March might be all about St. Patrick’s Day and Easter for some, but for us, as a woman owned business, we are here for something bigger; the brilliant women shaping the narrative in the book industry. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we want to highlight some of the amazing women we know who are wielding pens, not just as writers, but as the social backbone of the bookish world today.
Our owner, Elizabeth, started Midnight Meadow nearly four years ago during the early days of the pandemic, with the goal of creating something better, more inclusive, than the houses she saw at the time. She ran a one woman show, growing the business completely organically, for almost two years before signing on the first official staff members. In fact, every book cover design we currently have is her artwork. She is a testament to some of the amazing things women can do when they set their mind to it.
Even now, Midnight Meadow is primarily run by women. And until this year, our published novels were primarily sapphic.
Women have been weaving tales that transport us to different worlds, challenge our thinking, and sometimes make us ugly cry into our bookmarks for hundreds of years. These women are crafting narratives that leave an indelible mark on our hearts. To name a few of the amazing women we have worked with:
Shawna Barnett, the first author we signed, and the author of fierce heroines who need no man to save them.
Melissa Karibian, who earned her Master’s degree while publishing the sequel to A Song of Silver and Gold, and still somehow gave the world a prequel.
Sheila Jenné, who came to us with nearly her entire series finished, and has mastered the cosplay of her incredibly fierce heroines from her sapphic space pirate novel.
E.M. Anderson, the mastermind behind the chosen grandma story that changed lives, The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher. Who else could think of fighting dragons with knitting needles while riding a magic carpet?
Sophie Tanen, who likely has done the extra most bestest in publishing from hand painting her own book cover to knitting a blanket of it in promo efforts.
Renee Lake, who’s sapphic horror novel gave us the shivers, but reminded us that a woman’s dreams matter even if they’re unconventional.
Kristina Kelly, one part of the duo that created two of the bravest warriors we’ve published yet.
R. Lee Fryar, who’s M/M romance releasing this month is one of the most romantic novels we’ve seen in quite some time.
Mary Lynne Gibbs, who’s Tangled retelling releases later this year, features two of the most adorable sapphics we’ve ever read. Another adorable sapphic standalone of Mary’s will come from Midnight Meadow in 2025.
And we aren’t even done. Our upcoming titles feature even more heroines taking center stage. Just this year we’ve brought in authors Michelle J, Rebecca Grubb, and Honey B. LoCoco, who’s amazing novels featuring incredible women are releasing in 2025.
Behind every great book is a savvy team of publishing professionals, and more often than not, these teams are led by formidable women. Thank you to Ashley, Kathy, Samantha, and Desiree. Without you, Midnight Meadow simply wouldn’t run right.
Ever walked into a cozy indie bookstore and felt an instant connection with the books on display? Thank the amazing women curating those shelves. Women-owned bookstores are not just places to buy books; they’re literary havens, creating spaces that celebrate diversity and amplify marginalized voices. Artemis Books, a queer and feminist book shop, is a prime example.
In the age of social media, women are taking the lead as influencers, shaping reading trends, and turning both booktok and bookstagram into a vibrant community. Some of our favorite social media creators include Amivi with amivireads, Sammie with Booksdogsandcoffee, Emily Sarah with emilysarahart, Sera with serareadthat, Tiff with tiff.unni.reads, Dani with danisbookish. There are so many more.
Let’s not forget the real MVPs – the women leading book clubs. These gatherings aren’t just about dissecting plots and characters; they’re about fostering connections, starting much needed discussion, and turning solitary reading into a communal experience. Both Amivi and Sammie mentioned above have bookclubs we wish we were cool enough to join, but are open to all readers!
As we sail through the pages of Women’s History Month, let’s raise a metaphorical toast to the women who pen the tales, edit the manuscripts, curate the bookshelves, and lead the literary charge. Here’s to the women who turn pages into portals to worlds where women thrive, who inspire us to dream, think, and question the world around us. May your shelves be forever full, your stories endless, and your influence boundless. Happy Women’s History Month to the heroines of the bookish world – may your narratives continue to captivate and your stories echo through generations.
