I have so many picture books I love! Basically anything by Rachel Bright and Jim field! For me The perfect fit by @naomijones1.bsky.social and James Jones is simply perfection!

This is a day we can really get behind - #shareahugday ! The young protagonist in @naomijones1.bsky.social 's delightful picture book The Hug Button would like to share a hug with her mum 🥰🥰 You can book Naomi for a visit to your school here: authorsalouduk.co.uk/speaker/

I loved doing this interview! Have a read for my unfettered opinions on publishing and writing!

This was such a great interview with @louiestowell.bsky.social Read it to discover the importance of perspective, the benefits of self promotion vs a publisher's marketing budget and why rejection is the breakfast of champions. naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

COMPETITION TIME for anyone who's purchased or pre-ordered a copy of The Hug Button! 🎉 @naomijones1.bsky.social To enter: Email proof of purchase/pre-order of The Hug Button to [email protected] Use subject line 'The Hug Button Competition' in your email T&Cs www.instagram.com/p/DLWtdxpuyPh

This week we interviewed bestselling author @juliesykesbooks.bsky.social about how it felt to see Unicorn Academy become a Netflix show, why you shouldn't ever compare yourself to others and how the industry has changed over the last 30 years. naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

This week we had SUCH a fascinating chat with author/illustrator Paddy Donnelly. You can watch our conversation here: naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

We loves chatting to @readingrocks.bsky.social this week about: - How authors are chosen for festivals. - Tips for events. - What makes books sell in a shop. - Why covers matter so much. - The impact of school visits. naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

This week we’ve been joined at Words and Pictures by inspirational creative writing entrepreneur and author @meltaylorbessent.bsky.social We discovered how she created her own opportunities and why it’s so important to ‘think big’. Read more here: naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

Thanks so much to @justynedwards.bsky.social for joining us this week at Words and Pictures and letting us quiz you about everything from school events, to writing tips and what you're working on now. The full interview can be read here: naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

There are loads of submission opportunities available this month for children's authors and illustrators. We've listed them all in this post: naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/submission... Please do share with fellow creatives!

This week we interviewed award winning author/illustrator Catherine Rayner. We discovered: - What it's like working with Julia Donaldson. - Why it's important to stick to your guns. - How she works. - Her top tips! - What she's working on now. naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

This week we spoke to @whycraigwhy.bsky.social about the impact of being up for so many awards, the inspiration for Gina Kaminski, how working as a bookseller and lecturer influences his writing and why neurodiverse characters are so important. naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

We absolutely loved chatting to indie bookshop owner Jaimie this week. She shared why she set up a shop, how she chooses which books to stock and how authors and illustrators can help with promotion and sales. You can read the full interview here: naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

I absolutely loved chatting to @moohara.bsky.social about all things book related from event tips to why you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket. You can watch our full conversation here: naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

Thank you for having me!!

It was such a joy chatting to @ianeagletonauthor.bsky.social about everything from the impact LGBTQ+ books have on readers, to how being a teacher influenced his writing and his top tips for authors. You can watch our full conversation here: naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

This week we interviewed Claire Powell at Words and Pictures. She talked about being a self taught illustrator, the perils of social media and why comparison is the thief of joy. You can watch our chat here: naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

Such a fun day doing virtual events with kids all over the country. Happy World Book Day everyone!

Have you ever wondered how the children's laureate gets selected? This is just one of the questions we asked Joseph Coelho when we interviewed him recently. James and I both found talking to him incredibly inspiring - watch our conversation here: naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

Thinking about going to Bologna? Not sure exactly what happens at a book fair? If so, this post is for you... naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/the-truth-...

I loved asking author @keris.bsky.social lots of questions about publishing and creativity at Words and Pictures last week - but it was her thoughts about money, advances and transparency in the publishing industry that I found the most insightful: naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

If you're a CREATIVE, this should go to the top of your TO DO LIST. Act now. Don't hesitate.

One of the best bits of awards ceremonies is getting to hang out with lots of other authors! @hannahgold.bsky.social @meltaylorbessent.bsky.social @sharnajackson.com Tom Percival Joseph Coelho Alex Wharton Jeffery Boakye

Feeling very honoured to have been shortlisted for the Ruth Rendell Award. Huge congratulations to Tom Percival on his very well deserved win. Thanks to @alcs-uk.bsky.social for the super fun awards ceremony last night!

