We have deep and diverse experience in making all kinds of books, from critically acclaimed limited-edition art monographs to award-winning international bestsellers. While our backgrounds and interests vary, we share a few things in common:
Chris shapes the Figure 1 publishing program, collaborating with our authors and partners to produce books of the highest quality. He has worked in the book industry for nearly twenty years, in roles including writer, bookseller, acquiring editor, and publisher. He spends far too much time following the Whitecaps, weeding his vegetable garden, and figuring out which of his kids has his iPad.
Working in tandem with Publisher Chris Labonté, Steve helps shape the Figure 1 list by finding unique voices and exceptional partners in a variety of illustrated categories. He is a 15-year industry veteran who has helped shape hundreds of quality publications—including numerous bestsellers and award winners—from concept to printed page. When not collaborating on book projects he can be found between the pipes in a local shinny game or enjoying a hazy pale ale at one of Toronto’s many craft breweries.
Mike provides editorial oversight for the publishing program and in-house editors, and works with authors and partners at the proposal, developmental, and editing stages to help bring their vision to the page. He’s worked on award-winning books in a variety of genres, and been a finalist (2020) and winner (2022) of the Tom Fairley Award for Editorial Excellence from Editors Canada. When he’s not making books he’s reading fiction, biking to the beach, or shredding the local hills with his kids.
Lara works with our freelance editors, print suppliers, and book-industry organizations to manage editorial and print production at Figure 1. She’s an alumna of Emily Carr University of Art + Design and Simon Fraser University, and has enjoyed twenty-eight years in the printing and book-publishing industries. She’ll argue that some of the best things in life are dogs, bicycles, and breakfast cereal.
Heidi oversees our sales, distribution, and rights network, working closely with our distributors and sales force to bring Figure 1’s books to readers around the world. A versatile publishing professional, her experience includes senior roles at an award-winning literary press and at an industry trade association. She enjoys sushi, yoga, natural wine, and getting lost in museums and galleries.
Mark coordinates marketing and publicity for all of our books, working directly with our authors and partners to build robust promotional campaigns. He helps oversee Figure 1’s social media and corporate marketing strategies. When he’s not busy pitching or organizing a book launch, he can be found with a book in hand—or a karaoke mic, or the crumpled pages of his latest script.
Teresa collaborates closely with our creative director, authors and publishing partners to ensure each book meets Figure 1’s highest visual standards. She is an award-winning designer and 25 year publishing veteran with experience at every level of book publishing, across numerous genres. When not immersed in research for a new project, she’s a dedicated baseball fan, locavore, and home preserving enthusiast with two active, jam-loving boys.
Mélanie provides sales and marketing support to promote Figure 1 titles, authors, and Figure 1 Publishing as a whole. With a background in journalism, she has reported for publications like The Globe and Mail and Nunatsiaq News, and she is the commissioning editor for art and design publication BLOCK Magazine. As a Métis woman, Mélanie is passionate about Indigenous storytelling. In her free time, she can often be found at a yoga class or practicing her photography skills.
Michelle oversees Figure 1’s financial administration, including the timely payment of royalty cheques to our authors and publishing partners. She has been an accountant and bookkeeper for twenty-two years. When she isn’t keeping the books, she is reading them, and has a weak spot for the Brontës and Jane Austen.
“Figure 1 was outstanding. Attentive to detail, incredibly creative, extremely organized, and great collaborators. A true pleasure to work with their team.”
—James Walt, executive chef and author of Araxi
“It was an honor to collaborate with Figure 1! Working with this passionate team was one of the highlights of my food-writing career.”
—Julien Perry, author of Seattle Cooks: Signature Recipes from the City’s Best Chefs & Bartenders