'The forgotten middle': How two Leeds mum's are supporting independent children's authors and illustrators

A pair of working mum’s from Leeds have combined to create a service designed to support independent children's authors and illustrators.

After navigating the challenges of indie and hybrid publishing themselves, published children’s authors Hannah Welch, 38, and Leanne Beardsley, 46, have launched the new UK-wide platform ICAN (Indie Children’s Author Network).

ICAN connects independent authors with professional illustrators, provides skills development, and offers access to trusted suppliers all in one place.

As part of the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Leeds Reads campaign, Hannah spoke with the YEP about the launch and how ICAN is shining a light on those forgotten by the industry.

“Independent publishers really are the forgotten middle,” Hannah explained. “The majority of big publishers won’t allow an independent to pitch so if you are represented by an agent then you have a much higher chance of getting in, but to get an agent you need a bit of know how so we’re trying to skip that step.

“If you want an agent then we are giving you the tools to get there, but alternatively if you are happy being independently produced then we can point you in the right direction on how to print your book, how to market your book and what you need to do to be successful.”

Inspired by the National Year Of Reading, the YEP’s Leeds Reads campaign aims to get the city once again immersed in books and wandering those halls of imagination. There are currently 37 libraries across the city and many are filled with books written by independent authors.

Now based in Ilkley, Hannah is the author and illustrator of ‘Some Brothers & Some Sisters’, a picture book inspired by her own family experiences that celebrates sibling bonds across blended families, separated households, and siblings who live apart.

Meanwhile, Morley-based Leanne’s debut book, ‘Please Cloud, Don't Cry,’ was inspired by her daughter, and transformed Leanne from a storyteller into a passionate advocate for neurodivergent representation and independent publishing.

By shining a light and offering support, Hannah and Leanne are hoping the passion of their members will rub off on children and encourage them back into reading.

“One thing that is really big among independent authors is the desire to go into the community and read,” Hannah said. “Children are getting someone really passionate and when you go into a school and introduce yourself as an author they think it’s fabulous. They absolutely love it and it sparks that interest.

“When publishers and agents have such an exclusive list of what they want from an author, it’s narrowing the focus of diversity. By raising the profile of our members, we’re able to help all kinds of different people in the world of publishing have their voices heard.”

The ICAN platform also offers a space for budding publishers to connect with would be skilled illustrators, tackling a rising trend of AI generated images in independent children’s books.

Supported by experienced published authors Sarah Surgery, as strategic advisor, and Kathy Urban, as Community Support, ICAN recently passed 750 followers on Instagram and has over 40 paying members within one week of launching, offering authors and illustrators a safe space to collaborate.

Before joining, potential members are asked to complete a short questionnaire to determine whether ICAN is the right fit for their work and once accepted ae given access to a range of different support, including seven books shops that are registered as suppliers.