Meet the Team
At North Staffordshire Press & Academics, our people make us who we are. We’re a close-knit team of editors, proofreaders, designers, and publishing consultants, each bringing unique skills to help writers succeed. What unites us is a love of language, a belief in local talent, and a passion for turning ideas into books.
Why Our Team Stands Out
- Local focus: rooted in Newcastle-under-Lyme & Staffordshire.
- Diverse expertise: from fiction and poetry to academic editing and translation.
- Personal approach: we work with you, not just your manuscript.
- Proven track record: supporting writers, students, and community groups since 2005.
Our People
Lisa Small – Managing Director
BA (Hons) English Language & Literature, PGCE
Lisa brings teaching expertise, a love of life writing, and a warm, approachable style to every project. She guides authors through the publishing process step by step, ensuring clarity and confidence at every stage.
Malcolm Henson – Consultant Advisor
MPhil, BA (Hons)
Co-founder of North Staffordshire Press, Malcolm is our publishing guru and community connector. His decades of experience and ability to open doors for local writers make him an invaluable advisor.
Usma Malik – Publishing Consultant
BA (Hons), PGCE, MA, PhD Creative Writing
An academic and author, Usma specialises in narrative structures and contemporary literature. She brings intellectual energy and creative vision, running workshops and mentoring writers at all stages.
Maria Conlon – Freelance Editor
BA (Hons) English Literature & Creative Writing
Maria is a rising star with a strong record in editing, typesetting, and creative tutorials. She has led international programmes and is passionate about supporting new voices in fiction and non-fiction.
Julia Kacala – Proofreader & Translator
BA (Hons) English Language & Literature (in progress)
Julia brings fresh perspective, multilingual expertise, and digital skills to the team. Alongside proofreading and content creation, she manages social media and supports bilingual translation projects.
Ready to Work With Us?
Our team is approachable, professional, and local. Whatever stage you’re at, we’d love to hear about your project.
Contact Our Team