About Us
The idea of a book publishing house promoting new voices came about in April 2016. Our first book was published in 2017. Fast forward and Hashtag Press is an award winning diverse indie publishing house and has published bestselling, award-winning books. Created by bestselling, award-winning children's and YA author Abiola and award-winning book PR Helen Lewis.
We are always looking to give back to the community and with our awards The Diverse Book Awards, we donate hundreds of free books to schools and children's hospitals.
Submission guidelines can be found here but if it's a no, don't give up! It may not be the right fit for us but it doesn't mean it won't work for another publishing house. We are very tiny which makes us very selective.
We are not just looking for great books, we are also looking for fantastic, lovely authors who will work hard to push their book. We are very passionate about bringing diverse books into the publishing world.
We can't wait to hear from you! If you have any questions please do email us at submissions@hashtagpress.co.uk
Hashtag Press was awarded Best Innovative Publishing House 2023 and Publisher of the Year from The People's Book Prize on July 23rd 2020. Abiola is currently a finalist for the Black British Business Awards for Arts and Media.
Meet The Team
ABIOLA BELLO
Founder & Co-director
Abiola won The Black British Business Awards Rising Star in Arts and Media 2023, London Book Fair’s Trailblazer of the Year 2018, London’s BIG READ 2019 for Emily Knight I am...Awakened, shortlisted for The Diverse Book Awards 2023 for Love In Winter Wonderland and nominated for the Carnegie-nominated in 2019. Her award winning Emily Knight I am series has received critical acclaim and rave reviews. She is part of The Very Merry Murder Club, published by Farshore and received a three book deal with Simon & Schuster. Her YA books Love In Winter Wonderland and Only for the Holidays are out now.
Abiola is represented by Gemma Cooper at The Bent Agency.
Favourite Book - Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume or anything by Jane Green
Favourite Food - Jollof Rice, plantain or Chinese or Caribbean Dumplings (I just love a dumpling!)
Favourite Drink - Pina Colada
HELEN LEWIS
Founder & Co-director
Helen has been working in media, publishing and PR for almost 20 years. She founded award-winning publicity agency Literally PR (www.literallypr.com) in 2012, building on 11 years of journalism and PR experience.
Favourite Book - The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr or anything by Harlan Coben
Favourite Food - Cheese!
Favourite Drink - Viognier White Whine
PAULINE MUTEBE
Publishing Assistant
Pauline has been working for Hashtag for almost a year and her fresh energy and creative eye has helped elevate the company.
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