Helen Lewis – Publicist

The Author School is designed for anyone who has got a manuscript ready to go, or at the very least an idea burning away that just needs to be written. You may already be a published author and in need of some inspiration to revive sales, or perhaps you’re considering self-publishing your next book but have no idea where to turn?

The Author School has been created (and supported by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin StartUps) to provide answers in the maze of information available for writers.

We also want to support and encourage the next generation of writers, and as co-founder A. Bello started writing so young, we feel it is important for us to continue this legacy. As such, there is a 25% discount for under 25s on all classes at The Author School.

The first day of classes is scheduled for September 26th 2015 in London. You can cherry pick which of the five classes are right for you, or join us for the full day including lunch and really get stuck in!

Not only do you get access to author Abiola Bello's experience and lessons learned, but Helen Lewis' 15 years-plus experience in the world of publishing, publicity, PR and journalism, AND a series of expert speakers! It's going to be the start of a refreshing new approach to publishing - putting the author first!

When I’m not reading five books at a time, reviewing new Champagne-flavoured popcorn or travelling to book fairs around the world, I am running around after my two little girls. Life is busy, but I like it that way. I am the Director of a publicity agency with a refreshing approach to book, drinks and food PR. My PR Agency is a team of experts who enjoy devising specialist and successful communications activity for a host of people, from literary agents to publishers, New York Times best-selling authors to debut novelists. From writing press releases to managing media enquiries, chatting with the national newspapers and regional press to bloggers and broadcast, we're a boutique agency that specialises in creating bespoke, strategic campaigns that won’t have you re-mortgaging your house to pay a ridiculous yearlong retainer fee.

I am also an NCTJ-qualified food, drink and packaging journalist with 15 years experience under my belt, and as I don't think there's any such thing as being 'too busy' I'm also the founder and editor of the long-standing, highly respected resource food&drink towers ( Since 2006, the site has continued to connect journalists, PRs, retailers, brand owners and everyone in between within the foodie world. We have 5000+ members and continue to grow each year.

In 2012, I opened my book PR business and by 2013 it had evolved into my PR Agency, bringing the book, drinks and food PR divisions under one umbrella. I have written more than 50 market, category and trends reports for corporate multinationals as well as B2B publishing houses including Datamonitor, Aroq and Business Monitor International since 2004. I still regularly freelance for various magazines on and offline.

My passions are food, drink, writing, reading, discovering talented new authors, inspiring technologies and delicious products, while working with passionate, happy people.

For many years I've contributed editorial in the form of reviews, opinion pieces, features and news to a wide variety of publications, primarily focusing on food, drink and packaging.

Management of the consumer goods publishing division including commissioning external and internal writers, researching and editing, creating new product ideas and writing B2B reports.