WHO WE ARE
Dawn Hill Publications is an independent publisher dedicated to championing new voices and delivering stories that leave a mark. Since 2019, we’ve been working to change British publishing by supporting independent authors and putting out books that matter. From contemporary romance to crime thrillers, we believe in the power of stories to inspire, connect, and stay with readers long after the final page.
When we started Dawn Hill, our dream was simple: to give independent authors the platform they deserve and to elevate diverse voices that reflect the richness of our world. We’re proud to have worked with incredible authors like Kyra Radcliff, Ravina Hilliard, Soleil Collins, and Mark Ravine, and we were thrilled to celebrate Kyra Radcliff’s IPPY Award for Best Romance. Now we’re set to launch three new authors already this year.
Dawn Hill has become so much more than we imagined. The response to our work has shown us how much independent publishing matters—not just to writers, but to readers who are hungry for fresh, compelling stories, and we want to be able to bring more of them to you.
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
Right now, the publishing industry feels like it’s built for the big players, with little room for small, independent presses like ours. And yet, it’s indie publishers who take the risks, bring in new perspectives, and give readers something truly different.
We’ve come so far, but to keep going—to publish more authors, share more stories, and continue opening doors for underrepresented voices—we need your support. Every contribution helps us sustain the work we’re doing and make sure Dawn Hill can keep building a better, more inclusive future for British publishing.
If you believe in the power of stories to inspire change, join us. Help us keep independent publishing alive and thriving.
OUR WORK
We care about every story we put out and the authors who trust us with their work. Each book is part of something bigger, a collection of stories that we hope will stay with readers long after they close the cover.
Next year, we’re taking things up a notch. We’re publishing 24 books in 2025, from gripping crime thrillers to moving contemporary romances. It’s a big goal, but it’s one we’re excited about because it means more opportunities for independent authors and more great books for readers.
We’re especially thrilled about our first short story anthology, In Every Way We Love. It is all about love in its many forms, romantic, platonic, and self-love, and how it can help us heal, connect, and grow. We’re inviting UK-based writers to share their stories, with a focus on voices that aren’t always heard in mainstream publishing.
Here’s what we’re focusing on:
Publishing 26 books in 2025, giving independent authors the spotlight they deserve.
Launching our first anthology, In Every Way We Love, which will highlight eight unique stories about love and its power to transform.
Supporting underrepresented voices, because the literary world needs more stories from more perspectives.
Creating opportunities for emerging writers, with fair pay and a chance to share their work with a wide audience.
We’ve always believed in the power of stories to bring people together and reflect the world in all its complexity. With your help, we can keep doing what we love, making space for incredible authors and getting their stories into the hands of readers who need them.
THE CHALLENGES OF BEING AN INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER
Independent publishers play a vital role in bringing fresh voices and diverse perspectives to readers, but the path isn’t easy. In Britain, independent presses face a range of challenges that make our work both inspiring and incredibly difficult.
Economic Pressures: Rising costs for printing, paper, and distribution have hit smaller publishers hard. Unlike larger companies, independent presses often lack the financial cushioning to absorb these increases, making it harder to stay competitive.
Market Dominance of Big Players: The publishing industry in Britain is dominated by a handful of major players who have a stronghold on bookshop shelf space, media attention, and promotional resources. Smaller presses have to work twice as hard to get their titles noticed.
The Impact of Brexit: For many independent publishers, Brexit has brought increased costs and logistical challenges, particularly for selling and distributing books internationally. The barriers to accessing European markets have grown, making it harder to reach readers beyond the UK.
Pandemic Aftershocks: While the pandemic drove a surge in reading, it also created lasting challenges. Supply chain disruptions, reduced face-to-face events, and a reliance on online sales have reshaped how independent publishers connect with readers.
Balancing Creativity and Survival: Indie publishers take risks on bold, unconventional stories and voices that might not fit mainstream molds. This commitment to creativity often means working on smaller budgets and with fewer resources, which can limit growth.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
At Dawn Hill, we’re constantly working to balance our passion for publishing with the practicalities of running an independent press. Over the years, we’ve taken steps to ensure we’re looking after our team and the authors we work with. This includes fair pay for writers, reducing barriers to entry for underrepresented voices, and building a publishing schedule that prioritises quality over quantity.
But there’s only so much we can do on our own.
We’ve always been proud to punch above our weight as a small publisher, but the reality is that this work takes time, resources, and an immense amount of labour from a small, dedicated team. To keep going—and to grow—we need support from the community that believes in what we do.
Your contribution will help us:
Keep publishing books that challenge perspectives, celebrate diverse voices, and bring fresh, original stories to life.
Provide fair pay to independent authors and contributors, ensuring their work is properly valued.
Expand opportunities for writers from marginalised communities, creating space for stories that often go untold.
Build a thriving community of readers and writers who share our passion for stories that make a difference.
The publishing world can be unforgiving for small, independent presses, but it is also where innovation and meaningful change begins. With your help, we can continue to back bold, compelling voices and ensure their stories reach the audiences they deserve.
If you believe in the importance of independent publishing, please donate today. Together, we can make sure Dawn Hill grows stronger and continues to bring unforgettable stories into the world.
SUPPORT US AND BE PART OF THE STORY.