Susan Allott

Susan Allott is a critically acclaimed author whose debut novel, ‘The Silence’, was published internationally by Borough Press / Harper Collins in 2020 and was longlisted for the Crime Writers Association New Blood Dagger Award. Her second novel, ‘The House on Rye Lane’, was published in January 2024 and was a Sunday Times crime pick of the month.

Susan is an English Literature graduate, studying at Leeds University and then Goldsmiths College. She later went on to complete the Faber Academy course, and then the Jericho Writers self-edit course with Emma Darwin and Debi Alper. Susan began her mentoring career with the Leeds University Alumni Mentoring Scheme, supporting final year students with their publishing goals. She has gone on to work as a freelance editor and story consultant while growing her success with mentees.

Before she was published, Susan had a long career in the equalities sector, supporting disadvantaged people to believe in themselves and achieve their aspirations.

Specialises in: Contemporary, literary (including book club fiction), crime/thriller/action and women’s fiction.

Susan provides tuition for our Mentoring Service.

I am delighted to offer mentoring services to aspiring authors through Jericho Writers! My own road to publication was long and challenging, peppered with rookie errors that I would love to help other writers to avoid. I’ve benefited hugely from the tutors, mentors and industry professionals who have supported me over the years, and I will enjoy passing on that expertise to writers who work with me.

I am a firm believer that we all benefit from books that come from a diverse range of voices, from all walks of life. I know how hard it is to juggle writing with the need to earn money. I also know how confusing and intimidating the publishing industry can seem when you are outside looking in. I am a down to earth, approachable person and I love to see other people succeed.

My personal tastes lean towards crime, thrillers and mysteries, and I also love literary fiction where the prose sings and characters are convincing. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what genre your work fits into yet, I can help with that!