About Us

Charlie Bowden, Managing Director

Specialising in children's literature as part of her English degree, Charlie graduated in 2006.  She joined Wild Apple Design as a junior book designer the following year and soon carved a niche for herself in an art-editing role; commissioning freelance illustrators, and illustrators through agents.

In 2009, Charlie moved to London and set up her own agency, Pickled ink.  With a stable of ten international artists, she forged a client base across the advertising, design and publishing sectors and has worked on projects ranging from stop-frame animations, to picture books; from editorials to window displays.  The portfolio has doubled over the years but remains small, distinct and diverse.

 

Helen Boyle, Managing Agent

Helen Boyle has over fifteen years experience in the children’s publishing industry. She began her career at Hodder Children’s Books in the marketing and publicity department but quickly felt the draw of editorial and design. She has worked as a consultant, editor and reviewer for UK book and magazine publishers and has an extensive knowledge of the global children’s book market.
 
Prior to joining Pickled ink to set up the literary arm of the agency, she worked as a foreign scout, reporting on the UK market for foreign publishers, and before that she spent three years as the commissioning fiction editor for Templar Publishing.  

She also edits WRD magazine, a quarterly magazine about books for 8-13 year old readers.
 
She is the proud owner of two cats, Mouse and Richie, and lives in leafy SE London.

Amy Kitcherside, Managing Agent

Amy comes from an illustration background, graduating from University College Falmouth with a degree in BA Illustration in 2010. Her own work was Highly Commended in the Macmillan Children's Book Awards in the same year.  

She joined Pickled ink in 2012 and quickly climbed the ranks, managing the agency from 2013 – 2016.

Over the years her eye for finding talented, unique illustrators has helped establish Pickled ink as an agency known for its distinct and dynamic list – one which she is incredibly proud of.

She lives in London and also runs her own bindery, selling handmade and bespoke books.

Please visit 'Our clients' page for more information, including testimonials.