Leodora Darlington

Leodora’s first foray into the world of books was an enjoyable time as a bookseller in the Harrods Bookshop. After her Creative Writing MA at Brunel University, Leodora took up a career in fiction publishing, her most recent role being Publishing Director at Hachette Book Group. She has worked in publishing for the best part of a decade, named a Bookseller Rising Star in 2021, publishing bestselling commercial fiction across commercial genres, with a particular interest in mystery and thriller novels.

When it comes to her publishing, Leodora loves to blend creativity and science, which has enabled her to both grow established bestsellers and also create new success stories. Previous authors she has worked with include: Angela Marsons, D. S. Butler, Frances Mensah Williams, Jeneva Rose, J. R. Ellis, Kathryn Croft, Lucy Goacher, M.J. Arlidge, M.M. Chouinard, Mandasue Heller, Matt Brolly, Shalini Boland, Steph Broadribb, and Tasha Coryell.

In 2021, Leodora launched the Owned Voices Novel Award. Shortlisted authors and winners have since gone on to receive representation from established agents at agencies such as Curtis Brown. Owned Voices aims to help writers from under-represented backgrounds who would one day like to see their novels in print develop both their writing talent and their understanding of the publishing industry.

In addition to Owned Voices, Leodora has launched other literature prizes with partners such as OWN IT!, Amazon Publishing, and Spread the Word. She has also been a judge for awards like the Lucy Cavendish Prize, Mo Siewcharran Prize and Criminal Lines Prize. You can also find her speaking at a range of festivals and panels, with previous speaking engagements at the Barbican, Southbank Centre, and Capital Crime.