The people behind Authors Aloud UK

“Naomi Cooper, Annie Everall and Anne Marley have been my professional colleagues and dear friends for many years. They are informed, efficient and ultra reliable and I couldn’t recommend them more highly.” – Dame Jacqueline Wilson

Naomi Cooper

Naomi has worked within children’s publishing for 20 years in both marketing and publicity roles. Her job has involved running successful events with high profile authors in schools, libraries, bookshops and at festivals throughout the UK. Most recently she has worked exclusively with Jacqueline Wilson organising twice yearly nationwide tours of bookshops and libraries.

Her past experience at Random House Children’s Publishers has involved working with authors such as Malorie Blackman, Terry Pratchett, Pete Johnson, Philip Pullman, Theresa Breslin, Bali Rai and Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell.

Annie Everall OBE

Annie is a qualified children’s librarian who worked in children, young people’s and schools library services in Birmingham and Derbyshire for over 30 years. During her career she has developed and managed a range of award winning innovative services and initiatives including the Birmingham Centre for the Child, The Young Readers UK book festival, The Stories from the Web and the Derbyshire Big Book Bash for children in care and their carers. She has been involved in organising many events in schools, libraries and festivals and has always been firmly committed to enabling children to experience the magic of meeting their favourite writers and discovering new ones.

Annie has also been chair of the CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Awards and the Youth Libraries Group. She has also organised the English and Welsh part of the first UK tour of Libraries by Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson. She is also a children’s book reviewer. She is the UK representative on the Literacy & Reading committee of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and is the co-ordinator of the World Through Picture Books and the Sister Libraries programmes for the IFLA Children and Young Adults section. She is a previous winner of the Personal PR Achievement Award in the Library Association / T C Farries Publicity and PR Awards. In 2001 she was awarded the OBE for services to children’s books and libraries.

Anne Marley MBE

Anne Marley MBE was a founding member of Authors Aloud. Her extensive knowledge of children’s books and authors was a key part of setting up the company. A senior librarian who worked in public and schools library services for over 30 years, Anne has now stepped back from the running of Authors Aloud UK.

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Testimonials

Portsmouth Junior Grammar School.

“Everything was very well organised by Authors Aloud UK. Your service was excellent from your suggestions through to the contact with the authors and storytellers. I would certainly recommend you to other schools and colleagues for future events. Thank you for all your help.”

Kensington Primary School

Just wanted to drop you a THANK YOU email, yesterday went really well and it was a great success, not least because your 3 authors were FAB! Thank you so much for your help and support.

Heather Avenue Infant School, Norwich

Thanks again for all your help!! You’ve made my first world book day as smooth as could possibly be.

Stalham High School

Thanks so much for your organisation, it all went so smoothly. What a great day!

Ted Dewan, Author & Illustrator

I’m very pleased with your service, I have to say it’s exemplary.

Sam Angus, Author

You are always so efficient and I don’t have to worry about anything, just have to do what you tell me to.

Andy Seed, Author & Poet

I have no hesitation in recommending Authors Aloud both to schools who are looking for an inspirational visitor and to authors, poets, storytellers and illustrators who can offer that inspiration. Their extensive experience, professionalism and attention to detail makes the process work successfully for both parties.

Garry Parsons, Illustrator

I just wanted to thank you for organising my three events during World Book Week recently. Your organisation was brilliant as always and the schools were both delightful and the Windsor Library service folk were brilliant too.