“When Independent Publishers Disappear, We Don’t Just Lose Businesses, We Lose Stories”

“When Independent Publishers Disappear, We Don’t Just Lose Businesses, We Lose Stories”

Award-Winning Hashtag Press Calls for Support as Crowdfunder Reaches Two-Week Mark

Award-winning independent publisher Hashtag Press is calling on readers, authors, educators and supporters of diverse books to rally behind its six-week Crowdfunder campaign to help build a sustainable future for independent publishing and continue championing the diverse voices and stories that deserve to be heard.

Founded by publishing entrepreneurs Abiola Bello and Helen Lewis, Hashtag Press has spent the past decade championing underrepresented voices and publishing books that celebrate diversity, inclusion and authentic storytelling across children’s, young adult and adult fiction and nonfiction.

As many independent publishers continue to face increasing financial pressures and several have already been forced to close in recent years, the team behind Hashtag Press says the stakes extend far beyond the future of one company.

“Independent publishers are often the ones taking chances on debut authors, championing marginalised voices and publishing stories that might otherwise never reach readers,” said Helen Lewis, Co-Founder of Hashtag Press. “When independent publishers disappear, we don’t just lose businesses. We lose opportunities. We lose stories. We lose representation. And ultimately, readers lose access to books that help them better understand themselves and the world around them.”

The appeal comes at a time when conversations surrounding access to books, representation and freedom of expression are increasingly making headlines around the world. Campaigners and authors have raised concerns about growing challenges to diverse books and LGBTQ+ literature, while debates around immigration, identity and social cohesion continue to dominate public discourse.

Abiola Bello, Co-Founder of Hashtag Press, said: “Stories have the power to build empathy, challenge prejudice and help young people feel seen. Publishing has always been about more than selling books. It’s about ensuring that everyone has the chance to recognise themselves in the stories they read.”

Since launching in 2016, Hashtag Press has built a reputation for publishing inclusive stories and supporting emerging talent. The independent press, based in Kent, has worked with debut and established authors alike and has become known for giving opportunities to voices that have traditionally been underrepresented within the publishing industry.

Alongside the Crowdfunder, Hashtag Press has temporarily reopened its online bookshop allowing readers to purchase books directly and support independent publishing while discovering new authors and diverse stories.

The team is encouraging supporters to contribute what they can, share campaign posts, recommend Hashtag Press titles to friends and family, and help spread the word online.

“Even a £5 donation can make a difference,” added Abiola Bello. “We recognise that support isn’t only financial. Sharing our posts, recommending our books and talking about why diverse stories matter are equally important.”

The Crowdfunder runs until 14 July 2026.

About Hashtag Press

Hashtag Press is an independent UK publisher founded in 2016 by Helen Lewis and Abiola Bello. The company publishes children’s, young adult and adult fiction and non-fiction, with a strong commitment to championing fresh voices, underrepresented stories and inclusive publishing.

About the team

Abiola Bello (Co-Founder) is an award-winning author, publisher and entrepreneur. She has written myriad books for children and young adults including The Love Dare (YA, Simon & Schuster), Wild Magic series (Children’s, Simon & Schuster), and co-written two books with footballer Marcus Rashford MBE on his Breakfast Club Adventures series (Macmillian Children’s Books).

Helen Lewis (Co-Founder) is a prize-winning publishing entrepreneur, author brand strategist, and marketing expert with over 25 years experience of working in media, publishing and PR. As founder of LitPR, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this month, Helen has helped launch and promote more than 1,000 authors and books.

Pauline Mutebe is the Hashtag Press Publicity Assistant. She joined the team in 2025 and has been an invaluable source of support.