Written by: Michael Rodriguez

Michael Legat: The Prolific Writer and Guardian of Romance Novels

Michael Legat, a renowned British writer, left an indelible mark on the literary world with his extensive range of romance novels and guides for writers. Born on March 24, 1923, in London, England, Legat's prolific career spanned over three decades, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers and readers alike.

A Career Dedicated to Writing and Guiding Authors

Before turning to full-time writing in 1978, Legat worked as the Editorial Director of Corgi Books and later Cassell, amassing 35 years of experience in the publishing industry. This expertise laid the foundation for his subsequent writing career, during which he penned numerous novels, guides, and non-fiction books that continue to inspire and educate writers to this day.

Fictional Works: Romance and Historical Novels

Legat's fiction portfolio boasts an impressive array of romance and historical novels, including:

• Harcourt Saga (1985)
• The Cast Iron Man (1987)
• Mario's Vineyard (1980)
• The Silver Fountain (1982)
• The Shapiro Diamond (1984)
• We Beheld His Glory (1988)
• The Retiring Highwayman (1998)
• Two's a Crowd (2001)
• The Prison Within (2001)
• The Pure in Heart (2001)

Guides and Non-Fiction Works: Empowering Writers

Legat's non-fiction books and guides have been instrumental in helping writers navigate the complexities of the publishing industry and hone their craft:

• Dear Author: Letters from a Working Publisher to Authors, Prospective and Practiced (1972)
• An Author's Guide to Publishing (1982)
• Putting on a Play (1984)
• Writing for Pleasure and Profit (1986)
• The Illustrated Dictionary of Western Literature (1987)
• The Nuts and Bolts of Writing (1989)
• How to Write Historical Novels (1990)
• Plotting the Novel (1992)
• Understanding Publishers' Contracts (1992)
• A Writer's Guide (1993)
• The Writer's Rights (1995)
• An Author's Guide to Literary Agents (1995)
• Revision: An Author's Guide (1998)
• Michael Legat's Writers' Guides (1999)
• Writing Your Life Story (1999)
• Rehearsal (1999)
• They Read Books and Go to Cocktail Parties (2000)
• Writing for a Living (2000)
• The Ultimate Simple Writer's Guide (2004)

Awards and Honors

Legat's contributions to the literary world were recognized through his appointments as Chairman of the Swanwick writers' summer school and Associate Vice-President of the Romantic Novelists Association.

Legacy and Impact

Michael Legat's passing on August 15, 2011, marked the end of an era, but his work continues to inspire and educate writers. His extensive range of guides and novels has left an indelible mark on the romance and historical fiction genres, cementing his position as a guardian of the literary world.