An espresso with Sandy Horsley

What are you reading at the minute?

I always have a few books on the go, usually a mix of fiction, non-fiction and something with inspiring artwork. Currently it’s Maiden, Mother, Crone by Joanne Harris; Technofeudalsim: What Killed Capitalism by Yanis Varoufakis; and Crushing, a graphic novel by Sophie Burrows. I’m also about to work on a new cover illustration for the author L M West, so I’m getting myself into the zone by reading her last book, We Three.

What is the best thing about going to international book fairs?

Meeting up with illustrator friends and being inspired by all the amazingly creative book illustrations.

What was your first job in the book world?

Writing and illustrating my first picture book, Selfie. It’s a cautionary tale about being sucked into the digital world and missing out on all the fun happening in real life.

Is your reading preference for physical books, audio, ebooks, and why?

I love the tactile feel of physical books and they give me a break from looking at screens. I also enjoy looking at all the cover artworks. My local library service (Suffolk Libraries) is amazing. I order physical books online and the mobile library van delivers them to my village once a month. They offer audio and ebooks too. What’s not to like?

What is your favourite Italian food?

Chocolate gelato.

What is your favourite film based on a book?

Until recently, it would have been Robert Mulligan’s film, To Kill a Mockingbird, based on the book by Harper Lee. But I think Denis Villeneuve’s stunning adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune pips it to the top spot. 

What do you consider to be publishing’s greatest threat at the minute, and why?

I guess AI is a worry for many people. My concern is for authors and illustrators whose work has been used without permission or payment to train AI. In difficult economic climates, some publishers may feel pressurised to create cheaper content, using AI to generate products which are derivative of a real life author or illustrator’s work. Perhaps AI generated content will become widespread and if that content is derivative it most likely won’t be innovative or exciting. I think readers will find that boring. Embracing AI at the expense of human creativity may be publishing’s greatest threat.

What one thing would make your job significantly easier?

A predictive text tool that actually works. Where’s AI when you need it?!

Biography

Sandy Horsley is a designer and illustrator. She is the recipient of BBPlus' inaugural 'Indie Authors Book Jacket Design' award, which she was presented with during the fair in April.