Lynsey May

Lynsey May is a Scottish author and copywriter based in Edinburgh. She is best known for her debut novel, Weak Teeth (2023), a blackly comic exploration of family, infidelity, and extreme toothache. The book became Waterstones Scottish Book of the Month for May 2024.

Lynsey May holds a Master's degree in Creative Writing from the University of Edinburgh (2007) and an undergraduate degree in English Literature from the same institution (2005).

In June 2024, Lynsey May was selected as one of the "10 Rising Stars of UK Writing" as part of ILX 10, an international literary exchange program organized by the National Centre of Writing. Her awards include the Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award (2013), the Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship (2015) and recognition as an Emerging Scottish Writer at Cove Park (2016). Furthermore, she won first prize in the Fresh Ink 2020 novel competition and was shortlisted for the Alpine Fellowship.

May's short fiction has been published in various reputable journals and anthologies, such as The Stinging Fly, Gutter, New Writing Scotland, and Banshee. Her work often explores complex human emotions and societal issues, characterized by a distinctive voice and keen observational skills.

Beyond her literary pursuits, Lynsey May is an experienced freelance copywriter and content creator with a background in SEO and usability-friendly web content. She has worked with various clients, including British Airways, Harley Medical, Debenhams, Boots, Tesco Bank, and Bang & Olufsen. Previously, she served as the Books Editor at The List, where she further honed her editorial skills.

Lynsey May continues to live and write in Edinburgh.

Photo credit: John Need Media