Alex Saunders – Editor

I’m a huge crime and thriller fiction fan and this was my focus while working as an Editorial Director for a Big Five publisher, Pan Macmillan, in London. There’s nothing quite like being immersed in a gripping crime novel or a sensational thriller that hooks you in and doesn’t let go until the final page and helping authors deliver the best possible version of the story they want to tell gives me great satisfaction. Authors I've edited and published over the years have won, or been shortlisted for, the Crime Writers' Association Daggers, Scotland's McIlvanney Prize, The Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize and the Historical Writers' Association Debut Crown.

I’m always interested in manuscripts that have unique voices and hooks, breath-taking twists, stylish writing, driving plots and a strong sense of place in either contemporary or historical settings. As part of the Pan Fiction team, I’ve worked with authors including Ann Cleeves, Jane Harper, Peter James and David Baldacci.

Ann Cleeves had this to say about working with me: "I loved working with Alex. He's everything an editor should be: calm, responsive and a champion for his authors."

I love editing across the broad church that is crime and thriller fiction – from evocative historical mysteries to razor-sharp psychological thrillers, heart-warming cosy crime to intricately plotted police procedurals and upmarket international thrillers from around the world. I have a friendly, supportive and encouraging style where I will tell you what is working (I always include line-level praise to give authors a boost during the editing process!) and what isn't (with specific feedback and suggestions on other things you could try) to help you produce a novel that you are proud of. I can also give you insider knowledge about what top publishers are looking for in order to boost your chances of securing literary agent representation if that is your goal.

Let me help you take your manuscript to the next level!

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"Working with Alex across two novels was a great pleasure, and a professional privilege. He is considered, kind and dedicated to making the work the best it can be. I can't recommend him highly enough!" Hayley Scrivenor, internationally best-selling author of Dirt Town and Girl Falling

"Alex Saunders is a terrific editor. He saw things in our work that we didn't even know where there, and helped us to lift the highlights and weed out the things that didn't work. His care and attention to detail were simply brilliant" RL Graham, author of Death on the Lusitania