British Isles
and the Art Director of 
Words & Pictures. 
Find their work at 
www.titaberredo.com
Follow her on Instagram
Contact her atilluscoordinator@britishscbwi.org.




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