Gary Smailes

Gary Smailes has more than twenty years of experience in the publishing industry, working as a researcher, writer, editor, and publishing consultant. His background includes work with Big Five publishers, smaller presses, and independent authors, giving him a practical understanding of both traditional publishing standards and the realities facing writers preparing books for publication.

Throughout his career, Gary has championed the cause of small authors, believing that the publishing process should be democratic and accessible to all. He feels that every book deserves a voice, regardless of its marketing budget, and that the best stories and ideas will naturally rise to the top. This conviction has driven him to dedicate his career to giving smaller authors a platform to share their work.

Gary has a diverse background, having worked as a writer, historian, editor, and researcher. He holds a degree in biology and a post-graduate degree in military history from Liverpool University. His academic background is as eclectic as his professional experience.

He has authored several books, including the Brave Scot series, the Modern Hero series, and the BattleBooks series. With more than twenty titles in print with various publishers, his work has reached a broad audience. He also collaborated closely with the successful author Terry Deary as a researcher for the popular Horrible Histories books and TV series.

Gary fundamentally believes in the independent publishing process and sees the digital publishing revolution as a cornerstone for empowering thousands of authors to find their readership. He continues to write for both children and adults, with several books slated for publication. Represented by literary agent Andrew Lownie, Gary also frequently speaks publicly about publishing, the writing process, and self-publishing.