The Agency of True Places (ATP) was founded to bring clarity, energy and care to the creative process - whether you're launching a new imprint, rethinking your brand story, or simply looking to reconnect with what matters in your work. It’s a space for creative people and publishing professionals to pause, reflect and reimagine.

Combining strategic consultancy and ICF-accredited coaching and boutique literary agenting, ATP helps people shape their ideas, navigate change and build things that matter.

ATP’s work is for people who care deeply about books, stories, communities, and culture. Whether you’re an author with a spark of an idea, a team in transition, or a business looking to align purpose with performance, The Agency of True Places offers thoughtful, practical support. It’s consultancy with a coaching heart - and coaching grounded in lived creative experience.

About me

Matt Haslum is a Publishing Consultant & Creative Industries Coach with over 20 years of experience across editorial, marketing, digital and leadership roles. He began as a children’s book editor before moving into advertising and strategic brand work which culminated in co-owning an award winning digital creative agency. He became Marketing Director at Faber & Faber and most recently launched and ran Chelsea Green Publishing UK, overseeing its sale to Rizzoli Publishing in 2024.

The Agency of True Places brings together everything I’ve learned to support people doing meaningful work in the publishing and creative world.