We were in Lisbon in the early 2000s, when blogs were emerging as one of the biggest new trends on the Internet. For the first time, anyone could have a voice, write about whatever they wanted and be read by strangers on the other side of the world. All they had to do was have a computer with an internet connection, and literary zeal.

Among the many Portuguese blogs, from those that stood out with literary ambition, a small community of authors quickly formed. They met online and, little by little, met in-person to share their texts and passions.

One of these bloggers was none other than Gonçalo Martins. Years later, he would found Chiado Books and spark a new, innovative legacy in the publishing sphere.

Among bloggers at the time was plentiful – but hidden – talent, and an abundance of texts with a quality so impressive it championed many of the books we found in bookstores.

Gonçalo encouraged these authors to have their work edited, but their answers always echoed the same response: “I've contacted several publishers; but no one has responded”. The power of the written word had become stronger, and it became evident that something new had to be created to allow this development to find its footing.

The supporting of this momentous shift required the establishment of an innovative and accessible publisher, that was centred on the Portuguese-speaking author and gave opportunities to all the talent that remained in the shadows.

From this, the idea for Chiado Books was born.

At the beginning of 2008, the first titles – by authors already known to Gonçalo and who had not yet had the opportunity – began to be published. Resources were far and few between, but determination was abundant. Gonçalo’s office became his home; meetings with designers, partners and authors were conducted in cafes; and books were delivered with backpacks-on-backs and a helping hand from the Lisbon metro.

With each published work came a sense of immense fulfilment and joy, and passion for the project only flourished. This budding publishing house had planted its roots in the ground and was finally ready to branch out – this was only the beginning.