When a book is published, it’s rightly the author (and oftentimes illustrator) that receive kudos and publicity, and have their photos on our website and in the media.

The core team that runs Oratia Books (Alessandra, Belinda, Carolyn and Peter) are also profiles on the website and get to bask in the reflected glory of every new title or reprint.

Beyond that, though, are a range of dedicated individuals at work to ensure our books are well edited, designed, printed, promoted, distributed and sold.

At the risk of missing someone out, here’s an end-of-year shout out to the folks whose work behind the scenes has enabled our 2022 books to reach the world:

  • Senior editor Frances Chan, who handles much of our manuscript assessment, proofreading, indexing and keeping the books on track

  • Freelance editors Mike Bradstock, Susan Brierley, Ross Calman, Mary de Ruyter, Ella Fischer, Sam Hill, Jane Hingston, Diane Lowther and Mike Wagg (if there’s a typo in this post, they will spot it)

  • Ngā mihi ki te reo Māori translators Stephanie Huriana Fong and Kanapu Rangitauira

  • We don’t have an inhouse design department but Cheryl Smith (who’s been on board since our first publications in 2009) is as good as one, and with fellow designer Sarah Elworthy are integral members of the Oratia whānau — can’t thank them enough

  • Out in the field presenting the list and taking orders are outstanding sales reps Dennis Morgan (Northland), Gary Shannon (rest of North Island) and Annie Martin (South Island). Selling a book is generally the hardest part of publishing, so our hats are permanently off to them and to all of our bookseller customers

  • Taking the orders and making sure they are filled is down to Toni Hayman, Marie Edwards and their amazing team at Publishers Distribution Ltd (PDL). We couldn’t ask for more from a distributor and customer services team

  • Getting the books from overseas printers to New Zealand, and from here to readers overseas, is in the sure hands of Book Systems International; much appreciation to Chris Shaw, Nick Heinemann, Kevin Agnew, Matt Tuilaepa and crew

  • And that’s not to mention our printers locally and in Asia, distributors internationally, or industry colleagues here and overseas that play vital roles in preparing our books for market

All of these fine folk ensure our talented authors and illustrators reach readers in New Zealand and around the world, and we salute you!