Meet the team.
REAL PEOPLE WHO REALLY LOVE BOOKS.

KATE LYALL GRANT
Publishing Director

I began my publishing career back in the mists of time, as editorial secretary in Hodder children’s paperback division in 1988. Since then, I’ve worked at David Higham Associates, Hodder & Stoughton (again), Simon & Schuster UK and, most recently, Severn House. I love all types of crime fiction: from darkly twisting psychological thrillers to gentle but highly satisfying cosies; from chilling gothic suspense to intricately plotted police procedurals; from richly imagined historical mysteries to gritty international spy novels.

I can’t pick just one favourite novel, but the most recent book that I simply couldn’t put down was Delia Owens’ remarkable debut, Where the Crawdads Sing: a love story, a coming-of-age novel and a compelling murder mystery all rolled into one, set amidst the wonderfully atmospheric landscape of North Carolina’s coastal marshes.

EMMA GRUNDY HAIGH
Editorial Director

Bookseller Rising Star 2022

I meandered in and out of academia before succumbing to the heady world of publishing. I’ve swerved into Man Booker Prize shortlists, illustrated children’s books and epic travel guides, but I’ve always kept my finger on the criminal pulse. I love unknotting plot lines, pushing villains to their furthest extreme and drawing out the weakness of the hero until they become strengths.

My favourite novel is the last one I finished, but is usually replaced by the one I am currently reading.

For Joffe Books, I am actively looking for well-crafted, twisty psychological thrillers, swirling cosy mysteries and gritty, unputdownable crime series featuring intelligent, tenacious female leads, and WWII romances with exceptional plot lines. For Choc Lit, I am very keen to see clever laugh-out-loud romcoms, beautifully woven historical sagas and emotionally savvy uplit, all of which promise to really capture a reader’s heart. I especially want to hear from writers traditionally underrepresented in mainstream publishing.

So just the moon on a stick.

MARIE-LOUISE HAIG
Head of Lume

From a young age I have been a voracious reader. I have early memories of constantly re-reading Enid Blyton’s Malory Towers and St. Clare’s boarding school series until the spines fell off and the books fell apart! I always wanted to work with words and my publishing career started in magazines, firstly food magazines, followed by children’s magazines. I revelled in editing, proofing and producing content that I knew readers would love, which led me to Lume where I have the unbelievable opportunity to dive into its fantastic archive of titles and bring them to new readers.

With a long list of books waiting to be read at all times, it’s hard to pick a favourite, but A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry has probably been the most enjoyable book I’ve ever read and I could re-read Donna Tartt’s The Secret History over and over again - such spellbinding storytelling!

HANNA MYERS
Head of Marketing

I studied English language and literature at university because I have always been fascinated by the stories people tell, how they’re told, and what tools language holds in captivating an audience. From there it was only natural for me to seek a path within publishing. My reading list tends to grow quicker than I manage to dissolve it, but when a rare moment reveals itself I will dive straight back into the arms of Mr Darcy or take a stroll on the grounds at Hogwarts.

GEMMA CARR
Marketing Executive

I studied Graphic Design at University and the desire to come into publishing originated with my love for the written word, both visually and the stories they are able to communicate. I am delighted to be starting my publishing career at Joffe Books within the Marketing Team. Whilst I am continually adding to my 'to be read list', usually a historical fiction novel, the books that sit proudly on my bookshelf are the Harry Potter series, The Book Thief and Notes on a Nervous Planet.

IMOGEN BUCHANAN
Design & Production Manager

The start of my career began on the other side of the industry, managing bookshops in London and the South East, but wanting to expand my experience and put my creative skills to good use, I decided to take the leap into publishing back in 2017. I now manage the design and production for Lume Books, combining both my love of art and beautiful books!

I have designed book covers across a wide variety of genres, from commercial fiction to narrative non-fiction, including works by Nancy Bilyeau and Linda Porter. I have a keen eye for emerging trends and a passion for creating compelling and original designs.

NICK CASTLE
Design Lead

I've always had a deep appreciation for book covers and the skills required to create compelling designs for both fiction and non-fiction works. Upon completing my graphic design course, this passion led me to roles at Harpercollins and Orion Books, where I eventually became an art director. Subsequently, I embarked on a fruitful career as a freelance cover designer, collaborating with numerous prominent book publishers in the UK. Now, I am thrilled to be a part of the in-house team at Joffe Books, where I can contribute in a more focused and collaborative environment.

When I'm not immersed in the world of design, you'll likely find me either cooking a prawn curry, running along the Thames path, or being beaten at various sports by my two children.

NINA TAYLOR
Managing Editor

I love the art of storytelling and take great pleasure listening to the stories of others and immersing myself in their experiences, even the unimaginable. Some of my favourite books are holocaust survivor stories like The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Cilka’s Journey and The Choice. If you hadn’t guessed by this list, I’m also heavily into history, especially WWII. I’ll never forget the time I met holocaust survivor Józef Rosołowski on a school trip to Poland. His story was harrowing, yet beautiful, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

If you have a story to share, I’m all ears! Let’s talk.

