The Lela Initiative

The Lela Initiative Not-for-profit independent publishing house. Profits go to support literacy projects in Uganda.

When she attended Oxford Brooks University  to receive her ‘First Chapter’ award a few weeks ago, our found,  did not on...
08/12/2025

When she attended Oxford Brooks University to receive her ‘First Chapter’ award a few weeks ago, our found, did not only come away with a trophy. She was also inspired by the many talent the university is nurturing in the publishing industry. And thanks to the and introductions on that day, many conversations have been held since with our team and MA students Lela met at the university. And although we would like to work with all those brilliant students, our current capacity allows us to welcome only one at this time.

We are very excited to introduce Sara Marinucci. She joins us as our 2025-2026 editorial intern.

Sara is a Ugandan-Italian who has attended school worldwide. Residing in Oxford, UK, she has completed her undergraduate degree in Digital Media and Communications in London and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Publishing at Oxford Brookes. During her university career, she has been an active committee member of several societies, including serving as the current financial secretary of the Media, Publishing, and Journalism Society at Brookes. Sara’s educational background and practical experience have prepared her to be an efficient Editorial Assistant.

We are very excited to have Sarah on our team and look forward to supporting and working with her.

07/12/2025

Sunday Celebrations! Check out this exciting unboxing of brand new picture book - 'Save Our River!' Written and illustrated by Amanda, we will announce the release date in the New Year. It is looking fabulous!

A huge thank you to  for featuring us in your Witney and Villages editorial this month! We are so grateful to you for sp...
03/12/2025

A huge thank you to for featuring us in your Witney and Villages editorial this month! We are so grateful to you for spreading the word about what we do ♥️♥️♥️

29/11/2025

We are all set up in Warwick Hall for today's Christmas Market! Selling all our lovely books and gifts, supporting our library projects in Uganda... Come and say hi!

We are here alongside some of our other favourite makers and creators!!!

In need of gift ideas? Come along to  on Saturday 28th November! Our Lela Initiative team will be there all day selling ...
12/11/2025

In need of gift ideas? Come along to on Saturday 28th November! Our Lela Initiative team will be there all day selling our beautiful books. As a not for profit publishing house with a purpose, when you buy one of our books... you help gift a book to a child in Uganda.

Want an even more unique present? Why not twin a bookshelf with one of our library projects?

We strongly believe that networking is a treasure hunt for new opportunities. Recently, our team sat on a panel discussi...
11/11/2025

We strongly believe that networking is a treasure hunt for new opportunities.

Recently, our team sat on a panel discussion at the media hub, organised by Sarah Parfitt. The discussion, led by Cathy from Inkspot Publishing, provided significant insights and wisdom about the industry. Our team also had the pleasure of connecting with brilliant talent, including illustrator and author , who now joins the Lela initiative team with a passion to use her talents and creativity to transform lives with us.

We are incredibly grateful to the Media Hub team for consistently enabling events that help turn dreams into reality and foster such meaningful connections.

We have had all very exciting weekend here at The Lela Initiative...  remember when we said that our founder was up for ...
09/11/2025

We have had all very exciting weekend here at The Lela Initiative... remember when we said that our founder was up for a First Chapter Award? Guess what... SHE WON IT.

This is a big deal for our small.publising house. Just 6 years ago,
And worked together to publish Lela's memoirs, which sparked Lela to have the idea of creating a publishing house that could help support communities in her home land of Uganda.

The whole process of starting a brand new publishing house is massive, but to also then use the proceeds to fund library projects in Uganda... well... none of it has been easy. Lela works tirelessly to see that vision come to fruition, and we couldn't be prouder of everything she achieves.

Organised by the The First Chapter Awards recognise early-stage professionals, volunteers, and hopefuls within the book community. This award aims to celebrate those in the first five years in the industry.

Join us in wishing a massive congratulations!!!! And we also want to congratulate the whole team behind the initiative... from editors to illustrators, you all work so hard to help Lela on her mission. We are a small, independent AWARD WINNING publishing house, and we couldn't be prouder of what we do!!!!

We are very excited to add a new author and illustrator to our team. Please join us in wishing  a very warm welcome!Aman...
04/11/2025

We are very excited to add a new author and illustrator to our team. Please join us in wishing a very warm welcome!

Amanda is a children’s author and illustrator whose work inspires empathy, confidence, and a deeper connection with the natural world. Based in Cookham, Berkshire, she creates picture books—such as Too Much! and Sam to the Rescue!—that help children understand their emotions while nurturing curiosity and kindness.

Guided by a belief that stories can shape how we care for ourselves and the planet, Amanda shares her passion for creativity through school visits and community workshops, encouraging children to express themselves through art and storytelling.

We look forward to sharing Amanda's work with you very soon.

18/10/2025

All set up at the WolvLitFest in Wolvercote, just outside Oxford. We are here until 4pm come on down!

Thank you to everyone who attended our book launch at  on Saturday! What an amazing turnout. Our next event is the Wolvl...
11/09/2025

Thank you to everyone who attended our book launch at on Saturday! What an amazing turnout. Our next event is the Wolvlitfest taking place on Saturday October 18th. Catch up with our authors and team members and discover all our beautiful books there.

This time next week, we will be celebrating the launch of Chameleon's Colour Quest at  - these fabulous invitations are ...
30/08/2025

This time next week, we will be celebrating the launch of Chameleon's Colour Quest at - these fabulous invitations are heading out to some local children this week but you don't need an invitation to attend, just come along and say hi!

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PO Box 316
Chipping Norton
OX79FX

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