From collaboration to global impact: the journey of Fly on the Wall Press

When I founded Fly on the Wall Press in 2018, I never imagined that what began as a passion project would grow into an internationally recognized small press. I was 21 years old—just starting my career—but I had a vision: to use publishing as a vehicle for social change. Our first project, Please Hear What I’m Not Saying, was a charity poetry anthology supporting mental health awareness. The overwhelming response made it clear—writers and readers alike were eager to engage with literature that tackled pressing social issues. From that moment on, Fly on the Wall Press was born with a mission: to publish accessible, political, and ethical works that create real-world impact.

Growth, awards, and a vision for the future

Over the years, Fly on the Wall Press has evolved from a small charity endeavour into an established publishing house. We’ve had the honour of winning multiple awards, including the Northern Small Press of the Year at the British Book Awards 2024, and we’ve been recognised for our environmental responsibility with the Manchester Culture Award for Sustainability. In 2024, I was also named a Future Leader by The Bookseller—a recognition that underscores our growing influence in the industry.

Our success stems from our commitment to both the art of storytelling and the business of publishing. We’ve grown strategically, increasing our net profit by 12.5% in 2024 alone by carefully curating fewer titles, allowing us to focus on high-impact releases with strong marketing and distribution strategies. This approach ensures that each book reaches its intended audience while maintaining our commitment to sustainability.

Expanding our team and editorial vision

As we look toward the future, growing our team is a key focus. My mother recently joined Fly on the Wall Press to support our PR efforts, a step that has allowed us to amplify our reach and refine our promotional strategies. In Our editorial vision remains steadfast: to champion bold, necessary literature that sparks conversation and action. We continue to publish works that tackle societal issues, including environmental literature, contemporary fiction, and poetry that challenges norms. Lying Perfectly Still by the late Dr. Laura Fish, for example, is a testament to our commitment—winning the SI Leeds Readers’ Choice Award and exploring corruption and exploitation during the AIDS crisis.

Social change and sustainability: more than just words

Publishing for social change isn’t just a tagline—it’s at the core of everything we do. Over the years, we have collaborated with charities such as Mind UK, Shelter, WWF, and The Climate Coalition, ensuring that our books actively contribute to causes that matter. Our Higher Education Outreach program, Finding a Vocabulary for Climate Anxiety, is another step toward meaningful engagement, helping students navigate environmental concerns through literature.

Sustainability is also a critical part of our mission. By implementing eco-friendly printing practices, reducing waste, and championing digital engagement (like our growing Substack community, now at 3,900 subscribers), we are ensuring that ethical publishing remains at the forefront of our operations. With invitations to international book fairs—including the fantastic Jaipur Bookmark 2025 (at which I was the UK fellow via a British Council collaboration) —and a growing global presence, we are poised to bring our unique approach to publishing to an even wider audience. Our commitment to producing powerful, thought-provoking literature remains unwavering, and I am excited for the next chapter of Fly on the Wall Press.