Jacob Sam-La Rose was born in London in 1976. He was managing director of a web development studio before becoming a freelance writer and editor. He served as the Artistic Director of the London Teenage Poetry SLAM from 2003 to 2009, and is an editor for flipped eye press. He also facilitates a range of literature-in-education, creative writing and spoken word programmes through schools, arts centres and other institutions.
His work has appeared in many anthologies and journals, including Identity Parade: New British & Irish Poets (Bloodaxe), Poems For Love (Penguin), I Have Found a Song (Enitharmon Press), Red (Peepal Tree), Learn Then Burn: The Ultimate Poetry Guide for the High School or College Classroom (Write Bloody) and Michael Rosen’s A-Z: The Best Children’s Poetry from Agard to Zephaniah (Puffin). His pamphlet Communion was a Poetry Book Society Pamphlet Choice in 2006. Breaking Silence (Bloodaxe Books, 2011), his first book-length collection, was shortlisted for both the Forward Prize for Best First Collection and the Fenton Aldeburgh First Collection Prize 2012.
Author photo: Amaal Said
