The 30 Best British Authors

British literature is a rich tapestry of voices, styles, and genres that have left an indelible mark on the literary world for centuries. From the timeless works of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen to the insightful narratives of contemporary authors like Zadie Smith and Ian McEwan, British writers have shaped cultural conversations across the globe. In this article, we explore the 30 best British authors, showcasing their unique storytelling and the lasting impact of their works.

* Elizabeth O’Connor

Elizabeth O’Connor is a British author and academic based in Birmingham. She holds a PhD in English Literature from the University of Birmingham, specializing in the modernist writer H.D. Her debut novel Whale Fall (2024) explores themes of personal ambition and cultural preservation on a Welsh island. The novel has been published in multiple territories and was recognized as one of the Observer's ten best debut novels. O’Connor is also celebrated for her short stories, which have appeared in The White Review and Granta. She won the 2020 White Review Short Story Prize, establishing herself as an authority in contemporary literature.

* Elle Machray

Elle Machray is a British author of Caribbean and Scottish heritage, currently based in Edinburgh. She is a graduate of the HarperCollins Author Academy. Machray’s debut novel Remember, Remember (2024) reimagines the Gunpowder Plot through the lens of Delphine, an escaped enslaved woman. The novel earned acclaim, being longlisted for the Mslexia Novel Prize and shortlisted for Scotland's National Book Award. Recognized as one of the Observer’s top ten debut novelists of 2024, Machray has also received the Somewhere: For Us Culture Award. Through her writing, she engages with themes of history, identity, and resistance, establishing herself as an important new voice.

* Nicolas Padamsee

Nicolas Padamsee is a British author known for his debut novel England is Mine (2024), published by Serpent’s Tail. The novel examines identity and belonging through the lives of two second-generation immigrants in multicultural London, exploring themes of online radicalization and extremism. Padamsee holds an MA and a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia and is the founding editor of Arts Against Extremism, a literary journal addressing extremism through art. Padamsee’s work is noted for its nuanced portrayal of contemporary societal challenges and his innovative approach to storytelling.

* Kaliane Mong Huxham Bradley

Kaliane Mong Huxham Bradley is a British-Cambodian author and editor based in London. Her debut novel The Ministry of Time (2024) blends historical fiction with humor, imagining Victorian polar explorer Graham Gore navigating modern life. Bradley’s short fiction has earned awards, including the 2022 Harper's Bazaar Short Story Prize. With an editorial background at Granta magazine and a degree from University College London, she has contributed to outlets such as The Guardian and Time Out London. Her work often explores identity and cultural complexities, marking her as a distinctive voice in contemporary literature.

* Catherine Airey

Catherine Airey is a British author whose debut novel Confessions is set for release in January 2025. Born to Irish and English parents, Airey studied English at Cambridge University before moving to West Cork, Ireland, to write. Confessions spans generations, exploring themes of immigration, trauma, and identity, with a narrative connecting Ireland and New York. The novel has garnered attention for its emotional depth and social relevance, positioning Airey as a rising talent. With her Irish heritage deeply influencing her storytelling, Airey’s work reflects the rich tradition of Irish-British literary exploration.

* Garrett Carr

Garrett Carr is a British author and Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Queen’s University Belfast. His adult fiction debut The Boy from the Sea (2024) explores male emotions within a Donegal fishing community in 1973. Carr is also known for The Rule of the Land (2017), a critically acclaimed non-fiction book examining Ireland’s border. A mapmaker and scholar, Carr’s interdisciplinary work spans literature, geography, and cartography. His fiction and non-fiction highlight themes of identity and place, and his academic contributions further enrich his storytelling. Carr remains a prominent figure in contemporary Irish and British literature.

* Amy Twigg

Amy Twigg is a British author known for her debut novel Spoilt Creatures (2024), published by Tinder Press. The novel examines female rage and patriarchal violence, set in a women’s commune called Breach House. Twigg, an alumna of the Curtis Brown Creative writing course, won the BPA Pitch Prize and was shortlisted for the Mslexia Novel Competition. She was named one of the Observer’s top ten new novelists, and is recognized for her emotionally resonant narratives and emerging influence in contemporary British literature.

* Jamie Smart

Jamie Smart is a British comic artist and author best known for his children’s comics, including Bunny vs Monkey and Looshkin. His work frequently appears in The Phoenix and he has contributed to The Beano and The Dandy. Smart’s Fish-Head Steve was the first comic shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. In addition to his comics, Smart writes middle-grade novels, such as the Flember series, known for imaginative storytelling. A prolific creator, Smart continues to innovate in children’s literature, blending humor with engaging narratives that captivate young readers.

* Julia Donaldson

Julia Donaldson CBE is a celebrated British author and playwright, known for her contributions to children’s literature. She is best known for The Gruffalo (1999), and has published over 180 works, including Room on the Broom and Stick Man. Serving as the UK Children’s Laureate (2011–2013), she advocated for literacy and reading. Donaldson’s collaborations with illustrator Axel Scheffler have produced enduring classics, translated into numerous languages. Her rhyming narratives and engaging characters have garnered international acclaim, making her one of the most influential figures in children’s storytelling.

* Harriet Constable

Harriet Constable is a British author, journalist, and filmmaker, recognized for her debut novel The Instrumentalist (2024). Set in 18th-century Venice, the novel explores the life of violinist Anna Maria della Pietà and her struggles as a female artist under Vivaldi’s mentorship. Constable’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Economist, and the BBC. A grantee of the Pulitzer Center, Constable combines literary and journalistic expertise to craft immersive narratives. Her historical fiction has received critical praise for its vivid storytelling, solidifying her as a significant voice in contemporary literature.