Editor
Best-selling authorMark Leggatt
Mark is a manuscript assessor, editor and author who’s twice topped Blackwell’s bestseller list.
He’s the author of four books: Penitent, Names of the Dead, The London Cage, and The Silk Road. His most recent book, Penitent, was long listed for the 2023 Bloody Scotland Crime Book of the Year, The McIlvanney prize.
Mark has produced detailed editorial reports, manuscript assessments and submission reviews for clients in the UK, EU and North America. He also provides expert advice on submission packs, and how to grab the reader from the first page of your novel.
He began his writing career taking advice and receiving manuscript assessments by professionals on his own debut novel, so he knows what it takes to become published and secure an agent.
If you’d like to work with Mark, get in touch with our Writer Support team; tell us about your book and what you’d like support with, and we’ll help you identify your next steps.
An insightful and highly skilled editor
– Neil Broadfoot,- Author, and McIllvanney and Dundee International Book Prize nominee
An eye-opener
– Ronnie Hewitt, Author
I couldn’t have written my first book without his help and guidance
– Mark Lavery, Author
Mark's specialties
Why we love Mark
Mark has a wealth of experience that he puts forward into every assessment we send his way. He’ll give you the tools you need to keep working on your writing craft, as well as addressing the specifics of your manuscript.
What Mark says about editing
Writing editorial reports on your manuscript or submission package is what I love to do. It’s a great feeling to know that you’ve made a difference by passing on the hard-won experience of the journey to being published.
I know it’s a big commitment spending money on professionals to assess your work, because I did the same more than fifteen years ago, and their advice has helped me immeasurably in my career.
I also lead workshops on all aspects of the writing life and how to get published as part of Live Literature, a scheme sponsored by The Scottish Government and The Scottish Book Trust. I have participated in Bridges Beyond Boundaries, a literary programme supported by The British Council in India and Scotland.
One thing to remember is that a great book doesn’t happen by accident, it takes hard work and dedication. As Ernest Hemingway said;
‘It’s none of their business that you have to learn how to write. Let them think you were born that way.’
What Mark works on
By purchasing any of these products, you'll have the opportunity to express your interest in working with Mark.
Manuscript Assessment
Developmental Editing
Agent Submission Pack assessment
Post-editorial guidance
Opening Section Review
Mark's published books
