NORTH-EAST authors are riding high in bookseller charts after being signed by the same publisher.

Recent releases from Darlington novelist John Dean and fellow crime writer Bud Craig, from Hurworth, are receiving rave reviews on Amazon.

Mr Dean’s latest murder mystery Dead Hill and Mr Craig’s Gus Keane detective series are among the latest titles promoted by publisher The Book Folks.

The company initially offered a book deal to Mr Craig and later pledged to release the past and present work of his friend Mr Dean.

Mr Craig said: “First of all I couldn’t believe it but it was great to hear – it’s nice to know there are people out there reading my work.”

Offering advice to other writers hoping to make a success of their work, Mr Craig said: “Ask yourself if you really want to write and if you do, set aside the time and just do it.”

Creative writing tutor Mr Dean added: “There is so much talent out there and there are more opportunities to be published than there ever has been.

“You have to be thick-skinned and not afraid of rejection but remember you can learn a lot from negative reviews.

“Make sure your manuscript is the best it can possibly be before sending it off – the process can be dispiriting but the breaks are there if you work hard enough, particularly with independent publishers.”