Tributes pour in for ‘beautiful, generous, funny and gentle’ author Marcus Sedgwick

Tributes are pouring in for the late author Marcus Sedgwick, who has died “unexpectedly” aged 54.

In a statement to The Bookseller this morning (17th November), an RCW spokesperson said: “It is with deep regret that RCW announces the unexpected death of author Marcus Sedgwick. His family and close friends request privacy at this very sad and difficult time.”

Sedgwick, born 8th April 1968 in a small village in Kent, lived most recently in the south of France. His books include Wrath, published by Barrington Stoke in March this year; Midwinter Blood, published by Indigo and winner of the Michael L Printz Award; and My Swordhand is Singing (Orion Children’s Books), which won the Booktrust Teenage Prize. He wrote more than 40 books in total. 

Hilary Murray Hill, c.e.o of Hachette Children’s Group and Alastair Williams, m.d. of Summersdale, said in a joint statement: "We are extremely saddened to hear the news about Marcus Sedgwick. Marcus wrote many award-winning, powerful books for young people, and we are extremely proud to publish some of his best work – both fiction and non-fiction – at Hachette. Those who had the good fortune to work with him will remember his astonishing creativity, the breadth and depth of his talent and his unforgettably beautiful and moving use of language.  He was also a charismatic man and always fascinating to talk to. This is a real loss to children’s literature."

Sedgwick’s friend and fellow author Phil Earle, author of the British Book Award-winning When the Sky Falls (Andersen Press), said: “My friend has passed away and the world is so much shallower & uglier. He was a beautiful, generous, funny & gentle man. He was brave and loving and he kept me safe every single time I needed him. I wish so much I could speak to him again. I miss my pal.”

He told The Bookseller: “Many people call themselves writers, Marcus was an artist. His novel plans alone could’ve hung on the walls at the Tate. He was a gentle man, funny and constant: he was the finest friend I could’ve asked for. I can’t tell you how much I miss him, I just hope booksellers and librarians are able to celebrate him, to do that special thing only they can do, which will keep him with us.”

Writing on Twitter, Sedgwick’s primary agent at RCW, Claire Wilson, said: "Marcus was at the start of everything for me—his work reminded me of what children’s books can do and why they matter. I will always be grateful for the honour of getting to represent him, and finding such a kind, wise and funny person behind the writing. It is an immense loss." 

Jon Woolcott of indie publisher and bookshop Little Toller told The Bookseller: "We published Marcus’ book Snow as part of our monograph series in 2016. From the beginning to the end working with Marcus was an absolute joy.

"He had once been a bookseller and then worked for publishers, so knew exactly how to approach the publishing journey, and he did so with humility, kindness and unfailing good humour. The book was wonderful, one of his few forays into writing for adults, but he examined the world of snow with sensitivity, depth, knowledge and feeling. The book became a Radio Four Book of the Week at Christmas that year. Marcus approached every part of the publishing with professionalism—he was always a favourite with booksellers, who appreciated both his talent and his approachability. We are devastated to hear of his death and we know that the wider world of books will be equally sad."

Sally Nichols, author of All Fall Down and Things a Bright Girl Can Do (Andersen Press), described Sedgwick’s death as “a great loss to children’s fiction and YA”, writing on social media: “He was an innovative and unusual storyteller, who always treated his audience with huge respect”.

The Scottish Book Trust said it was “deeply saddened” by the news, and author William Hussey said: “Marcus was one of those authors whose work was not only spellbinding and beautifully crafted, he was also incredibly generous to other authors, especially those just starting out. He will be much missed.” David Almond, author of Skellig (Delacorte Press), described Sedgwick as “a gentle and helpful friend and a fearless writer”.