Emma has 25 years of experience in publishing illustrated books for children. Having grown successful publishing lists at Simon & Schuster and Bloomsbury, she was most recently Group Pre-school and Picture Book Publisher at Hachette UK. She has published a roster of award-winning talents such as Lauren Child, Rachel Bright, Jim Field, Benji Davies, Tom Percival and Sara Ogilvie.
A bookshop that I love: Topping and Co in Bath
A book that I love: A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
A fun fact about me: I can sing about colourful goats clambering over rocks in Welsh!
Myrto is happiest when bringing books to life, whether a fun novelty title, an innovative non-fiction book, or a picture book full of heart. Before joining Post Wave, she worked at publishers like Wide Eyed Editions, Frances Lincoln’s Children’s books and Little Tiger. She loves exploring how design can inspire, surprise and connect with readers.
A bookshop that I love: West End Lane books! It’s a dream to browse.
A book that I love: This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen.
A fun fact about me: My first publishing job was in foreign rights.
Proud Northerner, audiobook devourer and Gossip Girl enthusiast, I began my publishing career as a Children’s Editorial Intern at Bonnier Books UK in 2021 and have been climbing the editorial ladder ever since. At Post Wave, I’m passionate about creating beautiful books full of heart, spark and originality, capturing the imaginations of children all across the globe.
- A bookshop that I love: Backstory, Balham
- A book that I love: The Girl and the Mermaid by Hollie Hughes and Sarah Massini
- A fun fact about me: After a decade of obsessive taste, trial and error, I undoubtedly make the best iced latte in Southwest London.
I joined Post Wave in September 2024 following 7 years as Children’s Group Sales Director at Hachette Children’s Group. Prior to this, I spent 15 years at DK/Penguin Random House where I had multiple roles including Head of Trade Sales (DK), Publishing Operations Manager (Ladybird/BBC/Warne) and Inventory Manager. I began my career working in magazines for IPC Media, and also spent 18 months at an internet start up.
A bookshop that I love: Mr B’s Emporium, Bath, and Barter Books, Alnwick.
A book that I love: The Bad Seed by Jory John, illustrated by Pete Oswald.
A fun fact about me: I was a child model for M&S from age 4.
Lily has always found children’s books enchanting, so to help in the creation of them was a dream come true. She started her career at Bloomsbury Publishing in the Illustrated department, working with authors and illustrators across picture books and non-fiction.
A bookshop that I love: Shakespeare and Company
A book that I love: Circe by Madeline Miller
A fun fact about me: I play hockey for my local team. Most Saturdays you will find me on the hockey pitch!
Emma has over 30 years’ experience in publishing, having successfully run both Bloomsbury Children’s Books (in the UK and the US) before becoming Managing Director of Bloomsbury’s Consumer Publishing, and prior to that Macmillan Children’s Books. In her career, she has published many wonderful authors and illustrators including J.K. Rowling, Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler, Emily Gravett, Sarah Crossan, Sarah J. Maas and Salina Yoon.
A bookshop that I love: Village Books, Dulwich Village
A book that I love: This week it is In Memoriam by Alice Winn
A fun fact about me: I love Andy Murray – like literally LOVE HIM
Over the last fifteen years, Valentine has worked in France, Spain and the UK, selling rights for various agencies and publishers, such as Quarto and Priddy Books. She loves bringing new books to international readers, and can’t wait to spot translated Post Wave titles in bookshops abroad.
A bookshop that I love: Libreria in East London. This cosy bookshop organises their books by theme, rather than by genre and alphabetical order.
A book that I love: Lately, I’ve been cooking a lot from Greekish by Georgina Hayden.
A fun fact about me: I once was part of an exhibition at the Louvre museum, pretending to read a book in a shower booth among 19th-century paintings!
Joanna has over a decade of experience in children’s publishing, working with renowned publishers such as Quarto, Flying Eye and Big Picture Press, where she also served as a publisher. Her books have won numerous national and international awards, including the Bologna Ragazzi 2023 Award for Non-Fiction. She has worked with top talents worldwide, including Katie Scott, Emma Carlisle and Sam Rodriguez.
A bookshop that I love: London Review of Books – a great selection of books, and an equally great selection of cake!
A book that I love: The Butterfly Ball by Alan Aldridge. As a child, I was completely captivated by its psychedelic artwork and enchanting story, and still feel the same today.
A fun fact about me: I have my lip pierced!
Rachel has over 17 years of experience in trade book production, previously at Frances Lincoln, Quarto and DK, Penguin Random House. From managing the production of printed sprayed edges of a Liberty fabric pattern to emulating a rice sack texture for the cover of a recipe book, Rachel is passionate about producing beautiful, mind-enriching books for budding readers. She takes great pleasure in managing WIP reports, tracking vessels and collaborating with suppliers.
A bookshop that I love: Rees and O’Neill Rare Books on Cecil Court. I have fond memories working at this antiquarian bookshop, which closed in 2005.
A book that I love: How to Live: Or a Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at an Answer by Sarah Bakewell
A fun fact about me: My first part-time job in London was at the cloakroom of The Comedy Store, where I mastered the art of coat hanging.
Avni has worked in publishing for over 15 years having previously worked at Thames & Hudson, where she was Art Director on the children’s list. Avni has worked with many brilliant artists and illustrators, including Quentin Blake, Serge Bloch and Marion Bataille, and is looking forward to inspiring future generations with imaginative storytelling and captivating visuals.
- A bookshop that I love: Waterstones, Piccadilly – I can hide in here for hours!
- A book that I love: The Gashlycrumb Tinies: A Very Gorey Alphabet Book by Edward Gorey
- A fun fact about me: I am a big fan of canapés – all sorts, and the smaller the better : )
