Award-winning indie children’s and YA publisher Firefly Press has appointed four new staff members as it expands the business in its tenth year of publishing.
Experienced children’s Editor Hayley Fairhead has joined the editorial team, and Grace Samuel comes on board as Marketing and Publicity Officer. And in two new positions for the press, Megan Rees, moves from Book-ish in Crickhowell to start as Business Manager next week (June 19th) while Sian Jones, currently with Priddy Books, joins as Sales, Marketing and Rights Manager in July.
‘Firefly has come a long way since we started out with just two of us, and a determination to publish quality children’s and YA fiction, ten years ago,’ said Publisher, Penny Thomas.
‘We’re absolutely delighted to welcome the new staff members, who will be instrumental in consolidating Firefly’s position in the children’s and YA market and spreading the word about our terrific titles in the future as we continue to grow.’
Hayley Fairhead
Hayley began work in the publishing industry at Oxford University Press, over 20 years ago. Since then, she has worked in-house for Hachette Children’s Books and Pearson Education, before working as a freelance editor for a variety of different publishers. During that time, she worked as a key member of the Golden Egg Academy team, helping writers of children’s fiction hone and develop their writing skills. She joined Firefly Press as Editor in April 2023.
Grace Samuel
Grace started her publishing journey at Book Island Books in 2020 while completing a Masters at Bath Spa University in Children’s Publishing. After two and a half years at Welsh publisher Graffeg, Grace is thrilled to be joining the Firefly Team.
Megan Rees
Megan made the career jump into books in 2021 when she took on the role of bookshop manager at Book-ish in Crickhowell. After two years, Megan is thrilled to make the move into publishing and join the Firefly team. In her spare time, Megan is also completing a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.
Sian Jones
Sian was a bookseller then buyer at Waterstones for 12 years and worked at English Heritage Retail before making a move into publishing, working at Watkins, Quarto and most recently as UK Sales Manager at Priddy.