Gayna Theophilus appointed Acquiring Editor
Annick Press’ Rights and Sales Director Gayna Theophilus is adding Acquiring Editor to her title effective immediately. Gayna’s new editorial role will involve working with Annick’s editorial team to expand its list of creators from underrepresented communities and to develop titles that amplify BIPOC voices. “It is important to me personally that there’s authentic representation and space created for new voices at Annick, but also important for our readers to see themselves in the books we publish. We do have a number of inclusive titles on our list already and I’m very excited about this opportunity to make room for more.”
“Gayna has had a hand for years in helping steer the direction of Annick’s list,” says Katie Hearn, Annick’s Editorial Director. “She has a great eye for exceptional talent and beautiful books, and has long lobbied for more and better representation in children’s books. We’re all excited to work with her in this new role.”
Gayna joined Annick Press 10 years ago as Rights Manager, after working as Rights and Contracts Assistant at HarperCollins Canada and completing an MA in World Literatures in English. In 2017 Gayna was promoted to Rights and Sales Director. Gayna’s decade of attending international fairs to sell Annick’s books has led to longstanding relationships with the international publishing community; she has also shifted her attention to scouting out new titles at those fairs. She has found and championed foreign acquisitions for Annick including A Boy and a House by Maja Kastelic and Superluminous by Ian De Haes.
Annick’s Asiya Awale, previously Office Manager, will be stepping into the newly created position of Rights, Permissions, and Administrative Coordinator to assist Gayna with her rights and sales responsibilities as she takes on this expanded role.
Gayna is currently accepting submissions for children’s fiction, non-fiction, and picture books and can be reached at gaynat@annickpress.com
