The Huntress: Sky

by Sarah Driver

  To Jodie Hodges for your initial very enthusiastic email to say that you loved Sky ! Phew! Thank you for your continued support and guidance on this rookie author’s journey. You are the most poised-but-fun agent ever and also an unparalleled style queen.

  To Sky ’s incredible illustrator Joe McLaren, together with Laura Bird, Janene Spencer and the rest of the immensely talented design team at Egmont – you knocked it out of the park again with another stunning cover and more gorgeous internal artwork. Thank you!

  To Alice Hill for guiding me through the world of PR and accompanying me on my first tour for the series (also thank you for having identical tour priorities, aka Train Snacks). Every one of the lovely Egmontees for giving me the best ever publishing experience and promoting Sea so expertly whilst Sky was finding her wings. Special mentions to Amy St Johnston and Selina Holliday for your expertise and close attention to detail on all things editorial and digital strategy, respectively.

  Thank you to the many wonderful members of the children’s books community who have championed book one from the rooftops, especially Robin Stevens, Katherine Woodfine, Abi Elphinstone, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Lisa Heathfield, CJ Skuse, Emma Carroll and too many amazing booksellers to name.

  Thank you to my awesome workshop crew ‘The Offenders’: Becca, Alyssa, Annie, Lindsay, Carlyn, Jess, Irulan and Emily. Thank you for easing my panics, inspiring me, being amazing early readers of the first chapters of Sky and for believing in me. Thank you for helping me celebrate the launch of my first book in serious style!

  Becca, thank you also for being a great 2016 research trip buddy – for walking the Giant’s Causeway with me, showing me around your beautiful Northumberland, and taking me to your workplace – Lindisfarne Castle has to be the coolest office ever, with the best crooked corridor. Thank you also to the National Trust, for everything you do.

  Thank you to my NHS colleagues for being so supportive and so excited for me, and buying copies of Sea by the armload!

  Thank you to the Natural History Museum, London, for being one of our finest institutions. Visiting your exhibition ‘Otherworlds’ was a pivotal moment of inspiration during early drafting of Sky. We are incredibly lucky in the UK to have world-class museums that are free to access. Long may these places be protected. Thank you also to Leeds Royal Armouries and Hull Maritime Museum.

  To Lucy Christopher and Melvin Burgess for an amazing writing retreat set amidst the stunning scenery of Mexico. Thank you for your invaluable advice and support.

  Thank you to Bryony and Elvie for meeting up with me as often as we can, sharing hot chocolates (and babycinos) and listening to my melt downs.

  Thank you to Reuben for being understanding and sharing my thirst for adventure.

  Thank you always to Mum, Dad, and Nick, for everything.