Mel Taylor-Bessent

Mel has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. She followed her passion for writing into university, and after graduating with a Creative Writing degree, she set up her own company at the age of 22 and ran creative writing after school clubs for children aged 7+. A few years later, she developed Authorfy – one of the UK's most-used literacy platforms that brings children closer to their favourite authors, and has gone on to host a 'Write for Fun' YouTube channel that boosts writing for pleasure. In addition to all of Mel's books becoming bestsellers, her debut 'The Christmas Carrolls' was chosen for the Blue Peter Book Club in 2023, and Mel was shortlisted for the Ruth Rendell Award 2025 for having the most impact on literacy in the UK.