With thanks to Leasha Waddingham for the photo
Back in 2017, I launched La Luna, a tiny independent press. The goal was simple: to give a platform to local voices and have total control over producing my own work. My first project, funded by Arts Council England, produced three books, a collection of writing by young people, a visual art and poetry collaboration between two artists, and my own third poetry collection.
I knew these books would never be bestsellers; I simply don’t have the infrastructure for that. Instead of being disheartened by this, I decided to treat each book as a limited-edition object, beautiful in its own right. I became meticulous, working with a painstaking designer and local artists. I used a local printing company that let me sit for ages, feeling different paper textures with my eyes closed until I found the right one. We built a relationship, and they let me have as many proofs as needed to get things perfect. Every book was launched with a celebration, honouring the process and the people involved.
La Luna books are beautiful because beauty and care matter. This philosophy has guided every book since, from poetry and children’s stories to local history. Each book is something to be treasured, a source of pride for everyone who contributes.
A Story of Courage
On August 4th, we launched a truly special book, Dear Younger Me by 18-year-old Courtnay. It’s a beautiful, generous, and big-hearted book dedicated to children entering the care system. Courtnay shares her lived experience, offering a guide and a friend through a painful journey. It’s a book of exceptional courage and compassion, and its journey to publication began five years ago.
In 2020, Pippa Curtin, a force of nature who works with children in care, approached me. She led a group of young advocates called Your Voice and asked if we could bring something creative to them. She also mentioned one young person, Courtnay, who had written her story and wondered if we could publish it.
I brought in two exceptional young people, Lisa February and Matt Gray (now lowercase theatre). They went to sessions, got to know the young people, and with mine and Pippa’s support, guided a creative process that led to Courtnay’s book. Last year, Matt took stewardship of the book’s production. He brought in the deeply sensitive and unique local illustrator, Hollie Fuller, and worked with our long-time designer, Paul Davy, and our trusted local printers, GSB.
Over many months, with Pippa’s continued support and Matt, Hollie, and Paul’s diligence, the book came to life. They were careful with every detail, ensuring it was as perfect as it could be when it went to print.
The Power of Community
Monday’s launch at Grimsby Town Hall was Courtnay’s moment to shine, and shine she did. After a moving welcome from Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services, Courtnay spoke eloquently about her book and her experience, reading to a rapt audience. She was surrounded by supporters, foster parents, children and champions of children.
I was struck by the love and care in the room; there were many tears. Ann-Marie made an observation that truly resonated: all of this happened because of the people in our small community—the right people doing outstanding work to support young people in care, the right creatives, and the right producers, all committed to ensuring Courtnay’s voice was heard and acknowledged permanently.
“We must always remember that even the youngest voices can make the loudest noise. Let us all commit to building a world where every child feels seen, heard and valued.” — Ann-Marie Matson
East Marsh United, an organisation that amplifies the voices of the marginalised, contributed resources to this book. La Luna is a publisher with a purpose that isn’t about sales but about the art of the book and enabling voices that would never get a second look in mainstream publishing.
Monday was a powerful reminder of why I set up La Luna and why it must continue. It reignited my passion for creating spaces for unheard and unseen writers and artists. It will always be small, local, homemade, and lovely.
Monday was also a powerful reminder of the power of storytelling. Thank you to absolutely everyone involved for making this happen.
Josie Moon 