ALLOW ME TO INTRODUCE MYSELF
Sebastian “Baz” Lewis is a writer from Dorset.
I am The Story Works’ inaugural Young Poet Laureate for Bournemouth, and my work has been published in journals including ANMLY, Eche, Full House, Spellbinder, and anthologised in the second volume of Kill Your Darlings zine. I was commissioned to write for the award-winning Kindred Language photography exhibition in London and my “Free Poems” interactive event was performed live at Wilderness Festival in 2024.
I’ve also worked behind-the-scenes in collaboration with Lyra Poetry Festival, The Poetry Society, The Story Works, and the Oxford Poetry Library to help bring words to the people who need them most. I now trade as Garret and Basement: let’s make words happen.
Much more than just poetry.
Following my MA Publishing at the University of Exeter (Grade Distinction), I became a trained proofreader with a keen eye for detail. Whether providing line edits or structural feedback, I work with authors of all kinds — from grant writers to non-fiction editors and columnists — to help excavate their voice. I always go the extra mile to provide detailed and considered feedback where required.
I’m a registered editor with the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and a member of the National Association for Writers in Education (NAWE). I also immerse myself in written and spoken word culture to be an active part of the literary and arts scene.
Let’s do it!
Nothing brings me more joy than helping to make words happen, whether it’s a spoken-word event or getting someone’s book publisher-ready. With my background in logistics and administration, resource creation, education, events management, and grant writing, I can help you make your project the best it can be.
super helpful, organised,
and excellent.
SEBASTIAN’S work drafting project proposals, funding bids, and his all-round contribution to the success of the charity have been transformational.
— The Poetry Society
— Dee Hughes, Founder of The Story Works
A confident, flexible facilitator who connects brilliantly with young people and works seamlessly with collaborators.
— Phoebe Nicholson, Director of the Oxford Poetry Library
Sebastian is a
dream
to work with.
— Danny Carlo, Co-Director of Lyra Poetry Festival
“Garret and Basement has completely
transformed
the way I think about poetry.”
— Riley Scarlett-Wells, Author of Portrait of the Artist as a Dying Star (tallfingerpress, 2024)
WHAT’s WITH THE NAME?
Think about poetry, where you might find it.
Usually hidden away in “Poetry Corner” or sandwiched between classics and drama, poetry rarely gets the chance to shine in public.
Don’t get it twisted: plenty of folks are doing kickass things for poetry. From tiny zine communities to entire festivals, poetry has champions seeing a need and getting the artform out there. I set up Garret and Basement to help the plethora of people bringing their gorgeous words to light.
Poetry has the potential to be revolutionary. Writable in a lunch-break, shareable on socials, and still powerful enough to make someone see their whole life differently, I know that poetry can do exciting things for the 21st Century; Garret and Basement wants to be part of that.
Where might you find poetry in the House of Language? Up in the attic, maybe, or under a trap-door. Hence the name, Garret and Basement: small, awkward, but cosy. Not typically accessible, either: I want to help build stairs to the top and send a lift down to the cellar to make sure everyone can have a space to find their voice.
Let’s see what we can achieve together.
LET’S MAKE WORDS HAPPEN
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I’ll be in touch shortly.