Inclusive publishing: Students at Bath Spa University collaborate with Knights Of

@BathSpaUni MA Children’s Publishing students have teamed up with inclusive children’s publisher @_KnightsOf to create an ebook edition of a debut novel in a collaborative workshop.

The novel, A Kind of Spark, is by neurodivergent, Scottish author Elle McNicoll and tells the story of 11-year-old Addie’s campaign for a memorial of the witch trials that took place in her hometown.

Knights Of co-founder, David Stevens introduced the workshop, speaking passionately about the importance and need for greater diversity in the industry. Students carried out the technical process of converting print files for e-publication, along with creating and editing end-matter. The day was a great success and resulted in a new ebook edition.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, the publishing industry has responded swiftly to innovating around audience and digital access to content, including ebooks and audio – and this is testament to that.

Holly Tonks, Lecturer in Publishing said:

“Creative industry collaborations are rewarding for both students and publishers alike. We all felt passionately about supporting an inspirational publisher, such as Knights Of. The students were creative and focussed throughout the day and we are all thrilled with the result.”

David Stevens, Co-Founder of Knights Of said:

“Author Elle McNicoll first discovered Knights Of as a student at UCL, and it was that contact that later became the foundation of us publishing together, so working with the Bath Spa University students is the perfect match for A Kind of Spark. We’re hoping that this will lead to many more future opportunities, it is a partnership brimming with potential.”

Laura Little, Course Director, MA Children’s Publishing said:

“Innovation and creative-tech underpins our approach at Bath Spa University, and we’re delighted to work with Knights Of on digital publishing initiatives.”