The Branford Boase shortlist has featured many popular authors as they started out.  What does it mean to make this shortlist?

I am extremely grateful! There is an inexplicable joy that comes from knowing that my book has resonated with others. It’s defo a ‘pinch me’ moment. As a writer who often experiences imposter syndrome, making this shortlist is really validating and because this is my debut novel, it makes me feel hopeful for the future.

Lots of librarians use this list to host book clubs in their schools, what would you love young readers to take from your book?

• The protagonists, Jalaal and Sabrina, are a testament to something someone once told me, never forget who you are and where you come from. There’s something really grounding in acknowledging where you started and how you’ve evolved.
• I want this book to instil hope that things will always get better, even if you feel that you’re at rock bottom. When I was a teenager, there were many periods where I thought it was the end of the world lol, and it really feels like that in the moment. So, I would love young readers to trust that things will always get better.
• – Most importantly, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to, even if you believe the odds are stacked up against you. YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF YOUR DESTINY.
  

  The Branford Boase celebrates debut fiction, where did the idea for your book come from, how long did it take from idea to holding your book, and did your book turn out how you thought it might when you started?

It’s a combination of things. I’ve always wanted to write about my area, my community and things that happen in my life that aren’t often captured in YA fiction. Also, I spent years working in the Youth Justice System and managed many wonderful kids who inspired me.

The conception of this book began in 2018, and it was published in 2025 – so that’s 7 years in the making. I’ve been patient to say the least, haha.

Is it weird to say the book turned out exactly how I imagined it? I think it’s because my amazing editor Shalu understood perfectly the direction and vision for Love on Sight. I spent a lot of time daydreaming about every element of the book and how it’ll enter the world, and I’ve been fortunate enough to get everything I wanted.

We’d love to know: the Worst Bit, the Best Bit and a Random Best bit about writing a book for young people.

Worst Bit: There are going to be elements of my novel that are cringe because the dialect is ever changing and it’s impossible to keep up with trends and slang. It is what it is!
Best Bit: I’m actively contributing to diversifying YA fiction. I can sleep well at night knowing that I’ve tried my best to make young people who are historically marginalised feel seen and heard in books.

Random Best Bit: It’s comforting to know that if I ever have children, nieces or nephews, I’ll always have a book recommendation for them. 😉

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Congratulations! The Branford Boase shortlist has featured many popular authors as debuts and their editors.  What does it mean to make this shortlist?

It doesn’t feel real! It’s beyond an honour to be longlisted then shortlisted alongside such phenomenal authors and editors. Asli and I both put so much into the story during the editorial process so I am chuffed to have that recognised.

How has being an editor changed in the last 2 years with the increasing access to AI tools?

It doesn’t affect my current editing. I don’t use it and I know my authors don’t either! Chicken House is all about authentic stories, unique voices and characters kids can relate to, so AI doesn’t really fit.

For students reading wondering how a book comes together, what top three skills do you think are necessary for being an editor in 2026?

Being a good listener: It’s vital to understand your authors and the stories they want to tell. Getting to know an author in the early stages by listening deeply and picking up on subtle details means you can help them make their story stronger.

Consuming stories in all forms: Reading widely is important as of course this helps you to be a better book editor. But also recognising that stories are everywhere – video games, manga, tv and film, and even unlikely sources such as the stories your friends tell when you finally get to catch up, songs that you love, AITA posts. As I edit a wide variety of genres, I love to find fresh ways of storytelling and sometimes that comes from thinking outside the box and looking at other media.

Puzzle solving: Often a story is a like a big puzzle that you need to help the author solve. If something is missing, or a certain arc needs developing, you sometimes have to re-jig the pieces to see what works.

Many readers of Love on Sight will be teenage students. What book do you remember reading at that time that has stuck with you into adulthood?

I basically grew up with Jacqueline Wilson! I remember being inspired by Pig Heart Boy by Malorie Blackman because I wasn’t a strong swimmer (‘if he can do it, so can I!’). My twin sister and I started searching for manga at that age too, back when there was a sporadic volume in the bookshop if you were lucky! Messages about teamwork and friendship in Sailor Moon have always stayed with me.

We’d love to know: the Worst Bit, the Best Bit and a Random Best bit about editing a book for young people.

Worst Bit: For me, it’s writing blurbs. It’s a skill to sum up expansive intriguing stories in just a few words!

Best Bit: Getting lost in a story. As a teen, I had no idea what I wanted to do when I grew up – I didn’t even know what an editor was. Now I get to escape into stories for a living. Wild! There is always a point in an edit where I’m so deep into the story, I’m lost to the world the author has crafted; I laugh at all the jokes, I get goosebumps during epic moments, I tear up at the sad bits. I just love that feeling!

Random Best Bit: Outside of editing, I love working with the team on covers. I never get tired of hearing: ‘I have a cover update to show you, are you free?’ Yes, I am free!  I am endlessly fascinated at how designers/illustrators can interpret and visualise a story in a single image!

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Many thanks to Asli and Shalini for answering our questions about Asli’s debut novel Love on Sight.  You can find out more about this book below and catch up with all the Branford Boase shortlist books on our Book Awards page here.