Protea Press Offer Collaborative Publishing and Access to a Supportive Writing Community

Protea Press, a new independent publisher, is set to transform the author experience by creating a community of writers who will collaborate their skills and knowledge to independently publish their work.

Founded by three passionate authors, Sophie E Mills, Kate Packman and H. J. Worthington-Smith, Protea Press is committed to publishing exceptional and original stories while supporting and nurturing the authors from early draft stage to publication.

In November 2024, Protea Press will launch its first publications after months of collaboration. This team effort involved all three founders combining their editing, design work and type-setting skills to create three exceptional debut novels. This collaborative approach is one that Protea Press want to invite other writers to join. They will be opening their press to submissions from unrepresented authors twice a year. .

‘From our work in the writing community we know how many talented authors remain unpublished,’ said Kate Packman, who first suggested the idea to her writing group. ‘We knew there must be a more supportive and expedient way of reaching our readers. My book wouldn’t be on the shelves without Helen and Sophie championing my work and sharing their skills every step of the way.’

H. J. Worthington-Smith believes, ‘Some writers have a finished manuscript and the passion to publish and promote their work but may lack the skills or resources. needed to self-publish. We want to reach those writers and offer our support, creating a space where they can thrive.’

Protea Press offers a comprehensive range of services designed to help indie authors grow and develop. Sophie E Mills, the most established author of the three founders, wants to create an online and real life ‘hub’, ‘Our dream envisions a place where writers can source everything they need to reach their audience.’ As the press establishes itself in the writing community it will start to offer services including writing workshops, retreats, and one-on-one coaching, all designed to empower authors to take full control of their creative work.

Protea Press’ partnership model will supplement the traditional routes into publication, either by a large publishing house or by paying for services like editing, cover design, or typesetting, and instead will allow authors to contribute their own skills and knowledge in exchange for the expertise of others within the writing community. This cooperative approach will make independent publishing accessible to all.