Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Responsible for the editorial leadership and creative direction of The Phoenix, one of the UK’s most influential children’s comics; guiding the development of stories, talent and publishing initiatives across the comic and its wider graphic novel programme. Co-lead for the Phoenix Comic Books imprint at David Fickling Books, developing the comic into graphic novels that bring Phoenix stories and creators to wider audiences. I hold an MSt in Creative Writing from the University of Oxford and am the author of several comics, including 'No Country' and 'No Refuge'. I regularly speak on panels and give guest lectures on comics, storytelling and publishing. Selected Impact: • Editorial leadership of The Phoenix – the UK’s fastest-growing children’s comic, reaching tens of thousands of weekly subscribers and inspiring a new generation of comic readers and creators. • Publishing success – stories developed in The Phoenix have gone on to become multi-million-copy bestsellers. • Community building – helped shape the Phoenix reader community and creative ecosystem, including Phoenix Fest, the UK’s leading children’s comic festival. • Creative contribution – author of award-winning graphic novels and regular contributor to the comic as a writer and commissioning editor. Core Focus: Editorial leadership • Comic storytelling • Talent development • Graphic novel publishing • Creative strategy
The Phoenix is the UK’s fastest-growing weekly comic for children, known for its original storytelling, world-class artists and bestselling characters including Bunny vs Monkey and Donut Squad. The comic has helped drive a resurgence in children’s comics and serves as the development engine for multiple successful graphic novel series. The Phoenix Comic Lead the editorial vision and creative development of the comic, overseeing writers, artists and editors and shaping the pipeline of new stories, characters and publishing projects across the Phoenix ecosystem. Responsibilities: - Set and deliver the editorial vision for The Phoenix in partnership with the Editor-in-Chief - Lead and manage the editorial team, including strip editors and contributing creators - Commission and develop new comic series, writers and artists - Oversee production workflow for the weekly publication, including scheduling and budget management - Lead the development pipeline for new stories and characters across the comic - Contribute as a writer, content creator and commissioning editor within the comic - Shape the strategic development of new stories, titles and publishing opportunities - Ensure the distinctive voice, humour and community spirit of the Phoenix brand is reflected across all reader interactions, events and publishing activity Phoenix Comic Books Imprint - David Fickling Books Co-lead the Phoenix Comic Books imprint, developing comic books that expand Phoenix stories into the book market and bring comic creators to wider audiences. Key responsibilities - Shape the editorial strategy and publishing list for the imprint - Identify and develop comic series for graphic novel publication - Work with authors, artists and editors on book development - Collaborate with the David Fickling Books publishing team on new titles and opportunities
Speaking & Industry Engagement Regularly invited to speak on comics, storytelling and publishing, including guest lectures at the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University, as well as schools, panel discussions and industry events focused on children’s publishing, graphic novels and visual storytelling.
Writer – The Phoenix Comic Write and develop original comic stories for The Phoenix, contributing to the publication’s distinctive voice and creative direction. Work closely with artists and editors to develop concepts, scripts and characters from initial idea through to publication, helping shape stories that engage young readers and translate successfully into graphic novels. Writing developed through the comic has led to published titles including Tosh’s Island, No Country and No Refuge.