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
Fiction
Languages
Work experience
Self-employed
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
Project manager and editor of brands and licensed properties.
BBC Children's Books at BBC Worldwide
Project manager and editor of brands and licensed properties.
The Northwood Bookshop
My duties included selling and ordering books, dealing with customer enquiries, managing the shop and supervising junior staff.
Self-employed
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
Project managing and editing school and library titles.
Marshall Editions
Project managing and editing non-fiction children's reference titles.
Kingfisher Books
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
