Personal statement

Dr Megan Farr is a Lecturer in Publishing at Bath Spa University, where she is a Module Lead, tutor and supervisor on the MA Children's Publishing programme and BA Publishing courses. She holds a PhD in Publishing Studies, an MA (Hons) in English Language and Literature from the University of Glasgow, a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE), and a Fellowship of Advance HE (FHEA).

Megan brings together over 25 years of professional experience in PR, marketing, and communications with academic research. Her industry career spans some of the key publishers in the UK, including Macmillan Children’s Books, Hot Key Books, Bonnier Books, Little Tiger Press, Barefoot Books, Chicken House, Firefly Press, and Graffeg, as well as roles in magazine publishing and the wider literary and literacy sector with New Welsh Review, BookTrust, and Literature Wales. This breadth of experience gives her a distinctive perspective on the publishing industry, from major commercial houses to independent and not-for-profit organisations.

Her research focuses on independent and small nation publishing, Welsh children’s literature, and translation studies. Her doctoral thesis, Putting Cymru on the Map: Internationalising Children's Publishing from Wales, was completed at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and supported by a KESS 2 Knowledge Economy Skills Scholarship, sponsored by the Books Council of Wales. This work positions her at the forefront of a growing field, exploring how smaller publishing cultures navigate international markets and assert their literary identities on a global stage.

Megan is an active member of the International Research Society for Children's Literature (IRSCL) and IBBY UK, and she is committed to championing books, literacy, and the power of reading for young people. She is also an enthusiastic language learner, with B1-level proficiency in Italian, French, and Welsh.

Academic qualifications

  • PhD Publishing Studies, University of Wales Trinity Saint David
  • MA (Hons) English Language and Literature, Glasgow University
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) 
  • Fellowship of Advance HE (FHEA)
  • Cambridge/RSA CELTA certificate.

Professional memberships

  • International Research Society for Children's Literature (IRSCL)
  • International Board on Books for Young People UK (IBBY UK).

 

Thesis

Areas of expertise

  • Independent and small nation publishing in the UK
  • Welsh children's literature
  • Children's and YA publishing
  • PR, marketing and communications.