Testimonials
Awards
Winner of the Royal Mail Award. Winner of the Doncaster Book Award. Winner of the Aurealis Award.
Short-listed for the Leeds Book Award, The RED Book Award (Twice), The Royal Mail Award, The Angus Book Award (Twice), The Manchester Book Award, The Bolton Book Prize, The Waterstone’s Book Prize, The South Lanarkshire Book Award, The Stockport Book Prize, The Fantastica Award, The Sapphire Award, Shallow Waters Flash Fiction Prize and Adaptable. Quarter finalist in the Screencraft Cinematic Book Competition (Twice). Quarter finalist in the Screencraft Cinematic Short Story Competition (Twice).
Literary Rescue Service
Your work is an exemplar of our values -Queensland Writers Centre.
Jan-Andrew Henderson provided an amazing line and copy edit on my 100,000 word novel ‘Dog’. Dog is a complex book with time shifts, three narrators, four genres and a very particular prose style. He navigated that brilliantly. Every change he suggested enhanced what I was trying to achieve. I read his edit with a smile on my face, saying ‘yes, perfect, thank you’ all the way through… sometimes out loud. He improved clarity and flow, made the changes I’d have made myself if I’d been able to see my own work with fresh eyes. I never expected to feel so uplifted by red-pen corrections! Jan has not only improved the book, he’s also restored my confidence in it.
Award winning playwright Anita Sullivan (BBC Radio Drama Award. Writers Guild Award. Race in the Media Award).
I found my time in the fishbowl (QWC residency) a life giving but also challenging and at times isolating experience. My time with Jan was a breath of air in the environment. He took my feelings and mental health concerns seriously. On top of that, his advice and genuine warmth kept me engaged in the process. They are an asset to Queensland Writers Centre
Greg Rolles (Author of Janae)
From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank you for your time, mentorship, advice and providing some amazing feedback regarding my writing.
TY Hanson (Author of Millennium Exile).
Jan has a fantastic way of seeing missing plot points and character aspects no-one else catches. His gift for clearly capturing setting and character with minimal words and his clear and succinct editing make him invaluable. He is simply the best in his field.
Aiki Flinthart (Aurealis winning author of Blackbirds Sing and The Kalima Chronicles).
It felt like finally finding the last piece of a challenging jigsaw puzzle. I am so grateful to have found you Jan - a true gem. Your patience, understanding and tremendous help made working through the book a much smoother experience and most importantly, I trusted you with my manuscript. Many thanks.
Kathryn McCook (Flying Men and Metal Birds)
Was super happy with the edits Jan-Andrew gave me. His advice and editing skills are truly superb!
Pamela Jeffs (Winner of the Aurealis Award, Morrison Mentoring Short Story Award, Doug Murray Literary Award, Elyne Mitchell Story Award and Toowoomba Literary Award).
Wow! Thank you so much for the amazing feedback... fantastic. Daniel Leong (Author of The Ghastly Mr Denton and the Handsome Miss Jane)
I love your suggestions... Sooooo many good ways of improving the MS. You are a genius!
Melanie Page (Author of An Affair of Honour, The Chaperone, Sweet Captivity, A Twist of Fate, Tale Spinning: The Art of the Short Story and Bunyip Creek).
Your suggestions have been nothing but constructive and I am most grateful for them... I've learned so much from the advice you have given me. I couldn’t have made it this far without your encouragement and assistance. Christopher Levy (Author of the Pilgrims of the Fall Trilogy).
Was super happy with the edits Jan-Andrew gave me. His advice and editing skills are truly superb! Pamela Jeffs (Winner of the Aurealis Award, Morrison Mentoring Short Story Award, Doug Murray Literary Award and Fraser Coast Writing Competition, Elyne Mitchell Short Story Award and Toowoomba Literary Awards).
Jan’s insightful suggestions regarding character and plot weaknesses have been invaluable in taking my manuscript to the next level. In addition, his relaxed style was exactly what a fledgling author like me needed to feel at ease with the editing process. Karen Lieversz (Author of With or Without Panties).
