Alumna wins prestigious HarperCollins award

Katie receiving her award from Belinda Budge, Group Publisher at HarperCollins

Katie Clapham (English and Creative Writing, 2007) of Storytellers Inc in Lytham St Annes won the Sue Butterworth Young Bookseller of the Year, sponsored by HarperCollins, for her "imaginative and distinctive stock selection" and "busy and varied" programme of events. Storytellers Inc, launched in November 2010 by Katie and her mother Carolyn, is a specialist children's bookshop. Their carefully selected stock features the finest books for children of all ages, as well as a beautiful selection of stationery, gifts and book-related merchandise.

Katie says: “My time at Royal Holloway both in the undergraduate Creative Writing and English Literature programme and the MA in Poetic Practice inspired me to continue writing but more importantly it showed me the value of discussion and collaboration in maintaining and revitalising creativity. It was the texts that I was shown at Royal Holloway, in particular by my course leader Dell Olsen, that encouraged me to work creatively with children because I wished I hadn’t had to wait to get to University to read some of the amazing things that were shown to me. I want to make sure children in school recognise creative writing as a real option for the future because I had a really wonderful time during my studies and I think it can open a lot of avenues when it comes to looking for a job.” She goes on: “Winning this award is a real boost so early on in my career and the goal is now to channel the enthusiasm into ways to keep building and improving our business. I have big dreams for Storytellers, Inc.”

Read more about how Katie set up the independent children’s bookshop here|. Storytellers Inc can be found here. |