An Interview With Langrove Publishing
We recently had the chance to chat with Erin Allgrove from Langrove Publishing, a small, independent publisher of children's books in Devon about their first publication Bosun Bob The Salty Old Sea Dog, Devon’s publishing scene and her favourite reading spot.
What inspired you to create Langrove Publishing?
Emily and I share a love of children’s books having five children between us! Both of are lucky enough to have lived rich and varied lives, Erin spends a lot of time daydreaming and Emily spends a lot of time doodling. It was Erin’s live aboard life with her family and dog Bob that inspired our first book Bosun Bob the Salty Old Sea Dog and so we started Langrove Publishing to bring it to market! Now we are on a mission to write and publish our own books but also bring titles to market that might struggle through the traditional route.
Erin Allgrove (L) and Emily Langstaff-Ellis (R)
Was it important to you to publish your own book rather than working with an existing publisher?
Yes definitely. We’ve had 100% ownership of the editorial and creative process. We’ve been able to choose our own printer – Pollards based in Exeter – which makes us completely unique. We have been able to make every single decision about Bosun Bob and that I think has meant we’ve created something really special – which sounds so arrogant – but what I mean is that we haven’t had to compromise for any reason – whether that be budget, timeframe, season.
Can local writers get involved with Langrove Publishing? (If so, what kind of stories/artists are you looking for?)
Yes please – we would love to hear from local writers based in the southwest. We would love to hear from anyone who has written a book – children’s literature is a particular focus but we are also keen to hear from authors who love to base their stories in our beautiful area. I would repeat advice I’ve often read from agents and publishers – make sure your manuscript is as good as it possibly can be – edit, edit, edit and ask others to look at it too and reflect on their feedback.
How would you like to see Exeter & Devon's publishing scene develop?
I would love to see Exeter and Devon become even more of a destination for literature lovers. We have so many strong associations with famous authors and writers. Our independent bookshops are amazing – there’s so many brilliant shops across the county – who’ve been so supportive and keen to share their knowledge and expertise.
I would love to see this literary heritage really grow in Exeter a bit more – so I think the City of Literature initiative will be absolutely key to that. I see Langrove being really key to this growth and hope that we can be a part of Exeter’s literary scene for many years to come.
What has been the most interesting thing to learn about the process of publishing since you created Langrove Publishing?
I’ve been amazed by how kind people are in the industry – how open they are to sharing their thoughts and advice, which has been invaluable to us. It’s a very small industry – which is a surprise because initially the whole thing seems so vast and impenetrable but there is a huge community of publishers, writers and booksellers who all care passionately about one thing – books!
Any tips on setting up a publishing house in Devon?
Obviously do your research and have a clear business plan as you would for any start up – know how you are going to turn a profit! Ensure you have a book (at least one) that is absolutely excellent and you are sure you will be able to sell. Publishing a book is one thing – getting it into book shops is an entirely different matter – you need to be able to sell and you need marketing and PR skills. -or know someone who will do this for you!
Do you have a favourite reading spot in Devon?
Yes – my bed! Whether I am at home near Exmouth or up in Lynmouth where I spend a lot of time I always read in bed. Like many writers I often get inspiration for my stories whilst in the twilight between sleep and awake.
Do you have a favourite independent bookshop in Devon?
Wow – a tough question. The bookshops we are lucky enough to work with have been incredible with their time and advice. It’s impossible to pick one or even ten but I will give a couple of individuals a mention. James at Waterstones took a punt and gave us a break by stocking Bob in 5 stores in the Southwest – this was key. Clare at Exmoor National Park was the first person to order a significant quantity of books for her three shops in Exmoor – this gave us a massive confidence boost in the early days. And the lovely Clare at Browser in Dartmouth whose enthusiasm, kindness and advice has been very welcome.