Jan, you were invaluable in taking this manuscript and making it leaner, fitter, better. You have been a wonderful editor to work with. Louisa Duval (Author of Whisky and Sunshine and Memories of Ash).
Green Light’s services have been above and beyond. Helpful, insightful, and patient, Jan has been fantastic throughout the whole process. His edits and ideas improved the work immeasurably without changing its essence. For me he turned a good novel into an outstanding one.
David Shield (Author of My Father is an Evil Necromancer - shortlisted for the Publishable competition).
He’s made me sound like a writer! I’m so pleased and happy. It’s so much tighter and the changes completely make sense. It reads so beautifully. Far better than I could have dreamed of doing on my own. Neen Cohen (Author of Forgiving Reflections and Cold As Hell)
Thank you again for all your guidance and knowledge in helping me make this book what it is now. I really appreciate it! Matthew Lycakis (Author of Accepted)
I was having no success getting my non-fiction book published until Jan worked with me on a new cover letter, proposal and synopsis. A publisher who had ignored my previous communications immediately accepted it.
Charlotte Golledge (Author of The Graveyard and Cemeteries of Edinburgh and Greyfriars Graveyard).
Jan edited my book and helped polish the dialogue. Then, when I admitted I didn’t like my ending, he suggested a crazy alternative. It was exactly what the novel needed. Now I send everything I write to him for input.
Samantha Maclaren (Features writer in New York).
Thank you Jan for giving me such constructive feedback! You’ve presented it so positively and gave me great direction. You’ve made my day!
Caroline Ann (Author of The Girl in the Gift Shop).
Half way through my first novel I was completely stuck. Jan suggested brilliant new forms and avenues for the plot and characters and provided me with ideas galore. It inspired me to complete a work I would never have finished otherwise.
Charlie Guy (Author of Twist the Knifeman).
I had the pleasure of working with Jan Henderson across multiple manuscripts. His expertise in character development is unrivalled and he’s extremely knowledgeable in world building, pacing and story development. Most importantly, he respected my voice as an author.
Jemima McCusker (Author of Stone Guardians, Crossfire and The Last Druid).
General Reviews
Henderson writes the kind of thrillers that make you miss your stop on the bus. Times Educational Supplement
Jan Henderson has written some incredible books… One of my favourite authors. Sharon Rooney (star of My Mad Fat Diary and Barbie)
A moving, funny and original writer. The Austin Chronicle
One of the UK’s most promising writers. Edinburgh Evening News
One of the UK’s best talents. Lovereading.co.uk
If there were more books like yours out there maybe people would be reading more. Charlie Higson (Young James Bond and The Enemy series)
Book Reviews
Edinburgh New Town: A Comprehensive Guide
Henderson writes with great wit… you can almost hear the voice of a tour guide as you read the book. Southside Advertiser.
It’s Only the End of the World
A whirlwind of action and breathless exposition… A sharply built adventure with engaging characters. Kirkus Reviews.
Thrilling storytelling that is page-turningly brilliant! Full of drama, unexpected twists, genuine heartfelt moments and ACTUAL LOLS! Perfectly paced and wonderfully written. Daffodil McNugget is inspired - Her one liners are epic! Sharon Rooney (Star of My Mad Fat Diary and Barbie).
This book is a Hollywood holiday blockbuster, giant box of popcorn with your mates, having a good time romp… And the clown sequence is inspired.
Armadillo Book Review Magazine.
The Royal Mile: A Comprehensive Guide.
Henderson’s wit is hugely entertaining… with a host of intriguing facts and amusing anecdotes. Scottish Field Magazine.
Colony
Winner of the Doncaster Book Award. Short-listed for the Leeds Book Award and RED Book Award.
Readers will feel like they’re clinging on for dear life… flipping the pages, desperate to know what happens next. This book is mad, bad and dangerous to read. Scotsman Newspaper.
Highly original and extremely brave… a tour de force. Vulpis Libris.
A riveting read… far ahead of the average conspiracy thriller. The Bookbag.
