Hera Books pays tribute to 'remarkable' co-founder Mooney

Hera Books has paid tribute to co-founder and previous m.d. Lindsey Mooney who has died aged 42.

Mooney died suddenly at home on the 27th November 2023, the publisher said.

Mooney launched Hera Books in 2018 with Keshini Naidoo. The company focused on female-fronted, digital-first work with a vision to publish commercial fiction for underrepresented voices.

Mooney had a long history in the British publishing scene from her first role as a buyer at the Book Club Associates, which she joined in 2004. She also worked at Rakuten Kobo. Her influential work at the intersection of books, retail, technology and business earned her a place on The Bookseller Rising Star list in 2013.

Hera Books said it was "heartbroken" to announce her death. A statement said: "Lindsey was a force of nature, and it was an honour to know her intelligence, her humour, her loyalty, her unique life spirit. Her ambition and drive in starting Hera Books was remarkable, and will never be forgotten by the many people whose lives it touched."

The publisher continued: "When Hera first launched, this was a new, and much-needed mission. As co-founder, Lindsey was fiercely committed to fairness and inclusivity, to making that difference, and to women ascending to positions of power within publishing. Hera Books is an extraordinary legacy she leaves behind."

Most recently Mooney had been working in the worlds of food and cookery.

"In all areas of her life she was principled, fearless, creative, unstoppable. She had a roaringly infectious laugh, quickly deployed, and an unrivalled generosity, shared often," Hera said. "Our thoughts are with her family, her loved ones and all who feel her loss."

Hera’s list includes writers such as Alex Kane, Kiley Dunbar, Victoria Walters and Charly Cox, among others. The launch of the company had been supported from fellow digital-first publisher Canelo back in 2018, which acquired Hera in 2021.