Founded by an Indie Author, For Indie Authors
Our Story, Mission, and Values
SugarPages Author Events was created by Bristol-born indie writer Raven Leithe Harlow to build bridges between self-published authors and readers. Raven's mission is to provide accessible, inspiring gatherings that highlight the creativity of indie voices while encouraging a warm, inclusive environment at every event. By hosting events in the southwest UK and Wales, Raven hopes to every event is more accessible for readers and authors who may not be able to travel across the UK.
Founded in 2025
Indie author, Raven Leithe Harlow, founded SugarPages after a year of attending author events around the country.
From London to Manchester, Lancashire to Leeds, Liverpool to Oxford and even visiting the beautiful Stranraer, scotland - each event was a unique and different experience, with varying degrees of success.
The biggest cost factor was the travel expenses. Whether it was fuel and parking or alternative transport costs, they all mount up and can be the difference between success and profit, or not even breaking even.
That’s one of the reasons why SugarPages was set up: to bring more events to the southwest UK and Wales, where book events were previously few and far between. Raven found the events that were available had long wait lists, were expensive or not well publicised.
Supporting all authors!
All authors deserve to have their book seen, to have readers pondering over the pages and interacting with the author who brought the story to life.
Raven has found from personal experience that some events prioritise more “established” authors and overlook those just starting out, whereas at SugarPages new indie authors and their debut books are welcomed with open arms… like all authors are!
It doesn’t matter if you only have one book available, that you don’t have a big online presence or followers on social media. All that matters is that you have the passion and the love of your book(s) to show it off!
Organised by an author and a reader!
As an avid reader, you’ll often find Raven picking up a book (or a few!) during events she attends and hosts! she loves to share her finds on social media and leave her reviews!
Raven has been supporting indie authors throughout her journey of writing and self-publishing, making new friends and falling in love with books along the way!
When Raven is not writing or posting about her own books, you will often find images of book hauls, her reviews and the hype surrounding books she wants to/has read or boosting the visibility of other author’s posts!
Accessibility is essential
It has always been important to Raven to ensure all events are accessible - in more ways than one.
Wheelchair & pram friendly
Selecting venues where there is plenty of space for guests and authors to comfortably move around, where lifts are available if not located on the ground floor and those who require mobility aids are not restricted.
Plus, mothers are readers too, so prams and children will always be welcome at events!
Equality
Everyone is welcome regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, culture, disabilities etcetera, etcetera.
There's equal opportunity for any author to attend SugarPages events. Everyone has the same access to the free pre-booked tickets, giveaways and will always be treated with respect.
Costs
Finances are a big factor that can put off a lot of indie authors and prevent them from wanting to attend events. SugarPages try to keep our prices as low as possible. By offering a choice of half tables or full tables at every event it gives the authors the options which is most beneficial for them.
Guests also don't want to fork out a lot of money to attend events, especially if they are visiting from out of town. Therefore SugarPages Author Events in 2026 are FREE to attend!
All genres encouraged!
Sugarpages aurhor events are predominately multi-genre Book events.
Inside every event you'll find a wide range of genres for guests to browse, meaning there really is something for everyone.
You can seek an escape from reality, become a detective, fall hopelessly in love or be whisked away by a mythical creature!
You can find books in children’s fiction, Young Adult, New Adult, clean or spicy romance. LGBTQ+, horror, crime and Mystery, fantasy… and so much more!
Anti- AI Policy
AI and Gen AI has no place in creative spaces, so SugarPages Author Events will not tolerate or condone the use of it at their events.
Authors who use AI for covers, content or has used AI during any part of creating their book will not be permitted to attend events.
Raven wants to promote the vivid imagination of actual humans, to showcase gorgeous covers and character art by real artists and to engage with OTHER like-minded individuals.
AI is everywhere these days… but it doesn’t have to be!
Help SugarPages Author Events protect our sacred space and share the love and passion for human-made stories and books!
Photo by Tara Winstead. Click here to view on Pexels.