All about For Books’ Sake
Founded in 2010, For Books’ Sake is the intelligent but irreverent UK webzine dedicated to promoting and celebrating writing by women. Providing a dedicated platform for readers and writers alike, we feature books by and for independent women.
With daily news, reviews, essays, features and interviews, For Books’ Sake shines spotlights on classic and contemporary writing by both iconic and upcoming women authors, from reading recommendations to in-depth analysis.
Our first publishing project, Short Stack, was a ground-breaking anthology of the best new pulp fiction written by women, published by and in collaboration with Pulp Press in 2012. We’re currently working on our second collection, a collaboration with the London Rollergirls.
We’ve been featured in print, on TV and radio (more on that below), were involved in World Book Night 2011 and curated the three-day literary programme for Ladyfest Ten as part of our ongoing programme of live literary events around the UK, including readings, workshops, panel discussions and much more.
For Books’ Sake is a response to the systemic and institutionalised sexism which continues to be a problem in publishing, media and beyond. In more than forty years of the Booker Prize, there have been only fourteen women winners, and in mainstream media book reviews, independent audits such as the VIDA count have found an average of only 30% feature books by women.
Want to work with us on an event you’re planning? Head here for more information, or send us an email. You can also email us with press queries such as requests for reviews, interviews and guest editorials, and advertising or sponsorship queries.
Testimonials
“With the traditional press dying and the space devoted to books being squeezed ever smaller, we are in the middle of a critical revolution (in all senses). For Books’ Sake is exactly the kind of online presence which readers and writers need. Thank you for existing.” – Sarah Dunant, internationally bestselling author and founding vice patron of the Women’s Prize for Fiction (formerly the Orange Prize).
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“For Books’ Sake reminds me of the sorts of punk zines I used to love in my youth – motivated by sheer love and enthusiasm, pulling off that rare combination of stylishness and wit with knowledge and insight that can only come from those dedicated souls whose insides are black-and-white-and-read-all-over. As much a lure to the unwary as a comfort to the lit addict, long may her good works continue.” – Cathi Unsworth, author of Weirdo, Bad Penny Blues, The Singer and The Not Knowing
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“The site is brilliantly written, insightful, influential and powerful. Book-lovers and lady likers will emerge from a plunge into For Books’ Sake with a handful of new reading and writing recommendations, a head full of new ideas and a refreshed sense of women’s genius. Get behind this amazing group of women: For Books’ Sake should be a paper magazine, a cultural festival, a TV and radio network, a prize scheme and a full-on touring roadshow with a free big-bonus raffle and tombola.” – Bidisha
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“Thank book for For Books’ Sake! This vital hub for lovers of women writers provides an invaluable support network for authors and simultaneously offers a fresh look at classics and turns the spotlight on new work. For Books’ Sake‘s reigning queen bee, editor Jane Bradley, deserves great appreciation – she is blowing the cobwebs away from the literary world and infusing it with colour and life.” – Zoë Howe, author of Typical Girls? The Story of The Slits and How’s Your Dad? Living in the Shadow of a Rock Star Parent.
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“Every second I’ve spent involved with For Books’ Sake has been nothing short of brilliant. They’re inspiring, smart, dedicated and shit-tonnes of fun.” – Emma Jane Unsworth, author of Hungry, The Stars and Everything
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“We love For Book’s Sake! For online literary inspiration look no further than these lovely bookish ladies.” – Anna-Marie & Phoebe, Pamflet
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”I was lucky enough to discover For Books’ Sake in its infancy, and have kept up with it ever since. I’ve chanced across many a good read and only wish I was in the UK more often so that I could attend the events, which always look highly tempting.” – Maegan Chadwick-Dobson, Tara Books
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“I discovered For Books’ Sake back in November 2010, so no longer a babe-in-arms but already a healthy, bouncing site. As something of a spoken word fan, I really love to keep up to date with all the events news and reviews – and the For Books’ Sake shindigs themselves – plus the regular writing competitions and submissions info.” – Sarah-Clare Conlon, Words & Fixtures
Press
For Books’ Sake has been featured in print, on TV and radio. As part of World Book Night 2011, we were featured on Channel 4′s TV Book Club (and even got to meet Margaret Atwood). We’ve been on BBC Radio Manchester talking about our Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, and featured in print publications including Company, Stylist Magazine, Woman & Home and The Bookseller.
All articles posted on For Books' Sake represent the opinion of the individual author, and do not necessarily represent or reflect For Books' Sake's stance on the subject matter. Similarly, whilst we will always try to ensure that our readers play nice, For Books' Sake accepts no legal responsibility for comments or claims made in readers' comments on articles.
Last but not least, when we preview events, any details posted on For Books' Sake will always be, to the best of our knowledge, accurate, but we can't accept responsibility for last-minute cancellations of third-party events, so please check in advance with the organisers!
Terms & Conditions
Unless otherwise stated, all articles and images on For Books' Sake are our exclusive property, with all rights reserved, and must not be reproduced without written permission from us.
We love feedback, and welcome emails or comments on our articles from readers. However, we reserve the right to delete comments which are racist, homophobic, pornographic, libellous or in any other way offensive. So watch those potty mouths, please!
