David Haviland – Editor

I have worked in publishing for more than 15 years, as an editor, author, ghostwriter, agent and publisher.

I've written/ghosted bestselling books for publishers including HarperCollins, Penguin, Piatkus, and Summersdale. One of my books was a NY Times and Sunday Times No.1 bestseller for a total of 13 weeks, and the best-selling non-celebrity memoir of that year. My most recent book under my own name, How to Remove a Brain, won The People's Book Prize for non-fiction in 2019.

I spent six years as a literary agent, and was selected as a Rising Star of 2013 by The Bookseller. When I left the agency, I was ranked #6 in sales worldwide for UK Fiction by Publishers Marketplace.

I am co-director of Thistle Publishing, which won the People's Book Prize for Non-Fiction 2017, was longlisted for the Not the Booker Prize 2018, and shortlisted for the Somerset Maugham Prize 2018.

I've worked in most genres of trade fiction and non-fiction, but I particularly enjoy working on crime, thrillers, humour, memoirs, biographies, and history.

“David is someone I both respect and trust, and his keen eye for a good manuscript is matched only by his clear knowledge of what to do with it.”

David Quantick, Emmy Award winning screenwriter and novelist

"David was 100% effective in selling my book, resulting in an excellent subsequent relationship with my publisher."

Marius Gabriel, bestselling novelist, and winner of the RNA Historical Novel of the Year award

“David has an exceptional editorial eye and I am extremely grateful for his help. He pulled my debut novel, The Lodger, together and was engaged and professional at all times. There is no doubt that without his input, my novel would never have sold to St Martin's Press.”

Louisa Treger, author of The Lodger (St Martin’s) and The Dragon Lady (Bloomsbury)

“David, acting as my literary agent, sold my first book to two publishers. One offered me a two-book deal. The original manuscript needed work, but David edited it and offered advice on revisions. His insight, literary experience, and professionalism cannot be overstated.”

Larry Enmon, author of Wormwood, The Burial Place, and City of Fear

“David's ability to look at the overall shape of my manuscript as well as the finer details really helped get me to get my novel up to publishing standard. His insightful suggestions led to changes that I hadn't realised were needed and made the story much stronger, yet he was also respectful of me as the author - allowing me to have complete creative control over my story and characters.”

Chloe Banks, award-winning author

“As a first time author, the support, belief and mentoring I received from David through Thistle Publishing was second to none. After a successful launch my book, A Life in Death, went on to win the People’s Book Prize for 2017 (non-fiction). David’s knowledge of the industry is demonstrated through his continuous support and professionalism.”

Richard Venables, author A Life in Death, winner 2017 People’s Book Prize