Gary Budden – Editor

I am an editor, publisher, writer, and PhD researcher with more than fifteen years’ experience in the publishing industry.

As co-founder and editor at the award-winning independent publisher Influx Press, I have spent more than a decade acquiring, developing, editing, and publishing books, helping writers transform manuscripts into published works that have won awards, been translated internationally, sold tens of thousands of copies, and been adapted for screen.

My perspective is informed not only by editorial work, but by years spent acquiring books for publication and identifying the manuscripts with the greatest potential.

Throughout my career, I've worked across independent and commercial publishing, helping writers strengthen their work, refine their vision, and navigate the realities of the publishing industry.

I specialise in literary fiction, horror, weird fiction, speculative fiction, place writing, experimental fiction, and humanities-based nonfiction.

My editorial approach is rigorous, honest, and constructive. Rather than offering generic feedback, I will focus on what makes a manuscript distinctive and help the writer realise its full potential.

My services include:

• Manuscript assessments

• Developmental editing

• Editorial reports

• Publishing consultancy

• Copyediting

Whether you’re preparing a manuscript for submission, revising a draft, or seeking professional insight into the publishing process, I provide detailed, practical feedback grounded in my extensive editorial and publishing experience.

My goal is to help writers produce stronger, more compelling work and move confidently towards publication. I like to work in dialogue with the author, offering sensitive and insightful feedback to help highlight your unique voice and to tell your story in the best way possible.

Highlights from my portfolio include:

BOY PARTS (Influx Press, 2020) – Eliza Clark. This has sold 80,000+ copies to date in the UK, is being developed for television, and is currently being translated into several languages.

PARADISE (Influx Press, 2026) – Ben Tufnell

TENDER (Influx Press, 2025) – Lauren DuPlessis

DELIVERYWOMAN (Influx Press, 2025) – Eva Wyles

WRECKS (Dead Ink, 2026) and LAMB (Dead Ink, 2024) – Matt Hill

WATER SHALL REFUSE THEM (Dead Ink, 2019) – Lucie McKnight Hardy

I look forward to working with you!

Gary