Thanks for wanting to learn more about Books and Bao and how to work with us!
Blending diverse literature and culture-based travel, Books and Bao began on January 1st 2018 in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from the UK, founders Jess and Willow have lived in five countries and travelled to many more.
On the travel side, Books and Bao covers literary destinations and places that are perfect for book lovers. We seek out unique destinations that offer an artistic, culinary, or literary flair.
When it comes to literature, we specialise in and promote diverse books from around the world. We spotlight literature in translation, LGBTQ+ authors and stories, and writers of colour.
We wholly believe in learning as much about a culture as possible before travelling there, and this feeds into our writing. Above all, we believe in storytelling, and you’ll notice that all of our articles and videos are brimming with intimate detail and personal experiences.
We’re native English speakers and have spent significant time in the places we write about. We’re also freelance writers, photographers, and video-makers (with portfolios available) meaning we’re used to working to deadline and producing consistently high-quality work.
Who are the writers at Books and Bao?
JESS ESA (THEY/THEM)
Jess is the co-founder and editor of Books and Bao, and is passionate about sharing their travel tips, photography, and love for literature and theatre.
Born to Welsh/Egyptian parents, Jess left their hometown of Swansea, Wales in 2011 and proceeded to live in every corner of the UK, graduating with an MA in English Literature from Exeter University and a PGCE teacher training certificate.
They’ve been self-employed writing and creating social media content for over five years and have been published in numerous publications for their travel and food writing.
After almost a decade of travelling, they’re now happily married to their wife Arrow and living in Los Angeles. They spend their time acting, taking photos, reading, and spending time with their two cats, Pan & Asta.
You can check out their events, theatre, and LGBTQ+ headshot photography. If you’re in LA, consider booking a session! Or check out the latest LA theatre and creative classes in their newsletter Ensemble LA.
Follow Jess’s adventures on Instagram.
WILLOW HEATH (SHE/HER)
Willow was once asked why she doesn’t simply take vacations and visit places for a week, and this question lies at the heart of her writing.
Willow became a high school teacher in the UK in 2012, but was immediately dissatisfied and felt stagnated by it. And so, after meeting Jess at a job interview, she used her career as an opportunity to jump ship in 2014 (with Jess).
Willow writes about the books of Books and Bao, and manages the brand’s YouTube channel, promoting world literature in translation and books by LGBTQ+ writers.
She believes that reading a culture’s literature is the fastest way to find its heart, and she aims to pass on great literature and travel stories to you.
Willow is also the author of Managing and Other Lies, a queer horror collection of short stories.
For Willow’s latest book recommendations visit her Instagram or TikTok.
Awards for Books and Bao
Book Blog of the Year 2019 | London Book Blog Awards – Shortlisted
Top 10 UK Literature Blogs | Chosen by Vuelio
Best Art & Culture Blog 2019 | UK Blog Awards – Finalist
Mentions & Features:
The Guardian: What are you reading this week?
The Cardiff Review: 2018 Year in Culture
Work With Books and Bao
Our readers are primarily interested in culture, literature, and food and are travellers at heart. Our readers are from all over the world with the majority of our audience is from the United States and the UK.
For detailed information on the brands, tourism boards, and publishers we’ve already worked with, just get in touch at [email protected]
We’re particularly interested in brands which our readers will love, including:
- Tours and cultural activities
- Translated fiction or travel writing for review
- Unique and themed accommodation
- Travelling like a local
- Practical travel products
Brands which we work with can expect from us the height of professionalism. We are quick to produce content after the sponsored event, and we will provide quality articles and photography, as well as several posts across all of our social media sites.
What We Can Provide
Sponsored Posts
If you’d like to discuss a sponsored post (content written by ourselves or yourself) or link placement with us get in touch
Press Trips
We’re very open to discussion on press trips and are always keen to provide photography, video, and written content in exchange for hosting. We can provide our work from previous press trips as well as detailed stats.
We also have been able to place articles from our previous press trips on international media as well as our website due to our journalism links. For example:
Nine Places in Myanmar You Didn’t Know Existed
Tango Chirimen: Discover Kyoto’s Silk Road
Product Reviews
We’re happy to review your travel or bookish related product in exchange for a review
Book Reviews
We’re open to books in exchange for review, we prefer translated literature, diverse literature, or literature with a strong sense of place. We also review nonfiction and poetry.
Write For Books and Bao
All writers get their own bios and links back to their own work. Find out more on our contribute page.