UCLan Publishing and Bluemoose to launch Centre of Publishing Excellence

UCLan Publishing and Bluemoose Books are creating a Centre of Publishing Excellence at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, with the aim of “powering the creative economy” in the north.

The centre, which has been in planning for around 18 months, will act as a central hub for publishing industry professionals. Three independent publishers – UCLan, Bluemoose and Fox & Windmill – will transfer operations to the centre, which will also offer hot-desking facilities.

Kevin Duffy, co-founder of Bluemoose Books, and Hazel Holmes, publisher at UCLan, will lead the project initially. They plan to work with regional mayors to create a high street presence with a bookshop and event space to open alongside the centre.

Duffy said: “Creating a publishing centre of excellence with a bookshop and performance space will become a beacon for those choosing to work in the publishing industry, powering the creative economy for the region and beyond. It is a statement of intent in promoting publishing and creative talent.”

He described the Dalkey Archive Press in America as an inspiration, adding that the centre aims to house a full spectrum of publishing industry professions – from editorial and rights to book design, sales and marketing. The publisher also outlined plans to work with TV and film professionals in an effort to bring trade and tourism to the region.

“The Gallows Pole by Benjamin Myers brought millions into the Calder Valley,” he said. “We published it in 2017 and obviously there’s been a three-part BBC series. We’ve been talking to mayors of the region – for Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Yorkshire – to make [the centre] economically viable and attract great new talent, not only students but also those working in publishing professionally.”

The centre’s exact location and opening date are yet to be confirmed, but Duffy suggested that the launch programme will include the release of new titles from UCLan and Bluemoose, and that the centre will host “two or three” events per week on opening.

Holmes added: “This is a great opportunity to build on a thriving creative sector in the north. There is so much talent here, and to have an accessible hub for creatives to meet, work and share ideas will only enhance the northern publishing scene.”

News of the upcoming Publishing Centre for Excellence coincides with UCLan’s new adult fiction list, which is scheduled to launch in June 2024.

Speaking about the list, Holmes added: “Garden of Her Heart is our first adult fiction title publishing this year, then we have three titles coming next year. One secured for 2025 and two other titles under offer. They’re a mix of contemporary romance, rom-coms, historical and humour. The focus is women’s fiction, written by women for women. Four of the authors under contract are also northern, we’re really keen to showcase northern talent.”

She added that while “Kevin and I will be heading the centre, I suspect when it begins to grow this will be a full time job for someone to focus on”.