Freelance consultant & project manager

Freelance children’s literary specialist creating prizes, festivals, and initiatives that expand readership, celebrate authors, and champion children’s engagement with literature.

What a delight and a privilege to be shortlisted for the Freelancer of the Year. Huge thanks to the Bookseller and the Futurebooks team for recognising the vital importance of freelancers in the industry. I'm so thrilled to be on this list, doubtless in some truly wonderful company.

Freelance book designer & illustrator

Micaela Alcaino

Freelance cover designer and illustrator combining award-level creativity, industry advocacy, mentorship, and inclusive leadership, producing bestselling, visually striking, and culturally impactful book designs.

What an honour it is to be shortlisted for Freelancer of the Year. I’ve always been committed to doing my best on every project I’m trusted with by my clients. Not only to design and illustrate something authentic to the book itself, but to create something that readers are willing to pick up and cherish. Being recognised for that effort is genuinely overwhelming.

Founding editor

Midier Editorial

Freelance editor and educator using digital platforms and consultancy to demystify publishing, empower underrepresented writers, and foster industry inclusivity.

It’s an insane privilege to be included on this shortlist in only my second year of business. I’m grateful for the recognition from the team at The Bookseller, and I hope this opportunity allows me to reach and support even more marginalised writers.

Freelancer – multimedia, design & marketing

Ali Nazari Creative

Freelance designer and marketing strategist creating visually striking, commercially effective campaigns across publishing, combining creativity, innovation, and seamless collaboration for bestselling titles.

I’m honoured to be shortlisted as Freelancer of the Year. The publishing industry is enriched by the dedication and creativity of so many talented freelancers who help shape the stories and ideas that connect us. To be recognised amongst that feels incredibly meaningful.

Marketing consultant

Emily Cox Marketing

Freelance marketing expert delivering creative, strategic campaigns across genres, driving sales, visibility, and author brand growth with exceptional collaboration.

I’m totally over the moon to be shortlisted for Freelancer of the Year again! A decade into freelancing and I’m still as passionate about every campaign. It’s wonderful to see the impact, talent and creativity of freelancers finally recognised and celebrated across our industry.

Editor & proofreader

Fraser Crichton Editorial

Freelance editor and proofreader demonstrating exceptional versatility, meticulous craft, adaptability, and insight, consistently enhancing fiction and non-fiction across Pan Macmillan’s diverse lists.

I’m delighted to have been nominated and shortlisted alongside others making their mark on diverse books in diverse ways. I’m proud that editorial teams and authors continue trusting me with their books, and trusting me to tap into authors’ voices and intentions.

Freelance consultant & project manager

Freelance children’s literary specialist creating prizes, festivals, and initiatives that expand readership, celebrate authors, and champion children’s engagement with literature.

What a delight and a privilege to be shortlisted for the Freelancer of the Year. Huge thanks to the Bookseller and the Futurebooks team for recognising the vital importance of freelancers in the industry. I'm so thrilled to be on this list, doubtless in some truly wonderful company.

Freelance editor

Editide Ltd

Freelance copy-editor and proofreader delivering impeccable non-fiction edits, trusted by authors and editors alike for precision, judgment, and collaboration.

I’m thrilled to be shortlisted for this wonderful award that celebrates the vital and too often overlooked contribution of freelancers within the publishing industry. I’m very excited to attend the ceremony and chat to the other shortlistees.