Alan Durant

Alan Durant – Editor

Experienced editorial consultant and award-winning author of books for children of all ages - toddlers to teenagers. I know what works!

Overview

After working for some years in publishing at Walker Books, I am now a full-time author of books for children from bestselling picture books such as Burger Boy, Dear Tooth Fairy and Always and Forever to top-end teenage thrillers (Blood, Flesh and Bones). I offer editorial feedback and advice on manuscripts informed by my knowledge, experience and expertise of the children's publishing world as a widely published author and publishing creative. I have written in many different genres - comedy, horror, fantasy, sport, thrillers, school stories, adventure, historical, picture books - and a wide variety of subjects from fairies to football, gameboys to grief.I also run courses on writing for children in France and Brighton, and for The Guardian and Penguin Random House Children's Books.
Services
Fiction
Middle Grade Picture Books Young Adult
Languages
English (AUS) English (CAN) English (NZ) English (SA) English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • The Royal Mail Scottish Children's Book Award
  • Portsmouth Children's Book Award
  • Stockport Children's Book Award

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2000 — Present
I do extensive work in primary and secondary schools, running creative writing workshops with the children, as well as giving interactive talks and presentations. I also run writing masterclasses through The Guardian and through Penguin Random House. I run writing workshops at my home in Brighton, and also writing retreats at my property in rural France.

Walker Books Ltd.

Jan, 1986 — Jan, 2004 (about 18 years)

Portfolio

Flesh And Bones

Alan Durant

Flesh and Bones From the ruins of an ancient abbey, British archaeologists unearth the skull of a young monk. Using the very latest technology, Liam's dad must attempt to put the flesh back on the bone and give life back to the skull. What did the young man lo... read more
Blood

Alan Durant

Let's Read! Football Fever
Buzz and Bingo in the Starry Sky: Band 10/White In this comical adventure, Buzz and Bingo find themselves in Outer Space trying to help a lost alien, XY5, find his parents. Along the way they meet a number of glittering constellations in the starry sky and a w... read more
Game Boy
When Holly sees a man who looks like Father Christmas, she decides to write him a letter: "Dear Father Christmas - is it snowing in Lapland? Please answer. Love Holly." And so begins the start of a touching penpal friendship with Father Christmas himself in wh... read more
Burger Boy

Alan Durant

Burger Boy
Dear Tooth Fairy

Alan Durant

When Fox dies the rest of his family are absolutely distraught. How will Mole, Otter and Hare go on without their beloved friend? But, months later, Squirrel reminds them all of how funny Fox used to be, and they realise that Fox is still there in their hearts... read more

Alan has 10 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Layton G.

Layton G.

May, 2022

Alan was a consummate professional. He really helped me see the project more clearly and let my idea whine through while adding his own valuable insights.
Edaqa M.

Edaqa M.

May, 2020

I felt the advice given was rather generic. The entire feedback could be reduced to a few key points for consideration without much concrete feedback on parts of the story. I'm okay with being recommended a picture book instead of a early reader, but it would have helped to give any idea of wha...
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Alan D.
I gave my honest opinion that there was a fundamental issue with this idea and I pointed this out. I also indicated some specific areas for consideration. I expected that there would be some furthe...
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Alison B.

Alison B.

Apr, 2020

Despite difficult circumstances, Alan has tried to keep in contact. His resources and feedback were excellent and I look forward to working with him again.
Matt A.

Matt A.

Jul, 2019

Alan gave tremendous feedback that I believe immensely improved my manuscript. I'm excited to continue working with him.
Aaron H.

Aaron H.

Jul, 2019

Alan provided very valuable feedback and great direction. I have a stronger story and I'm a better writer for spending some time with him.

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