Overview
My name is Chris and eight years ago I moved to London to make the dream of a lifetime come true: become an editor. You'll probably easily figure out the happy ending to that story!
Over the past eight years I have been lucky enough to work at three of the biggest and best publishers in the industry: Penguin Random House, Bloomsbury and Scholastic. I recently decided to leave in-house publishing to be a full-time freelance editor.
I've worked my way up from the bottom -- I started out by reading manuscripts in the slush pile as an intern and assisting the best editorial directors in the business. Today I am a full-time children's editor and I love what I do. I've learned so much since packing that suitcase years ago to embark on this wild journey and cannot wait to apply the skills I've developed as an editor to your manuscript.
My favourite part of the editorial process has to be cracking a developmental edit. I enjoy figuring out what makes each character special, what would strengthen the story and I will spot ANY plot hole. Having worked on picture books the majority of my career, I also think visually -- even if I'm working on a book with no illustrations! I'll always make sure your little readers can picture exactly what's happening on the page.
I work across all age ranges, from 0-5 picture book and 5-7 early reader, up to 7-9 middle grade, teen and YA. I pay close attention to the reading level of the books I edit, so apologies in advance for every time I say 'this word is too hard'.
I cannot wait to get started on your book, so please don't hesitate to get in touch and share your idea with me. Thank you so much for trusting me as your editor.
Chris x
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Certifications
- MA in Publishing (Distinction) – Oxford Brookes University
- BA in English Literature (Magna cum laude) - John Cabot University
Work experience
Self-employed
Clients include:
Hachette UK
HarperCollins Ireland
Walker Books
Pikku Publishing
And many more
Scholastic
• Has written and project managed four activity books based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler hit titles which will be publishing this year
• Writing, editing and project managing over 25 titles at once, including titles for brands such as Baby Shark, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and The Wonky Donkey
• Developing in-house concepts for the picture book list
• Collaborating with all departments to ensure the smooth-running of all my titles, from production and sales to design and publicity
Bloomsbury
• Edited and project managed independently about ten titles per month, while also supporting the Children’s Non-Fiction team with any research, proofreading, copyediting, fact checking, minuting or creative writing
• Teamed up with design colleagues to meet agents and illustrators, as well as created new formats for our varied list
• Managed the entire Children’s Non-Fiction ebook list and worked collaboratively with the complex ebook controller to translate physical formats into equally brilliant and fun ebooks
• Collaborated with the Senior Editor, Head of Non-Fiction and Publishing Director to proactively contribute new ideas and commission new titles in a range of different formats (picture books, big format books, lift-the-flap books, and more) with an international audience in mind
Bloomsbury
• Project managed the reissue edition of My First Book of London independently in first two months of work
• Achieved full responsibility of the Bloomsbury Activity Books list (including novelty titles) in first six months of work ensuring character inclusivity
• Wrote, planned and project managed Fantastically Great Women Who Made History Activity Book and Fantastically Great Women Who Worked Wonders Activity Book
• Managed the Bloomsbury Activity Books list (including novelty titles) ensuring character diversity and inclusion
• Juggled independently multiple projects at once while supporting a team of four with copy-editing, checking permissions, fact checking and proof reading to time, cost and quality specifications
• Liaised with external packagers, authors, illustrators and publishing partners (RSPB,The Woodland Trust, Kew Gardens) from beginning of projects up until publication
• Wrote strong copy for and communicated with Marketing and Rights teams for catalogues
• Wrote creative copy to be used on back covers, Amazon, and other platforms and updating metadata on Biblio
Penguin Random House
• Defined the coordinator’s role and duties for Penguin divisions and was a key asset to the team’s smooth transition to becoming a centralised department
• Absorbed double the workload by covering coordinator role for Michael Joseph and Penguin General
• Connected and organised meetings across departments to understand other teams’ expectations, needs & priorities
• Liaised with editorial, sales, marketing and contracts teams via email and in person to ensure data was accurate
Penguin Random House
• Assisted the department with setting up print, audio, eBooks and POS items on the publishing database
• Enhanced SEO increase online discoverability of titles
Penguin Random House
• Carried out this role whilst also studying for my masters degree
• Independently oversaw the publication of titles from start to finish, liaising with freelance and in-house team members
• Researched companies and brands in view to create new book collaborations and created proposals for acquisitions meetings
• Proofread page proofs, indexes, and bibliographies in their near-final versions
Portfolio
Christine has 13 reviews
Professionalism
Quality
Value
Responsiveness
Alex P.
Feb, 2023
Ladona H.
Feb, 2023
Sofia A.
Feb, 2023
Jo G.
Dec, 2022
Yael H.
Feb, 2022
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