Intelligent, visual and utterly gripping. Four Shires Magazine.
A beautifully executed, finely crafted thriller. Write Away.
Fast pace, genius plotting, original story line and compelling characters…. Brilliant. Lovereading.co.uk
Tautly written… the story hurtles towards its somewhat alarming conclusion. Carousel Magazine.
Crash
Short-listed for the Royal Mail Award, the Angus Book Award, the Manchester Book Award and the Bolton Book Award.
Enough pace and plot twists to keep fans happy, but this time there’s a little more room for his characters to breathe. Scotsman Newspaper.
Fast-moving, engrossing and extremely effective. Carousel Magazine.
A wonder in dramatic tension… there is a huge depth to this novel and coupled with the furious pace of the narrative drive, it left me unable to put this book down. Vulpis Libris.
Oh, I did enjoy reading Crash… an adventure story in the best tradition but it does have great thematic depth. Thoroughly enjoyable.
The Bookbag.
J A Henderson has produced another taut thriller, which compels from the first page… strongly recommended. Books For Keeps.
Fantastic. Teen Titles.
Bunker 10
Winner of the Royal Mail Award. Short-listed for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, The Angus Book Award, the South Lanarkshire Book Award, The RED Award and the Stockport Book Prize.
I raced thorough it… Great stuff. Charlie Higson (Young James Bond).
A high octane, action packed adventure story. The Guardian.
I finished reading it and just said, wow… 9/10. Sunday Herald.
A plot that crackles. Scotsman Newspaper.
A contemporary classic… this story is in a class by itself. In The Library Review.
Delivers an emotional punch as well as an adrenaline rush and more twists than the average roller coaster… a treat. Write Away.
Certain to attract a readership. Bookline.
Hold tight for a non stop thrill ride. Teenreads.
I was swept along by the sheer cleverness. It captivated me. Vulpis Libris.
Just like a good Crichton Book… makes you sit back and think. The Phoenix Book Company.
Every now and then a book comes along wherein the reader is genuinely surprised by a shocking development halfway through. This is one such stunner. Kirkus Book Review.
An intelligent, suspenseful novel with all the ingredients of the perfect thriller. - Teensread
Hunting Charlie Wilson
Very definitely on our list of must-reads. Scottish Book Collector.
Left me with my mouth open… a great read. I couldn’t put it down. Teen Titles.
A gripping story from page one… timeless. Write Away!
Fast, furious and totally gripping. The School Librarian.
Skilful and well paced. Scottish Association of Teachers.
Secret City
Contains enough plot to power half a library. Scotsman Newspaper.
A cracking read. The Sunday Post.
Sent chills and thrills down my spine. Vivian French.
A winner… a thrilling read… this book has it all. Derby Evening Telegraph.
Thrilling. Newsround, BBC TV.
Appealing and authentic. Sunday Herald.
A guaranteed bestseller… a terrific read. The Afternoon Show, BBC Radio.
An action packed, highly imaginative read. Bookfest.
Fast moving and inventive. Scottish Book Collector.
The Ghost That Haunted Itself
A haunting tale The Scotsman Newspaper.
Compelling. Daily Express.
A fascinating read. Dundee Courier.
Well written and gripping. Scottish Town & Country.
Fascinating. Lanarkshire TV.
The Emperor’s New Kilt
Fascinating. The Scotsman Newspaper.
Original and fresh. Aberdeen Press and Journal.
Amazing. The Daily Record.
Absolutely fascinating. Scottish Connection, BBC Radio.
Excellent. Carluke Gazette.
The Town Below The Ground
Spine Chilling. Scotland on Sunday.
Thoroughly recommended. Radio Scotland.
Fascinating. The Big Issue Magazine.
A fascinating book. The Daily Mail Newspaper.
Into the Sky of Miles (Play)
Sharp and blackly comic. The Scotsman Newspaper.
Roadkill Tamales (Play)
A moving, funny and original writer. Austin American Statesman.
On the Roof. (Play)
A dark intelligence and a unique way with words. Austin Chronicle.
