Abie Longstaff has been co-opted to stand as chair of the Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group (CWIG), the largest subsidiary group of the Society of Authors (SoA).
She fills the position after Isabel Thomas stepped down earlier this year. We thank Isabel for her excellent work on behalf of the group. We also thank Ian Billings who has been standing in as Chair since her departure.
Abie is an experienced children’s writer. Her books range from picture books to middle grade fiction and she is published by Penguin Random House, Scholastic, Hachette, Templar and others. She has served on the Management Committee for four years and brings with her an intimate knowledge of the SoA’s core values and processes and a keen sense of how CWIG and the wider organisation can evolve to represent Children’s Writers and Illustrators in a fast-changing environment.
Speaking about her appointment, Abie said:
The children’s sector is hugely important to me, both because it is my source of income and because it’s an area I greatly care about. I’m particularly worried by the recent research showing how few children read for pleasure. There are so many factors that influence these stats but one significant factor is the lack of budget for author/illustrator school visits. With libraries closing, school librarians being lost, and review space for children’s books limited, school visits are an important way to inspire children to read for pleasure. Alongside this, we’re seeing a rise in celebrity children’s book publishing and, like all authors, illustrators and translators, I have concerns over AI.
As Chair, I want to do all I can to support children’s authors and illustrators. We can’t achieve a diverse children’s book industry without making sure authors and illustrators are properly paid. And we can’t allow a situation where writing becomes only possible for wealthy people, or people supported by a spouse. I’m going to do my best to tackle as many concerns as possible.
Do find me on social media at @AbieLongstaff. I’m here to help.
