About wenovelists
We are book lovers like you. We also curate and distribute literature. We believe reading literature is the kindest thing you could do for yourself. Reading should be part of our daily wellness routine, something we not only enjoy doing, but also provide us with the dosage of peace, tranquility and self-reflection we desperately need. During times when mental health, stress, anxiety, sleep problems and depression rank at the top of societal issues, re-connecting through stories is truly needed.
Our Story
We are Kelli Austin and Esteban Espeleta. An American-Costa Rican marriage that for the past 15 years have called various places in Asia home, including a whole decade living in China and Hong Kong. Our journey together began thanks to our mutual love for books, travel and cultures—which still fuels our adventures today!
We started wenovelists because we were concerned by the collective state of reading habits and author discovery in nowadays society. We were also deeply concerned about the overall wellness of the working adult population.
We got tired of walking into bookshops and seeing the same twenty titles everywhere. Never finding books that challenge us intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. Relying on algorithm recommendations that keep us trapped in literary bubbles validating preconceived beliefs. Settling for "good enough" when we knew extraordinary books, characters and writers exist out there. All this made us think that there was a real need to fulfill.
As busy working professionals in fast-paced business environments, we understand how precious 'Me' time becomes. The quality of activities we choose to invest our time determines the trajectory of our wellbeing.
As book lovers, we understand how good is to read and engage with great stories. 15 to 30 minutes a day is enough to reset our minds and recalibrate our emotions.
Reading makes us better people. The habit of grabbing a book every day, reading about a different character, in a different place, in a different era but with very relatable problems and emotions make us more empathetic and understanding of others. This is what wenovelists stands for.
We envision a world where great authors and great stories sneak seamlessly into our daily routines and reading literature returns to be a priority in our lives.
What We Do
We promote reading as wellness activity
Literature becomes your monthly pause button, your way to process the world, your reminder that you're part of something larger than quarterly reports and client meetings.
We've experienced firsthand how the right book at the right moment can provide clarity, comfort, and perspective.
We hunt for voices that have powerful stories to share
Our team splits time across multiple locations, constantly reading and building relationships with publishers and writers from all over the world. We attend book fairs and connect with indie publishers in Taipei, Manila, Sydney, Singapore, London, Paris, Warsaw, Buenos Aires, San Jose, Vancouver, New York, etc. to ensure we find the right stories for our customers.
We specialise in deeply human literature from all over the world
We focus on books you will not find prominently displayed in mainstream bookshops or highly advertised online. Debut novels from young writers, old forgotten tales, challenging and thought-provoking ideas we are desperate to read. Overall, we search for literary fiction that sheds light to what it means to be and feel human.
Our Community
We serve customers across Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia who've turn reading into a weekly habit. Our subscribers include marketing directors, consultants, investment bankers, and entrepreneurs. Busy and successful people seeking for moments of solace and peace when reading a book.
Many discovered us through colleagues who noticed their reading habits had transformed. Others received subscriptions as gifts and found that monthly literary discoveries became something they genuinely looked forward to.
Supporting the Literary Ecosystem
Every subscription helps us pay fair prices to small publishers and emerging authors. When you subscribe, you become part of supporting diverse voices in literature.
Our Commitment to wellbeing
We're proud members of the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) because we understand that books, reading and writing, can be powerful tools for defeat mental health problems and build stronger minds.
Connect With Us
Have questions about our curation process? Want to suggest an author? Curious about corporate partnerships? Email our lead curator: esteban.espeleta@wenovelists.com
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We read every email and personally respond to our community.