Claire Sipi – Ghostwriter

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 e-mail or call me (it is always nicer to chat in person) 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 - and my teenage daughter is always a great source of inspiration and information for what is current and on-trend with young people.

I look forward to working with you!


I worked with Claire in my editorial role at Parragon Books. She was one of our go-to editors/authors, particularly strong on creating book plans for complicated projects and writing text (including dynamic retellings and original stories for treasuries), and was certainly easy to work with. She quickly grasped briefs and always delivered as promised. Working with Claire was always a pleasure, and I'd highly recommend her for any children's editorial or writing work. (Laura Baker - Children's Book Editor and Author)

Having worked with Claire on all manner of children's activity titles, I have always found the process a smooth and enjoyable one. She brings a wealth of creativity to each project and writes fresh, engaging text that is always well-pitched for the target age. She never misses a deadline and is quick to adapt text to fit with evolving design. A real pleasure to work with! (Robyn Newton - Editor/Illustration Agent)

Claire was invaluable as we did further development of our first project, a children's book series, assisting us with improving the design layout and producing a great final edit of the text. She was able to be totally in tune with the project's sensibilities, whilst using her wide experience in the industry to help hone our material with a book-buying audience in mind. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend her or work together again! (Jamie Badminton - Creative Director/Producer at Karrot Animation)

Claire is a fantastic person to work with. A person who gives you the total confidence to manage projects with the highest eye for detail. A great team player. (James Evans - Senior Designer at Penguin Group UK)

I've worked with Claire for many years and have always been able to rely on her expert knowledge, her friendly professionalism and her ability to stay calm in any situation. She's an absolute asset to any team. (Leanne Gill - Publisher at Penguin Random House Children's)

I've been lucky enough to work with Claire at a number of organisations during the last 15 years – first at Larousse Kingfisher, then in the children's division at BBC Worldwide, as well as more recently at Penguin Group UK. Claire is a first-rate editor with a deep understanding of children's books, based on years of experience and a passion for what she does. She is comfortable managing a wide and varied list, ensuring that every project is delivered on time and to budget. As well as possessing the rare ability of being able to grasp a brief very quickly, Claire has a rigorous editorial eye and a delightful writing style - I wouldn't hesitate in recommending her to any publisher. (Mandy Archer - Kid's Author, Creative at 38a The Shop, Editorial Director - Head of Brand, Harry Potter at Bloomsbury Publishing Plc)

Claire is a thoughtful editor who specialises in children's books. She's particularly strong with preschool brands and has a wide range of experience working on fast-moving projects. She is a pleasure to work with. (Eric Huang - Advisor at One Third Stories)

Claire is one of the best editors I've ever had the pleasure to work with. She's incredibly creative, with a 'can do' attitude. Her calm level-headed nature makes her a dream to work with. Any publisher would be lucky to have Claire on board. (Ali Ardington - Freelance Designer and Illustrator)

I had the good fortune to work for Claire on a number of occasions whilst working for the BBC. She is an incredibly talented and patient editor. She allowed me to have creative input where it was needed and is great to brainstorm ideas with. She always gives 110% on everything she works on. Dependable, loyal, amiable, always delivering. A great editor to work with. (Nina Tara - Freelance Art Psychotherapist at Chroma)