A local entrepreneur is raising money to launch her own online bookshop specialising in LGBT+ literature.
Emily Clifton began selling books nine months ago as a side project after deciding she wanted to support authors from the LGBT+ community.
The 31-year-old nurse, who is originally from the West Midlands but now lives in Newcastle, has launched a crowdfunding campaign in the hopes of raising enough money to launch a dedicated website for her new bookshop.
The business, which has been named Olive's Book Club after her pet cockapoo, is attempting to raise £1,400 to on crowdfunding website Crowdfunder.
Explaining why she decided to launch the business, Emily said: "I’ve always been a total bibliophile and it’s been my lifelong dream to own a bookshop. Olive’s book club is all about promoting and and projecting the voices and work of marginalised groups of society and sharing queer culture.
"I’ll be using the money to set up my online shop and to buy lots of amazing books to sell! I’ll also be able to create cute merchandise to send out to people who have pledged to my Crowdfunder."
Those who donate to the Olive's Book Club's campaign will be eligible for a number of rewards, including branded stickers, books, tote bags, and a dog themed ceramic piece made by local artist Alex Sickling.
For those interested in donating £200 or more towards the business will be able to receive Olive's Book Club stickers, a tote bag and a yearly subscription to the book club. Subscribers to the book club will receive a "curated queer book" in the post every month along with a number of extra surprises Emily plans to through in throughout the year.
So far Olive's Book Club has raised £1,192 of its £1,400 target. Those wishing to pledge to the crowdfunding campaign can do so here.
