Warwick children's book publisher appealing for help with crowdfunder

A Warwick-based publisher that specialises in inclusive children's books is appealing for help with their crowdfunder.

Owlet Press was founded in 2018 by Samuel Langley-Swain.

Sam said: "When I became a Dad, it changed the way I saw the world.

"I started to think about things through the eyes of my children and began to think about stories which would help make their futures better and more enriched.

"I then self-published my first (Christmas) book ‘Santa’s Wish’ which sold thousands of copies in the first few weeks and provided a platform and funds for me to start my own publishing house."

Owlet Press started as a one-man operation and has grown into a team of eight consulting specialists and developed a list of inclusive and issue-based picture books.

Sam said: “The jump from author to publisher was definitely the steepest learning curve.

"Unlike many ‘smaller’ publishers in the market, who are often founded from people leaving larger presses, I literally grew Owlet Press from the ground up.”

Now, after losing his day job in marketing, from the impacts of Coronavirus and current book sales temporarily drying up, Samuel has turned to crowdfunding the company’s children’s books.

The press is due to publish eight titles in 2021 but due to the challenges of the pandemic it is bringing forward the publication of two new books, featuring diverse families on magical adventures.

Sam said: "The pandemic has impacted us greatly.

"Not only have our sales dropped dramatically, but we have had to move all our publications back meaning delayed opportunities for our authors.

"Even the bigger publishers are affected but smaller companies like ours feel the strain a lot more."

Sam is now hoping people and businesses will support their crowdfunder.

He said: "It has been a slow start despite our best efforts. We need a handful of local businesses to support our £1,000 pledges, which delivers these books to 100 local primary schools each.

"It feels more important than ever to act, to makes sure our children’s bookshelves and school libraries are more diverse and to support the livelihood of your local independent businesses."

Owlet Press is trying to raise £7,500 by July 2.

To pledge go to: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/fun-stories-for-diverse-inclusive-bookshelves