Carly Blake, Editor in Haverhill, UK

Overview

Hi! I'm Carly, a children’s book editor with 17 years of publishing experience and a passion for creating books that inform, inspire and entertain young readers.

I specialise in nonfiction for ages 3–12 and picture books with heart, humour or educational themes. My nonfiction interests are wide-ranging – from natural history, science and space to classical music, food and social issues – and I love working with authors to bring clarity, creativity and structure to their ideas.

Whether you're developing a picture book or a nonfiction title, I can help you refine your project through to polished proofread draft fit for self-publishing or query letter.

With a focus on structure, clarity and voice, my goal is to help you shape your manuscript with confidence. I also bring strategic insight to your project, grounded in real publishing and commissioning experience — helping you understand your book’s audience, genre and commercial positioning.

My approach is honest, detail-oriented and creative. I believe in strong collaboration and open dialogue between author and editor – the strongest books are created in this way.

Over the course of my career, I’ve helped shape hundreds of titles that have sold over 2 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 30 languages. Most recently, I was Senior Commissioning Editor at Templar Books, part of Bonnier Books UK, where I led the editorial direction on bestselling and award-winning titles including Ghostology (from the Ology series), The Language of the Universe and Sarah Maycock’s Sometimes I Feel....

TESTIMONIALS

“Carly is one heck of an editor ... She helps bring out the best in the WIP, always with a regard to the target market and the realities of publishing. Her dedication to the highest possible quality and her no-nonsense, personable manner means it has been a real pleasure collaborating with her. I can certainly recommend her.” — Dug Steer, Ology author

“I’ve been working with Carly for many years now ... She’s organised, provides clear instructions with strong scheduling skills, and supportive feedback. From an author’s perspective, one of Carly’s greatest strengths is that she challenges and checks, always making sure that my text is as good as it can be and seeks clarification when needed; her edits always work to improve what I’ve produced.” — Camilla de la Bedoyere, nonfiction author

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Editorial Assessment

Proofreading

Non-Fiction

Children’s Non-Fiction Nature

Fiction

Picture Books

Languages

English (UK) English (US)

Certifications

Proofreading PQB

Work experience

Freelance editor, writer and proofreader

Self-employed

May, 2025 — Present

Specialising in children's nonfiction, preschool, novelty and licensed books, I work with publishers, packagers and authors to help create and shape books at every stage of the publishing process. Services include writing, copyediting, concept development & idea generation, commissioning, fact checking and Americanisation/Anglicisation. I hold a Proofreading PQB qualification and I’m a member of the CIEP.

Senior Commissioning Editor

Templar Books (part of Bonnier Books)

Oct, 2018 — May, 2025 (over 6 years)

Lead editor at Templar Books and Big Picture Press on bestselling and award-winning titles including Ghostology, The Language of the Universe, and Gigantosaurus TV tie-ins. I commissioned and developed books for ages 0–12 across preschool novelty, complex pop-ups, picture books and illustrated nonfiction. In addition, my role involved list-building, developing strong relationships with agents, authors and illustrators and managing junior editors.

Senior Managing Editor

Templar Books (part of Bonnier Books)

Jul, 2015 — Oct, 2018 (over 3 years)

Commissioned and project-managed up to 15 titles a year, including co-edition successes My First Book of Nature, The Stardust That Made Us and See the Stripes. Developed content across STEM, natural history and emotional literacy. Led workflow and scheduling improvements across the team.

Senior Licensing Editor

Templar Books (part of Bonnier Books)

Jun, 2013 — Jun, 2015 (about 2 years)

Delivered 25+ titles a year for brands including Barbie, Power Rangers, Fisher Price and Hello Kitty. Worked closely with brand style guides and licensors for approvals.

Assistant Editor – Senior Editor

Miles Kelly Publishing

Mar, 2007 — May, 2013 (about 6 years)

Created engaging content across novelty, non-fiction and reference; co-lead on Discover the Extreme World (Discovery Channel encyclopaedia). Managed and mentored a junior editor.