Winner of the Royal Mail Award. Winner of the Doncaster Book Award. Winner of the Aurealis Award.
Short-listed for the Leeds Book Award, The RED Book Award (Twice), The Royal Mail Award, The Angus Book Award (Twice), The Manchester Book Award, The Bolton Book Prize, The Waterstone’s Book Prize, The South Lanarkshire Book Award, The Stockport Book Prize, The Fantastica Award, The Sapphire Award, Shallow Waters Flash Fiction Prize and Adaptable. Quarter finalist in the Screencraft Cinematic Book Competition (Twice). Quarter finalist in the Screencraft Cinematic Short Story Competition (Twice).
Literary Rescue Service
Your work is an exemplar of our values -Queensland Writers Centre.
Jan-Andrew Henderson provided an amazing line and copy edit on my 100,000 word novel ‘Dog’. Dog is a complex book with time shifts, three narrators, four genres and a very particular prose style. He navigated that brilliantly. Every change he suggested enhanced what I was trying to achieve. I read his edit with a smile on my face, saying ‘yes, perfect, thank you’ all the way through… sometimes out loud. He improved clarity and flow, made the changes I’d have made myself if I’d been able to see my own work with fresh eyes. I never expected to feel so uplifted by red-pen corrections! Jan has not only improved the book, he’s also restored my confidence in it.
Award winning playwright Anita Sullivan (BBC Radio Drama Award. Writers Guild Award. Race in the Media Award).
I found my time in the fishbowl (QWC residency) a life giving but also challenging and at times isolating experience. My time with Jan was a breath of air in the environment. He took my feelings and mental health concerns seriously. On top of that, his advice and genuine warmth kept me engaged in the process. They are an asset to Queensland Writers Centre
Greg Rolles (Author of Janae)
From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank you for your time, mentorship, advice and providing some amazing feedback regarding my writing.
TY Hanson (Author of Millennium Exile).
Jan has a fantastic way of seeing missing plot points and character aspects no-one else catches. His gift for clearly capturing setting and character with minimal words and his clear and succinct editing make him invaluable. He is simply the best in his field.
Aiki Flinthart (Aurealis winning author of Blackbirds Sing and The Kalima Chronicles).
It felt like finally finding the last piece of a challenging jigsaw puzzle. I am so grateful to have found you Jan - a true gem. Your patience, understanding and tremendous help made working through the book a much smoother experience and most importantly, I trusted you with my manuscript. Many thanks.
Kathryn McCook (Flying Men and Metal Birds)
Was super happy with the edits Jan-Andrew gave me. His advice and editing skills are truly superb!
Pamela Jeffs (Winner of the Aurealis Award, Morrison Mentoring Short Story Award, Doug Murray Literary Award, Elyne Mitchell Story Award and Toowoomba Literary Award).
Wow! Thank you so much for the amazing feedback... fantastic. Daniel Leong (Author of The Ghastly Mr Denton and the Handsome Miss Jane)
I love your suggestions... Sooooo many good ways of improving the MS. You are a genius!
Melanie Page (Author of An Affair of Honour, The Chaperone, Sweet Captivity, A Twist of Fate, Tale Spinning: The Art of the Short Story and Bunyip Creek).
Your suggestions have been nothing but constructive and I am most grateful for them... I've learned so much from the advice you have given me. I couldn’t have made it this far without your encouragement and assistance. Christopher Levy (Author of the Pilgrims of the Fall Trilogy).
Was super happy with the edits Jan-Andrew gave me. His advice and editing skills are truly superb! Pamela Jeffs (Winner of the Aurealis Award, Morrison Mentoring Short Story Award, Doug Murray Literary Award and Fraser Coast Writing Competition, Elyne Mitchell Short Story Award and Toowoomba Literary Awards).
Jan’s insightful suggestions regarding character and plot weaknesses have been invaluable in taking my manuscript to the next level. In addition, his relaxed style was exactly what a fledgling author like me needed to feel at ease with the editing process. Karen Lieversz (Author of With or Without Panties).
