Claire McKenna, Editor in Frome, UK

Overview

I am an approachable and creative editor with 15 years' experience in the publishing industry. I have previously worked in-house at Oxford Children’s Books and Chicken House, working on bestselling and award-winning fiction for ages 5+ up to YA. Now freelance, my clients include Oxford Children’s Books, Chicken House, David Fickling Books, and Pushkin Press. I am also an Industry Editor for the Golden Egg Academy, where I mentor aspiring children’s book writers and help them to hone and craft their manuscripts. I enjoy working with clients at all stages of the editorial process from structural edits to proofreading stage and am passionate about helping to create top quality children’s books that will delight and inspire the next generation of readers.

Testimonials:

‘We have worked with Claire on projects big and small, and her calm understanding of an author's needs as well as her precise attention to detail makes her an invaluable and reliable colleague.'

Barry Cunningham OBE, Publisher and Managing Director of Chicken House

'Claire has worked on three of my novels—Below Zero, She Wolf, and Nisha’s War—and each time, Claire’s comments and suggestions have been clear, helpful, and insightful. Claire always finds the things I have overlooked during redrafts, and she has always contributed to a more polished story. It is important for me to have confidence in the people who collaborate with me on my books, and I have complete trust in Claire.’

Dan Smith, author

'Claire is a creative and meticulous editor whose attention to detail is second to none. She has a positive and cheery attitude to her work which rubs off on those around her.’

Kathy Webb, Editorial Manager at David Fickling Books

'With her attention to detail alongside a clear view of what you are trying to achieve, Claire will work hard to challenge weaknesses, tighten sagging plotlines, strengthen—or even kill off!—unconvincing characters, breathe life into dull dialogue, and generally bring out your best as an author, helping you to take your story to the next level.'

Danny Rurlander, author

Services

Developmental Editing

Copy Editing

Proofreading

Fiction

Coming of Age Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Social & Family Issues Young Adult Fantasy

Languages

English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Industry Editor

Golden Egg Academy

Sep, 2022 — Present

Nurturing new writers to develop their stories, providing editorial feedback on their manuscripts and advice on navigating the modern publishing landscape.

Freelance Editor

Self-employed

Nov, 2015 — Present

Providing editorial services for children's publishers including structural and line edits, copy editing and proofreading, anglicizations and sensitivity reads.

Desk Editor (maternity cover)

Chicken House

Jan, 2017 — Sep, 2017 (8 months)

Organizing, checking, and collating copy-edited and proofread manuscripts. Liaising with authors, freelance editors and proofreaders. Reading for the Times/Chicken House fiction and Open Coop competitions.

Editor

Oxford Children's Books

Jul, 2014 — Nov, 2015 (over 1 year)

Providing feedback to authors on their manuscripts. Liaising with design and production to ensure books published on time and to budget. Building relationships with agents.

Editorial Assistant

Oxford Children's Books

May, 2011 — Jun, 2014 (about 3 years)

Co-editing manuscripts. Responding to author and agent queries. Working with production, design, sales and marketing teams to publish books on time and to budget. Writing sales copy.

Editorial Assistant

Taylor and Francis

Oct, 2009 — Apr, 2011 (over 1 year)

Working with academic authors and production to ensure educational titles are published on time and to budget. Maintaining databases and other systems.