Every manuscript we proofread, every eBook we design, and every paperback we publish, is the result of our amazing team all working together to make one another’s ideas stronger. At Rowanvale, this is possible because every one of us strives towards a common goal — creating the best experience for those embarking on their self-publishing journey.
Find out more about the amazing people behind Rowanvale below.

Cat Charlton

Managing Director

Cat is Rowanvale’s Managing Director. A force to be reckoned with, she is the driving force behind sales, marketing and strategy. Cat founded Rowanvale Books in 2012, after her father had a poor experience with a big-name self-publishing company. Having studied Psychology at Exeter University, she has since completed further studies in Leadership and Management. In her spare time, Cat can be found raising her two sons in the Welsh countryside and going on various road-trips around the UK.

​Aleksandra Lakus

BAB Service Co-Ordinator

​While studying English Language and German at Cardiff University, Aleks found a burning passion for the publishing industry, which stemmed from her love of literature and languages. Exploration of different cultures through books is one of her favourite hobbies - she's particularly fond of romance novels with an intercultural twist (currently she's obsessed with Elif Shafak's works!) but also enjoys good old classics such as 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'East of Eden' . She loves all things nature and when not reading, you can probably find her backpacking around Europe, going on multiple photography trips and drinking a lot of coffee!

Mingyu Wang

Scheduling Assistant

Mingyu is currently studying Accounting & Finance as a postgraduate student at Cardiff Business School. His experience at an American advertisement agency provided him with sound financial analyst skills and business ethics. After finishing his undergraduate degree, he decided to stay in Cardiff and experience more of the life and culture of Wales. He has a passion for music and enjoys OST and classical genres the most. He is a member of the Quaynotes Choir, based in Cardiff Bay. ​

Rhiannon Tansley

Caitlin O'Donnell Dix

Senior HR & Recruitment Administrator

HR & Recruitment Administrator

Rhiannon is in her third year of her BSc Psychology course at Cardiff University and works with us alongside her studies. To unwind, she knits and goes for long walks in the countryside. She enjoys reading graphic novels and post-apocalyptic fiction but also loves listening to Agatha Christie's Poirot on audiobook. 

Caitlin is a full-time mum who works with us, alongside home educating her three children. Caitlin graduated USW with a 2:1 BA (Hons) Business Management, she then put her career on the back burner to raise her children. Since working with Rowanvale, Caitlin feels that she now has the best of both worlds! In her spare time, Caitlin enjoys being active outdoors with her family. 

Alice Hunt

Charlie Parkes

​​​​In-House Designer (Formatting)​

Finance Administrator​

Having loved books for as long as she can remember, Alice knew she wanted to have a career in publishing. She graduates with a first class degree in Graphic Design, helping her to live out her dream of designing books for a living. In her spare time, Alice loves to explore nature, learn new crafts such as knitting, and of course, read. Her favourite genres include fantasy, thrillers and recently discovered, non-fiction.

​Charlie is a second year International Relations student at Cardiff University with a keen interest in financial management and corporate risk. Having grown up moving around the world, he has a strong interest in global affairs and collaboration. Outside of work, he loves painting and spending time mountaineering with his friends.

Cat M'Crystal- Fletcher

Project Account Manager

Cat is a lover and a do-er of all things beautiful and creative whilst living in a windmill in the glorious Vendeé countryside. Due to her childhood living in a country of censorship, she holds communication as an entity to be protected; the written word as precious and books sacred. On her checklist of life is a bullet, ‘author’; until her manuscripts are ready, she is passionate about supporting those brave enough to become one.  
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Yolanda Martinez

Project Account Manager

From a young age Yolanda has had a fascination with reading and learning. After completing her BA in English Literature at Nottingham Trent University, she went on to complete an MA in International Relations. This love of books has brought her into the publishing world and she is excited to be a part of Rowanvale.
In her time off, Yolanda loves travelling and has an extensive list of possible destinations (all recommendations welcome). She also enjoys the gym, going on long walks and getting lost in a good book!

Mya Jones

Publishing Advisor

Mya recently graduated, gaining a degree in English literature and drama/theatre studies. She has always loved reading, writing and researching. It has always been her dream to work within the publishing industry. 

                    Effie Taylor

Publishing Advisor

Effie is a Creative Writing and Journalism student. Having had an affinity for reading and writing from a young age, she enjoys helping authors establish themselves in this competitive but thrilling and worthwhile industry. In her spare time, she loves reading, crafting fiction stories, and learning languages. One of her must-read books is 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini, which she first discovered while studying A-Level Literature and has firmly encouraged everyone she meets to appreciate ever since. ​

Cody Brown

Publishing Advisor

As a creative who’s highly adored reading and writing since youth, Cody invests in a publishing role to promote talented and invaluable voices, aiming to give them a platform through page. Currently a third-year student studying Journalism, Media, and Publishing, he thrives at comprehending new perspectives and skills through travelling, research as well as  first-hand experience.

Ellie Owen

Senior Writing Advisor

Ellie joined Rowanvale in 2017 and has been Senior Writing Advisor here since 2018.  
She and works on and enjoys books from every genre and market but has a particular love for science fiction and fantasy. If she had to pick, she'd say her favourite authors are Joe Abercrombie and Tamsyn Muir. When she's not reading, writing or editing, she can be found playing Dungeons and Dragons, watching anime and getting far too emotionally invested in video games.
She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP). As an author, she is represented by Harry Illingworth of DHH Literary.

Sophie Brown

Writing Advisor

Sophie has been passionate about literature ever since she was a child and her favourite book was Frances Hodgson Burnett’s ‘A Little Princess’. However, it was the time she spent volunteering at her local library that made her realise she wanted to work with books long-term. This is a passion that she continued in her study of English Literature at Cardiff University. In her spare time, Sophie studies languages, takes photos with her film camera and drinks a lot of coffee!

Jaide Long

Writing Advisor

For as long as she can remember, Jaide has been obsessed with the magic of words. After completing a BA in Media, Communications, Politics and International Relations, she interned at an Australian travel magazine publisher. After taking a few years off to have three children, Jaide returned to the publishing world and joined Rowanvale Books. In her spare time, Jaide watches movies of all genres (except horror!), plays boardgames with her kids and explores her local Vendée countryside. She also enjoys the odd puzzle or classic novel with a glass of red wine!

Katya Minster

Writing Advisor

​Having studied Fine Art in Cape Town, South Africa, Katya moved to Cardiff to continue her studies in English Language and Literature. During her degree she fell hopelessly in love with Medieval texts, many of which form the basis of so many famous tales today. With this appreciation of storytelling coming from so many generations back, Katya’s interest lies in helping the authors of today share their stories with the world, and she is excited to work in a publishing company that helps more Welsh authors find their voice.

She enjoys working on all genres, believing that we can learn from everyone, but has a special love for historical fiction, poetry and fantasy. In her spare time, Katya can either be found hiking in the Brecon Beacons, or totally absorbed in many of London’s art galleries.