Jan, you were invaluable in taking this manuscript and making it leaner, fitter, better. You have been a wonderful editor to work with. Louisa Duval (Author of Whisky and Sunshine and Memories of Ash).
Green Light’s services have been above and beyond. Helpful, insightful, and patient, Jan has been fantastic throughout the whole process. His edits and ideas improved the work immeasurably without changing its essence. For me he turned a good novel into an outstanding one.
David Shield (Author of My Father is an Evil Necromancer - shortlisted for the Publishable competition).
He’s made me sound like a writer! I’m so pleased and happy. It’s so much tighter and the changes completely make sense. It reads so beautifully. Far better than I could have dreamed of doing on my own. Neen Cohen (Author of Forgiving Reflections and Cold As Hell)
Thank you again for all your guidance and knowledge in helping me make this book what it is now. I really appreciate it! Matthew Lycakis (Author of Accepted)
I was having no success getting my non-fiction book published until Jan worked with me on a new cover letter, proposal and synopsis. A publisher who had ignored my previous communications immediately accepted it.
Charlotte Golledge (Author of The Graveyard and Cemeteries of Edinburgh and Greyfriars Graveyard).
Jan edited my book and helped polish the dialogue. Then, when I admitted I didn’t like my ending, he suggested a crazy alternative. It was exactly what the novel needed. Now I send everything I write to him for input.
Samantha Maclaren (Features writer in New York).
Thank you Jan for giving me such constructive feedback! You’ve presented it so positively and gave me great direction. You’ve made my day!
Caroline Ann (Author of The Girl in the Gift Shop).
Half way through my first novel I was completely stuck. Jan suggested brilliant new forms and avenues for the plot and characters and provided me with ideas galore. It inspired me to complete a work I would never have finished otherwise.
Charlie Guy (Author of Twist the Knifeman).
I had the pleasure of working with Jan Henderson across multiple manuscripts. His expertise in character development is unrivalled and he’s extremely knowledgeable in world building, pacing and story development. Most importantly, he respected my voice as an author.
Jemima McCusker (Author of Stone Guardians, Crossfire and The Last Druid).
General Reviews
Henderson writes the kind of thrillers that make you miss your stop on the bus. Times Educational Supplement
Jan Henderson has written some incredible books… One of my favourite authors. Sharon Rooney (star of My Mad Fat Diary and Barbie)
A moving, funny and original writer. The Austin Chronicle
One of the UK’s most promising writers. Edinburgh Evening News
One of the UK’s best talents. Lovereading.co.uk
If there were more books like yours out there maybe people would be reading more. Charlie Higson (Young James Bond and The Enemy series)
Book Reviews
Edinburgh New Town: A Comprehensive Guide
Henderson writes with great wit… you can almost hear the voice of a tour guide as you read the book. Southside Advertiser.
It’s Only the End of the World
A whirlwind of action and breathless exposition… A sharply built adventure with engaging characters. Kirkus Reviews.
Thrilling storytelling that is page-turningly brilliant! Full of drama, unexpected twists, genuine heartfelt moments and ACTUAL LOLS! Perfectly paced and wonderfully written. Daffodil McNugget is inspired - Her one liners are epic! Sharon Rooney (Star of My Mad Fat Diary and Barbie).
This book is a Hollywood holiday blockbuster, giant box of popcorn with your mates, having a good time romp… And the clown sequence is inspired.
Armadillo Book Review Magazine.
The Royal Mile: A Comprehensive Guide.
Henderson’s wit is hugely entertaining… with a host of intriguing facts and amusing anecdotes. Scottish Field Magazine.
Colony
Winner of the Doncaster Book Award. Short-listed for the Leeds Book Award and RED Book Award.
Readers will feel like they’re clinging on for dear life… flipping the pages, desperate to know what happens next. This book is mad, bad and dangerous to read. Scotsman Newspaper.
Highly original and extremely brave… a tour de force. Vulpis Libris.
A riveting read… far ahead of the average conspiracy thriller. The Bookbag.
