About Sunlit Plex
We're passionate advocates for the transformative power of reading, dedicated to helping people find books that enrich their lives.
How We Started
In 2015, Emma Richardson was working as a librarian in Central London whilst running informal book recommendations as a side project. Friends and colleagues would ask for suggestions, and Emma kept detailed notes about their preferences, reactions, and reading patterns in leather-bound journals.
One evening, a friend mentioned how difficult it had become to find genuinely good books amidst the overwhelming number of new releases. "I trust your judgement more than any bestseller list," she said. That conversation planted a seed.
Within six months, Emma had left her librarian position to launch Sunlit Plex. The name came from a William Blake poem she'd loved since university, evoking both illumination and complexity - the perfect metaphor for the reading experience she wanted to create.
What started as a one-person operation quickly grew. By 2017, we had our first team member. By 2019, we were serving readers across the United Kingdom. Today, our team has grown to eight dedicated literary professionals, but our core mission remains unchanged.
Our Mission
We exist to combat the paradox of choice in modern reading culture. With thousands of books published each month, finding truly meaningful reads has become harder, not easier. We cut through the noise to connect people with books that genuinely deserve their limited reading time.
Quality Always Wins
We recommend books based on literary merit, originality, and genuine reader satisfaction - never commercial pressure or publishing trends.
Individual, Not Generic
Your reading journey is unique. We reject one-size-fits-all recommendations in favour of truly personalised guidance.
Honest Expertise
We'll tell you when a hyped book doesn't live up to expectations, and champion brilliant works that haven't received enough attention.
Meet the Team
Our team combines decades of experience in libraries, publishing, literary criticism, and education.
Emma Richardson
Founder & Lead Curator
Former librarian with an MA in English Literature from Cambridge. Specialises in contemporary fiction and literary criticism. Has read approximately 3,000 books since founding Sunlit Plex.
Marcus Thompson
Senior Reading Consultant
Twenty years in independent publishing, with particular expertise in historical fiction and biographical works. Brings invaluable industry knowledge to our curation process.
Priya Sharma
Reading Group Facilitator
PhD in Comparative Literature from Oxford. Leads our reading groups with thoughtful questions that deepen understanding and appreciation of each selected work.
Oliver Chen
Genre Specialist
Expert in science fiction, fantasy, and speculative literature. Former bookshop owner who brings deep knowledge of genre fiction's finest offerings.
Sarah Williams
Non-Fiction Curator
Science journalist and avid reader of popular non-fiction. Helps readers navigate complex topics through accessible, engaging books across all disciplines.
David O'Brien
Classics Specialist
Former university lecturer in Classical Literature. Guides readers through canonical works with fresh perspectives that make classic literature accessible and relevant.
What We Believe
Intellectual Integrity
We never accept payment or incentives to recommend specific titles. Our suggestions are based solely on quality and suitability for each reader.
Accessibility Without Condescension
Complex or challenging books deserve enthusiastic readers. We help people approach difficult works with confidence whilst respecting their intelligence and curiosity.
Diverse Representation
Great stories come from everywhere. We actively seek out voices and perspectives that are underrepresented in mainstream literary culture.
Long-Term Relationships
The best recommendations come from understanding built over time. We invest in getting to know our readers deeply, refining our suggestions as their tastes evolve.
Joy in Discovery
Reading should be pleasurable, even when tackling serious subjects. We maintain enthusiasm and genuine love for books in everything we do.
Our Journey
Foundation
Emma Richardson launches Sunlit Plex, serving 23 readers in the first year through personal consultations.
Team Growth
First team member joins. Launch of curated monthly collections service, expanding our reach across London and the Southeast.
National Expansion
Service extends to readers throughout the United Kingdom. Introduction of reading groups in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
Pandemic Adaptation
Virtual reading groups launch during lockdown. Many continue by popular demand, allowing participation from anywhere in the UK.
2,000th Reader
Celebrate serving our 2,000th client. Team expands to eight specialists covering all major literary categories.
Today
Over 2,400 satisfied readers, 12,000+ books recommended, and a reputation as one of the UK's most trusted literary curation services.
Our Approach to Reading
We reject the idea that reading is a competition or a box-ticking exercise. Annual reading goals and book count targets can turn a pleasure into a chore. Instead, we advocate for mindful, engaged reading that prioritises depth over quantity.
Read at Your Pace
Some books deserve to be savoured slowly. Others are perfect for weekend immersion. We help you match books to the time and attention you have available.
Embrace Re-reading
Returning to favourite books often reveals new layers and insights. We celebrate re-reading as a valid and valuable part of literary life.
Permission to Abandon
Not every acclaimed book will work for you, and that's fine. Life is too short to finish books you're not enjoying. We'll help you find better matches.
Context Enriches
Understanding a book's historical moment, the author's influences, or the literary conversation it joins can deepen appreciation without requiring academic study.
Why Readers Trust Us
No Hidden Agendas
We don't receive commissions from publishers or incentives to push certain titles. Our only motivation is your reading satisfaction.
Transparent Expertise
Our team's qualifications and reading experience are genuine and verifiable. We bring real knowledge, not marketing copy.
Proven Track Record
Eleven years of consistently satisfied readers speaks to the quality and reliability of our service.
Personalised Attention
We limit the number of clients each team member works with to ensure everyone receives thoughtful, individualised service.
Continuous Learning
Our team reads constantly, attends literary events, and stays current with both new publications and overlooked classics.
Honest Feedback Welcome
We actively encourage readers to tell us when recommendations don't work, using that feedback to refine future suggestions.
Let's Talk About Books
Discover how our personalised approach can transform your reading life.
Get in Touch