Naomi Royde-Smith (1875–1964) was a prolific British writer and editor whose career spanned several decades of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Throughout her active years as an author, she produced a vast body of work that encompassed nearly four dozen published volumes. Her diverse literary output included numerous novels, biographies, and plays, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to the written word.
Beyond her achievements as a creative writer, Royde-Smith was a trailblazing figure in the field of literary journalism. She broke gender barriers by becoming the first woman to serve as the literary editor of the Westminster Gazette. In this influential editorial role, she demonstrated a keen eye for literary talent, helping to launch the careers of several major figures. Under her guidance, the publication printed the early writings of future literary icons such as Rupert Brooke, Graham Greene, Elizabeth Bowen, and Rose Macaulay, cementing her legacy as a vital supporter of twentieth-century literature.
