I met Sareeta Domingo in 2019. I was on a yearlong career break and grappling with various ‘life decisions’ ie whether to stay in the UK and which career to pursue. I had free time on my hands which I was using to rework a manuscript (that would eventually become Goddess Crown) and attend Black literary events.
I became aware of Sareeta because I would see her at many of these events. When I began working on a blog post for Coffee Bookshelves about Black British Romance, friends pointed me in her direction as she was both published in the genre and the only senior Black editor at Harlequin Mills & Boon. I grew eager to interview her for a profile piece as she was such a unicorn in UK publishing. I reached out and was delighted when she wrote back agreeing to a chat.
We met at a Pret a Manger off London Bridge, near her office, and it was like talking with a friend. She candidly shared her background and career journey. I was amazed at how many projects she had on the go and yet how chilled and relaxed her energy was. She was knowledgeable about the publishing landscape and unequivocal about the shortcomings when it came to diversity. When I told her about my career dilemma she was generous with advice and invited me to stay in touch and reach out if I needed any help.
I published the profile a year later. By this time I was in a new marketing role back in Canada, but we stayed in touch. I watched her career soar and cheered her on. When she was appointed publishing director at Jacaranda Books in March 2025 I emailed her my congratulations. She sent back a warm response.
Her sudden loss on September 12 is a tragedy for publishing and for the world at large. Sareeta was radiant, fiercely intelligent, and a creative juggernaut. She lifted Black creatives up in any way she could and even as her status in publishing rose, she was always accessible and caring of everybody she interacted with. She achieved so much during her lifetime as a result of her drive and her determination to create the changes she wanted to see. The seeds she planted during her life have already begun to bloom in the form of more representative stories in bookshops, publishers that evolved and improved under her influence, anthologies she spearheaded that amplified the voices of Black writers, and new writers she mentored. We will continue to see the evidence of her work and her dedication for years to come.
Rest easy, Sareeta. As many others have said, you were truly the best of us.
Coffee Bookshelves 