Dawn Bates International Ltd (DBI) is proud to announce that its Founder and Managing Director, Dawn Bates, has been shortlisted for two prestigious UK business awards: the SME Role Model of the Year at the Great British Businesswomen’s Awards 2025 and the Social Impact Award at the National Businesswomen’s Awards 2024.
These accolades not only highlight Bates’ exceptional work with DBI but also shine a light on her dedication to empowering individuals with challenging or controversial stories. For many, Bates serves as a beacon of hope, challenging the elitism and snobbery prevalent in the publishing industry.
Founded by Bates, DBI is committed to driving global change through the power of social impact, advocacy, and healing via the written word. As a boutique publisher, it offers a range of services from bespoke author coaching and developmental editing to narrative therapy, distance learning, and retail opportunities.
“Dawn’s journey is one of resilience,” says DBI Marketing Manager, Henriette Howell. Facing challenges in finding a publisher who would back her vision, she established her own publishing company to amplify her voice. DBI now stands as a culturally diverse organisation with a global team, offering services across Australia, South Africa, and the USA in six languages.”
A Diverse Global Perspective
After sailing and travelling to 44 countries, Bates returned to Britain with a wealth of cultural insights. Her immersive experiences, combined with a multinational team, make DBI one of the most culturally aware publishing firms in the world.
“Dawn doesn’t just research from a distance,” added Howell. “She ventures into the most dangerous corners of the world, alone, to uncover stories that others won’t.”
These award nominations come at an opportune time for DBI, as Bates prepares for the second round of her signature 7 Week Author Course. Commencing on 1st November, only a few days following the announcement of the National Businesswomen’s Awards winners, this course aims to help aspiring authors navigate the complexities of the writing industry.
A Course That Transforms Writers
The 7 Week Author Course offers a modular, self-paced programme, encouraging participants to dedicate an hour a day to develop a habit that supports a successful writing career. Beyond boosting daily word counts and eliminating writer’s block, the course covers business planning, environmental considerations in publishing, and strategies for award recognition.
Bates’ entrepreneurial spirit, combined with her experiences as a single mother and an international advocate, provides her with a unique perspective to support writers as they navigate their journeys. As someone who has personally experienced the highs and lows of the publishing industry, Bates is well-positioned to offer practical and motivational guidance.
Activism Through Literature
Growing up, Bates found solace in books, which inspired her belief in literature’s ability to drive change. She describes herself as a ‘book nerd’ and views writing as a form of activism: “When you know what you stand for and own your voice, you become the person you were born to be.”
Her works cover a wide array of challenging topics, including menopause, sexual trauma, systemic abuse, and government corruption. One of her most ambitious projects, The Sacral Series, explores alternative healing methods. Additionally, she has collaborated with the Male Only Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Charity, Tough To Talk, to produce the anthology #ManUp, featuring men’s stories.
Beyond Books: A Movement for Change
DBI goes beyond traditional publishing by incorporating coaching, business strategies, and brand development. The company aims to break industry conventions and support one million authors through its 7 Week Author Course. Bates is determined to leave a lasting legacy through this initiative, encouraging authors to align their beliefs, values, and vision with their work.
In a world dominated by cancel culture, Bates sees her course as a crucial tool for authors looking to make an impact: “Now is the time to purge your thoughts and build a future you can be proud of.”
DBI invites authors worldwide to join this transformative movement and create a legacy that echoes across generations.