Intelligent, visual and utterly gripping. Four Shires Magazine.
A beautifully executed, finely crafted thriller. Write Away.
Fast pace, genius plotting, original story line and compelling characters…. Brilliant. Lovereading.co.uk
Tautly written… the story hurtles towards its somewhat alarming conclusion. Carousel Magazine.
Crash
Short-listed for the Royal Mail Award, the Angus Book Award, the Manchester Book Award and the Bolton Book Award.
Enough pace and plot twists to keep fans happy, but this time there’s a little more room for his characters to breathe. Scotsman Newspaper.
Fast-moving, engrossing and extremely effective. Carousel Magazine.
A wonder in dramatic tension… there is a huge depth to this novel and coupled with the furious pace of the narrative drive, it left me unable to put this book down. Vulpis Libris.
Oh, I did enjoy reading Crash… an adventure story in the best tradition but it does have great thematic depth. Thoroughly enjoyable.
The Bookbag.
J A Henderson has produced another taut thriller, which compels from the first page… strongly recommended. Books For Keeps.
Fantastic. Teen Titles.
Bunker 10
Winner of the Royal Mail Award. Short-listed for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, The Angus Book Award, the South Lanarkshire Book Award, The RED Award and the Stockport Book Prize.
I raced thorough it… Great stuff. Charlie Higson (Young James Bond).
A high octane, action packed adventure story. The Guardian.
I finished reading it and just said, wow… 9/10. Sunday Herald.
A plot that crackles. Scotsman Newspaper.
A contemporary classic… this story is in a class by itself. In The Library Review.
Delivers an emotional punch as well as an adrenaline rush and more twists than the average roller coaster… a treat. Write Away.
Certain to attract a readership. Bookline.
Hold tight for a non stop thrill ride. Teenreads.
I was swept along by the sheer cleverness. It captivated me. Vulpis Libris.
Just like a good Crichton Book… makes you sit back and think. The Phoenix Book Company.
Every now and then a book comes along wherein the reader is genuinely surprised by a shocking development halfway through. This is one such stunner. Kirkus Book Review.
An intelligent, suspenseful novel with all the ingredients of the perfect thriller. - Teensread
Hunting Charlie Wilson
Very definitely on our list of must-reads. Scottish Book Collector.
Left me with my mouth open… a great read. I couldn’t put it down. Teen Titles.
A gripping story from page one… timeless. Write Away!
Fast, furious and totally gripping. The School Librarian.
Skilful and well paced. Scottish Association of Teachers.
Secret City
Contains enough plot to power half a library. Scotsman Newspaper.
A cracking read. The Sunday Post.
Sent chills and thrills down my spine. Vivian French.
A winner… a thrilling read… this book has it all. Derby Evening Telegraph.
Thrilling. Newsround, BBC TV.
Appealing and authentic. Sunday Herald.
A guaranteed bestseller… a terrific read. The Afternoon Show, BBC Radio.
An action packed, highly imaginative read. Bookfest.
Fast moving and inventive. Scottish Book Collector.
The Ghost That Haunted Itself
A haunting tale The Scotsman Newspaper.
Compelling. Daily Express.
A fascinating read. Dundee Courier.
Well written and gripping. Scottish Town & Country.
Fascinating. Lanarkshire TV.
The Emperor’s New Kilt
Fascinating. The Scotsman Newspaper.
Original and fresh. Aberdeen Press and Journal.
Amazing. The Daily Record.
Absolutely fascinating. Scottish Connection, BBC Radio.
Excellent. Carluke Gazette.
The Town Below The Ground
Spine Chilling. Scotland on Sunday.
Thoroughly recommended. Radio Scotland.
Fascinating. The Big Issue Magazine.
A fascinating book. The Daily Mail Newspaper.
Into the Sky of Miles (Play)
Sharp and blackly comic. The Scotsman Newspaper.
Roadkill Tamales (Play)
A moving, funny and original writer. Austin American Statesman.
On the Roof. (Play)
A dark intelligence and a unique way with words. Austin Chronicle.