Our Story
Harpreet Bahia arrived at her first meetings with publishers, manuscript in hand — a children’s book she had carefully created and nurtured. What she hoped would be a joyful milestone quickly revealed the very real challenges that so many new authors encounter.
Traditional publishers were hesitant to take a chance on an unknown voice unless it fit neatly into a “safe” trend. Vanity presses offered quick publication but demanded thousands of dollars upfront, often with contracts that put authors at a disadvantage before a single book was sold. Self-publishing promised independence, but also meant navigating editing, design, and marketing alone — a path that could feel overwhelming without support.
Through those experiences, Harpreet began to see how often authors were treated as transactions rather than creative partners. She believed there had to be a better way — one that put writers and their stories at the center. With this vision, our publishing house was born.
What Makes Us Different
At Touching Tales, we’re rewriting that story. Here’s how:
- No upfront fees
- Author-first contracts built on fairness
- Personalized support at every stage of the journey
- A focus on heartfelt, character-driven stories
We’re small, and intentionally so — which means every book we publish is handpicked, heart-held, and given the care it deserves. We’re not building a stone-cold castle. Instead, we’re creating a warm home with open doors — a place for stories that linger long after the last page.
Founded on the simple principle that everyone has a “tale to tell,” our publishing house is committed to amplifying voices from all walks of life. We work across a wide range of genres — from children’s books and adult fiction to memoirs, poetry, and beyond — ensuring our authors feel supported at every stage of the journey. Our mission is to publish work that resonates deeply with readers and leaves them with something meaningful to carry forward.
We believe storytelling has the power to inspire, educate, and entertain. We invite you to join us in making the world more touching, as a reader or a writer, one story at a time.
Meet the Team
Harpreet Bahia – Founder & Author
Harpreet Bahia, born in Toronto, is the founder of Touching Tales and an author herself. She’s passionate about making Touching Tales a home where connection through creativity truly matters. When she’s not on her laptop, submerged in a book, or in her journal, Harpreet can be found at a Pilates studio or enjoying time with her family.
Alex Hartley – Sales & Marketing
Alex Hartley, a Halifax native, focuses on blending creativity with strategy to help every tale at Touching Tales shine. With a passion for connecting stories to readers, Alex crafts campaigns that turn imagination into action. When not at work, Alex can be found road-tripping, exploring bookstores, or snuggling her dogs.
Marco Zerneri – Illustrator
Marco Zerneri is an Italian illustrator and designer whose work brings stories to life with heart and imagination. Splitting his time between Berlin and the Italian countryside, Marco’s illustrations inspire curiosity and creativity. With a background in graphic design and a passion for storytelling, his art celebrates diversity and wonder— making him the perfect creative partner for Touching Tales.