Magazine editor and bookseller Lucy Mohan is to join Welsh indie Firefly Press in a new role as editorial assistant, with a remit to identify and work with new and diverse audiences.
The appointment marks a continued expansion to the Firefly editorial team following the appointment of senior editor Rebecca F. John last month, and increased hours for staff across the company.
The part-time role is funded by the Books Council of Wales and represents a significant opportunity for the children’s press which celebrates its tenth anniversary next year, said Publisher Penny Thomas.
‘Lucy clearly has a real love of children’s and YA books, and experience working with young people in creative writing,’ said Thomas. ‘With a small, busy team at Firefly her appointment will give us bandwidth to look at who we are publishing for and ensuring we are doing everything we can to reach new readers, particularly from underrepresented communities in Wales and across the UK. We’re really grateful to the Books Council of Wales for funding this innovative role.’
Lucy Mohan says: ‘I’ve been a fan of Firefly for a long time and I’m absolutely honoured and thrilled to be joining the team. Children’s and YA books are a huge passion of mine and so I cannot wait to help bring new books to life and share them with readers.’
The Books Council of Wales says: ‘We are very pleased to be able to fund this opportunity that continues the work of ensuring diversity, inclusion, and equity in the publishing landscape of Wales.’