Claire Sipi

Claire Sipi – Ghostwriter

Writer, editor and proofreader of children's books (novelty, activity, annuals, school reference, young fiction and licensed characters).

Overview

I have worked in the children’s publishing industry for over 30 years, first as an editor and for the last 10 years as a writer. I have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the children’s book market and have worked (project managing, writing and editing from concept to finished book) on non-fiction, reference and learning, novelty, fiction and licensed character publishing, for babies, pre-school and tweens through to young teenagers. I have experience in editing and writing for both trade and mass-market publishing. For the last 20 years, I have specialised in children's branded properties and TV/film tie-ins. I’ve always had a passion for words and books and I am fascinated by how children are excited, inspired and engaged by books. I love coming up with ideas and creative plans, but am equally happy to work to a specific brief. You can never underestimate the pleasure a book can bring or the power of words…


I have written and edited children's books in all of these categories: non-fiction, reference and learning, first concepts, homework helpers, novelty, activity (books and magazines), annuals, fiction (picture and chapter books) and licensed character publishing.


I also do proofreading, research and fact-checking, simple indexes and glossaries. I am happy to write sample presentation sales spreads or come up with page plans for new titles. I also love rewriting/abridging or retelling classic folk/fairy tales and superhero stories.


My clients include: Autumn Publishing, BBC Children's Books, Carlton, Catnip Publishing, Centum Books Ltd., DK Children's Books, Dynamo Design, Hacche Retail Ltd., Hachette Children's Books, Hodder Children's Books, Igloo Books, Orchard Books, Parragon Books Ltd., Pedigree Books, Penguin Random House, Priddy Books, Sainsbury's, Scholastic Children's Books, Shred-it, Templar, Twist Publishing, Warne, Warner Bros Publishing


Some of the brands I have worked on:

Superman • Batman • Wonder Woman • The Justice League • Super Friends • Marvel Avengers • Barbie • Frozen • Finding Dory • Lego Ninjago • Lego • Pokémon • Disney • Temple Run • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles • Moshi Monsters • Lonely Planet Kids • STEM • Pictura • Harry Potter • Disney • Peter Rabbit • One Direction • The Trash Pack • Pinkabella • Glitterbelle • CBeebies • Rusty Rivets • Peppa Pig • Little Kingdom • Bob the Builder • Tweenies • Teletubbies • In the Night Garden • Angelina Ballerina


I really do love my job and working in an industry where I get to be creative every day. I am a versatile and innovative writer, and a creative and 'visual' editor. I am always reliable and enthusiastic about every job I do. I am self-directed and have a dynamic and pro-active approach to work. And I will always deliver the work on time.


Please contact me about any potential project - writing, editing or proofreading - that I can help you with. I work from home to balance my work and home life around my family.


I look forward to working with you!









Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Education & Reference
Fiction
Middle Grade Picture Books Short Story Young Adult
Languages
English (UK)

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2011 — Present

I am currently self employed as a freelance writer and editor of children's books, specialising in activity, novelty, annuals, reference and learning in branded properties and licensed character publishing and TV/film tie-ins.

BBC Children's Books and Brands and Licensing at Penguin Books UK

May, 2004 — Mar, 2011 (almost 7 years)

Project manager and editor of brands and licensed properties.

BBC Children's Books at BBC Worldwide

Oct, 2001 — May, 2004 (over 2 years)

Project manager and editor of brands and licensed properties.

The Northwood Bookshop

Sep, 1999 — Sep, 2000 (about 1 year)

My duties included selling and ordering books, dealing with customer enquiries, managing the shop and supervising junior staff.

Self-employed

Jun, 1999 — Oct, 2001 (over 2 years)

Research and development, editing writing and project managing for the following companies: Marshall Direct, BBC Children's Books, Marshall Editions, Wordmap Ltd. (Internet research for development of Internet word search database), Full Steam Ahead Ltd.

Franklin Watts

Jul, 1998 — Jun, 1999 (11 months)

Project managing and editing school and library titles.

Marshall Editions

Aug, 1995 — Jul, 1998 (almost 3 years)

Project managing and editing non-fiction children's reference titles.

Kingfisher Books

Feb, 1991 — Aug, 1995 (over 4 years)

My first job in publishing. I started as the publisher's secretary and progressed to editor by the time I left the company. As editor, I project managed and edited non-fiction children's reference titles.

Portfolio

Includes your very own exclusive Moshling figurine! Young readers can learn more about the bright and exciting world of Moshi Monsters with the all-new Moshi Monsters: Character Encyclopedia! Arranged in an easy-to-use geographical format, familiar to fans of ... read more
Best-loved characters come together in this delightful collection, featuring Alice in Wonderland, Black Beauty, Heidi, Oliver Twist, The Secret Garden, Treasure Island, The Wind in the Willows, and The Wizard of Oz. Perfect to read aloud, these carefully abrid... read more
There is always time to read together with this treasure-trove of five-minute stories, fables, and well-loved fairy tales. There are over 30 easy-to-read stories to enjoy in this enchanting collection - and each one fits perfectly into the beginning, middle, o... read more
NA
Pokemon Annual 2016
Explore the world of LEGO® NINJAGO® and the characters and vehicles in this #1 New York Times bestseller that contains an exclusive Jay minifigure and 48 new pages.Also a Wall Street Journal bestseller and a USA Today Best-Selling book, LEGO NINJAGO: Character... read more
Tickle Teddy's tummy and stroke Peppa's glittery golden boots in this gorgeous touch-and-feel book. The perfect gift for little piggies who love Peppa!Based on the hit preschool animation Peppa Pig, shown daily on Five's Milkshake and Nick Jnr.
Totally Brain-Busting Number Puzzles has over 100 perplexing puzzles including counting puzzles, Sudoku puzzles and so much more!
Enjoy this selection of much-loved tales from all-time favorite storyteller Aesop in this beautifully illustrated treasury of fables.
BRAND NEW, Exactly same ISBN as listed, Please double check ISBN carefully before ordering.
BRAND NEW, Exactly same ISBN as listed, Please double check ISBN carefully before ordering.
Discover a world of amazing cultural festivals —all ready to be brought to life by you! Pick your favorite colors and create vibrant masks, hot air balloons, sun gods and more as you travel the globe to celebrate Diwali in India, Carnevale in Venice, Day of th... read more
Stress. Hormones. School. Social media. It’s a lot for a teenager to handle. Luckily, this guide has it all covered: the good, the bad, and the kind of icky. This is The (Nearly) Teenage Boy’s Guide to (Almost) Everything. Chapters include topics on: Puberty, ... read more
Stress. Hormones. School. Social media. It’s a lot for a teenager to handle. Luckily, this guide has got it all covered: the good, the bad, and the kind of icky. This is The (Nearly) Teenage Girl’s Guide to (Almost) Everything. Chapters include topics on: Pube... read more

Professionals similar to Claire

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Jamie McGillian

Jamie M.

I am an expert on children's books and educational resources.

100% reply rate

View profile
Ellis Weiner

Ellis W.

I have an extensive history in writing, editing, and teaching humor, parody, and satire, both in articles and novels. Also kids' fiction.

Los Angeles, United States

100% reply rate

View profile
Nic Albert

Nic A.

Editorial ventriloquist. Skilled in the art of making you sound like the best version of you.

San Francisco, CA, USA

100% reply rate

View profile