A new name in children’s publishing has emerged over the last year – Sarah Grace. Sarah is a relative newcomer to the Christian publishing scene having teamed up with Malcolm Down Publishing in 2015. As a trained psychotherapist, she uses her counselling skills to oversee the development of authors’ manuscripts, working with them closely to ensure their titles are the best they can be. However, author development is not the only string to her bow, as in 2017 she launched the Sarah Grace children’s imprint.
‘It was such a surprise,’ said Sarah, ‘Although I obviously love the book I had no idea that it would be shortlisted when it was the very first book on the Sarah Grace imprint.’
So why did you decide to start Sarah Grace Publishing?
I’d been working with Malcolm for over a year, helping develop manuscripts and overseeing all the cover designs when we started discussing the possibility of publishing children’s books. I quickly sourced our first two titles, designed a logo and within weeks the Sarah Grace imprint was born. I have always had a passion for helping children to enjoy learning so this was a dream finally coming true.
What sort of children’s books appeal to you?
The kind of books that appeal are those that touch my heart in some way. It is usually something that strikes me instantly when I see the book. My heart is to help children to understand themselves, God, and the world better.
Tell us about the books you have published so far?
My first books have all been received well by children and adults, which is wonderful.
I personally love Sarah and the Little Squirrel as it reflects my own story as I was born with eye problems that were noticed by my granddad. The sensitivity of the parents in this story reflects the love that each child needs and deserves. It really touched my heart.
The Illustrated Bible Stories is so beautiful. Illustrated by an Italian artist, I cannot help but keep a copy nearby just to see the cover. There is so much depth in the artwork that it gets my creative ideas really flowing.
The Great Big Surprise really was a great big surprise when I found it in my inbox! I just had to have that on our list. Then to meet Eva and hear her story of nearly giving up on getting it published after 11 years of trying, just made me thank God that I had started Sarah Grace Publishing in the first place.
The Lost Sheep series by Andrew McDonough are colourful and educational, laced with some Aussie fun. With four books already available and another four to come by the autumn, these have really expanded our range of books at a huge rate. Cecil the Lost Sheep has a cracking way of sign-posting children to Jesus - each book leaves you wanting more.
The Christening Box together with the Baby Dedication Box and The Baby Box are perfect gifts for parents of newborn children. The box contains three attractive books that are perfect to help parents start their new children on their own faith journey.
What does the future of Sarah Grace Publishing look like?
I hope to be publishing more of the same kind of books plus topics that we’ve not covered yet. The subjects that are really on my heart are helping children with self esteem issues, coping with loss and other topics that are essential for children to grasp in order to help them develop emotionally and spiritually.
*Sarah Grace Publishing is an imprint of Malcolm Down Publishing and available from Booksource and CLC Wholesale. They are represented to the trade by Lion Sales Services.