From the creative team that has won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize – Illustrated Book Category for the last two years running, comes a new sub-imprint devoted to debuts.

Every year, Lincoln First Editions will travel the world to discover the best children’s picture books from new authors and/or illustrators, using its publishing expertise to turn them into global brands.

Katie Cotton, Commissioning Editor, will oversee and curate the new list.

“Turning artists into prize-winning authors is what Katie does best, and we’re delighted to be launching this new initiative with her next Spring” said Rachel Williams, Publisher at Lincoln Children’s Books.

Lincoln First Editions will publish up to six books a year for which either the author or illustrator will have only published up to two books previously. Importantly, the new sub-imprint will have a diverse and global focus – looking for the best new talent, irrespective of background or nationality.

The Spring 2018 First Editions launch titles are Erik and the Lone Wolf by Sarah Finan, publishing in February, Baby Bird by Andrew Gibbs and Zosienka, publishing in March, Cannonball Coralie by Grace Easton, publishing in May, and If All the World Were by Joe Coehlo and Allison Colpoys, publishing in June.