What a fantastic selection of children’s books! Thank you so much for including some of mine ❤️ @oxfordchildrens.bsky.social

Had a lovely chat with Naomi and James Jones of Words and Pictures; two of my very favourite things. Have a watch / listen!

I am absolutely blown away to have been shortlisted for the Ruth Rendell Award 2025 which recognises a writer who has had a significant impact on literacy in the UK over the last year. www.alcs.co.uk/news/ruth-re...

@the-bookseller.bsky.social recently reported that in 2024 sales of children’s comic strip fiction and graphic novels were up by a record 18.3%. So it feels timely that this week we’re sharing an interview with @neillcameron.bsky.social naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

It was such a joy to interview Jodie Lancet-Grant this week at Words and Pictures. Jodie spoke about the impact of LGBTQ+ inclusive books for children, how becoming an author made her a better publisher and she included her top tips for writers too. naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

Our new blog: https://buff.ly/4hkoCPx 📗 Thunderboots @naomijones1.bsky.social & @familyofbeasts.bsky.social 📘 The Last Boy @evemcdonnell.bsky.social @everywithwords.bsky.social 📙 Feather by Manon Steffan Ros, @fireflypress.bsky.social 📕 Darkly by Marisha Pessl, Walker Books #ReadingForPleasure

It was so exciting to spot my new book illustrated by @familyofbeasts.bsky.social in the @the-bookseller.bsky.social Children’s guide. The Hug Button publishes in July - not long to wait now! @oxfordchildrens.bsky.social

It was such a joy to chat to author, ex publishing professional and school librarian @mariesadulak.bsky.social about her writing, winning the FAB prize, marketing tips and what surprised her about being a debut author after working in the industry. naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

I was so excited to receive copies of the new Stories for Maths book I wrote for @oxfordchildrens.bsky.social Wild Buddies: The Hungry Tortoise tells the story of a sneaky tortoise and introduces readers to the concept of mass too. Illustrations by Pauline Gregory #StoriesForMaths

There are just a couple of days left to apply for this…

It was such a joy talking to my picture book making partner @familyofbeasts.bsky.social about creativity, her inspiration and the teaching work she does. You can watch the whole chat over at Words and Pictures: open.substack.com/pub/naomiand... @oxfordchildrens.bsky.social

I’ve been really busy signing books in all the bookshops around Oxford - it’s always such a treat to meet booksellers and browse the shelves @oxfordchildrens.bsky.social

Yesterday I visited a primary school in Oxford and together we had loads of fun making loads of shape characters - how cute are these guys?! @oxfordchildrens.bsky.social

Last night I took part in the Diverse Book Awards panel and celebrations at Waterstones Piccadilly - it was such an amazing evening and I came away feeling really inspired after listening to all the other writers

It was so much fun helping @oxfordchildrens.bsky.social announce the Oxford Children’s Word of the year at an assembly in Banbury today - and what an amazing word it was too. I think we need to take inspiration from the kids and all have a bit more kindness in our lives.

I loved finding out about all things publicity from the lovely @lizscottpr.bsky.social including how authors & illustrators can better promote their books and why community is so very important. You can read the full interview here: naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

I love doing school events and still have some availability for World Book Day week this year. Find out more about my events here: www.naomiandjamesjones.com/events

One of the most useful things I learned working in published before I got published myself was how the finances works... naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/lets-talk-...

I had so much fun answering these questions! Thank you @naomijones1.bsky.social!

I'm working with a teacher at my boy's school here in rural Cornwall to promote a love of reading. If there are any authors/illustrators who'd be happy to send a postcard or an email to the school for them to display in the library to help bring books to life, please DM me. Thank you!

There is still time to apply for this...

I loved getting the chance to ask agent, editor and author @keslupo.bsky.social about everything from her manuscript wish list to the biggest mistake writers make when submitting to an agent. naomiandjamesjones.substack.com/p/words-and-...

Being universally ignored by publishing, as far as I can see

Impoverished authors are told they should do it for the love. Try saying that to a dentist | Gareth Rubin