STEPH CAREY
Commissioning Editor

I got my first taste of publishing as an intern at a dictionary publisher in Paris during my year abroad, and swiftly realised that being paid to read for a living was the only thing I wanted to do. Since then I’ve worked on an eclectic mix of titles, from academic monographs, to serious political non-fiction and memoirs, to children’s encyclopaedias, and really am a reader of all sorts. Having studied French at university I came to the English classics late, so have recently been delving into a world of Hardy, Austen, and Gaskell. I usually alternate between claiming that my favourite book is The Secret History or Anna Karenina.

I’m currently looking for psychological suspense, domestic noir and thrillers that grip me from the first page with original, three-dimensional characters, pacy and intriguing narratives and tension that crackles off the page. I’m particularly keen to read submissions from any writers currently underrepresented in traditional publishing.

BECKY SLORACH
Project Editor

I have worked in publishing for over 20 years, at Oxford University Press, Taylor and Francis and HarperCollins. I have published all types of books from market leading academic textbooks to Sunday Times bestselling romances. My proudest professional achievement so far, however, was winning the RNA Inclusion Award in 2022.

Picking favourite authors and books is far too hard! Novels of all genres with plotlines that make me gasp at the end are my favourite. Particular highlights are The Secret Keeper, The Song of Achilles, and The Great Gatsby. I love any crime fiction with a unique twist and have a soft spot for women sleuths Miss Marple and Agatha Raisin. I think Agatha Christie’s Nemesis is the best crime novel ever written!

When not reading for pleasure or work I can be found with my family in Dartmouth (usually in a bookshop!)

I am always looking out for the next undiscovered author, and stories with captivating hooks and unique protagonists.

LAURA COULMAN-RICH
Project Editor

My editorial experience is eclectic, spanning ten years and an array of genres: from TV tie-ins to dystopias, from historical mysteries to music memoirs. I am the author of three books, including David Bowie: Starman. Nowadays, I’m thrilled to be working in-house on Joffe Books’ wonderful titles.

I read English and French at Lyon III and Lancaster. But my favourite book remains The Secret Garden. Mary, the supremely sulky heroine, is no Little Princess. For that, I adored her instantly. I share her passion for Brontë-esque countryside, and have never been able to resist the mystery of a locked door.

JASMINE CALLAGHAN
Project Editor

Growing up, I had a fondness for watching and reading Agatha Christie, which has since developed into a weakness for Honkaku (Japanese murder mysteries). While I absolutely can’t narrow down my favourite book to just one, I always find myself coming back to His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman and The Outsider by Albert Camus.

I do find it quite bittersweet that the ever-expanding nature of literature means that I’ll never be able to read all the books that I want to, but I'm delighted by the constant influx of new books and being trusted with the work of authors.

SOPHIE RANDALL
Project Editor

I studied English and Creative Writing at University because I have always had a great passion for reading and writing. The process of publication excites me and I love being part of a journey to bring someone's idea to life! I love reading an array of different genres and I have a great love for 19th century authors such as the Brontës, Agatha Christie and especially Jane Austen, my favourite book ever is Pride and Prejudice! However, that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy losing myself in more modern fantasy, romance and murder mystery works as well!

LAHLI TREVIS
Production Editor

An important aspect of crime fiction is the sense of place created by the author. The grand house on an isolated island of Christie, the dark closes of Auld Reekie in Rankin, or the streets of London by many others. The descriptions of these locations brought me to the UK so I could see and experience it myself. While I’m a bit relieved to not find myself in a real murder mystery — no bell ringers have been done away with in my village . . . yet — I can’t stop devouring crime fiction. I love a classic whodunnit and great detectives.

NAJMA HAJI
Publishing Assistant

From historical fiction to new adult romance, books of all genres and languages have undoubtedly shaped a great deal of my life thus far. I often find myself extending my to-be-read pile quicker than I seem to get through it, however I am filled with endless gratitude knowing there is always another incredible piece of work waiting to be enjoyed. I am therefore honoured to be working with the amazing authors who bring us such joy with their words.

ABBIE DODSON-SHANKS
Publishing Assistant

I studied Graphic Design at university, where my creative practice focused on the design and production of books through an editorial lens. This sparked my interest in the experience that we have with books, how a reader engages with media, form and language, and has naturally led me to pursue a career in publishing. I am delighted to be a member of the Choc Lit team at Joffe Books!I love receiving books recommendations, to share and connect with people through our best loved stories. My favourite books include The Dictionary of Lost Words, The Book Thief and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.

TIA DAVIS
Marketing Assistant

Delving into the depths of literature, I've always been captivated by the stories that transport us to new worlds. With a degree in advertising and digital marketing, I've honed my skills to amplify these tales. Whether I'm diving into the heart-pounding pages of a thriller, or losing myself in the enchanting realms of fantasy, books are my sanctuary. With Fourth Wing and A Court Of Thorn And Roses and the gripping works of Holly Jackson and Karen M. McManus as my guides to take on the publishing world.

TEAM JOFFE
The Out-of-Housers

Our spectacular out-of-house team includes Rudi S. (our incomparable customer and author relations liaison and PA to the CEO), Jill B. (our esteemed book tour coordinator, booksnall.blog), Viznavi K. (our wonderful production controller), Emily J. (our ever-erudite commissioning reader) and Lewis P. (our fantastic final reader).

Website by mikeralphdesign.com

We also have a stellar roster of freelance line editors, copy-editors and proofreaders, without whom we would be lost.