Clare Whitston

Clare Whitston – Editor

Experienced editor specializing in picture books, MG and YA with a warm and collaborative style designed to help you deliver your best work!

Overview

A good editor brings the tools and insight to help a writer deliver their very best work, and I love supporting authors on this creative journey.

I have over seventeen years’ publishing experience, working on internationally best selling series, award-winning fiction, non-fiction, picture books, and lavish gift editions. As the senior commissioning editor of children’s fiction at OUP, I was longlisted and shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award and edited award-winning authors as well as developing exciting debut voices. As creative lead on IP development at OUP, I loved conceptualizing stories, characters and worlds, writing style bibles and storylines for globally successful series'.

As a freelance children’s books specialist I offer editorial expertise and IP development in the children’s books market, working with publishers, authors and agents to build an even brighter, more inclusive and creative publishing landscape for readers everywhere.

I am available for editing, creative development, copy editing and proofreading and would love to hear about your project and how I can help you.

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Coming of Age Humor & Comedy Mashups Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Languages
English (UK)
Certifications
  • BA Hons English Literature and Cultural Criticism 2:1 Cardiff University

Work experience

Self-employed

Aug, 2021 — Present
I offer editorial expertise and IP development in the children’s books market, working with a wide variety of publishers, authors and agents to build an even brighter, more inclusive and creative publishing landscape for readers everywhere.

Oxford University Press

Jan, 2017 — Aug, 2021 (over 4 years)
Responsible for the strategic management of the children’s fiction list, acquiring and editing new voices, as well as developing established authors and illustrators on the list. Building relationships with authors and agents, negotiating contracts and managing IP content creation in house for fiction and picture books.

Portfolio

Kitty and the Tiger Treasure

Harrison, Paula

The Accidental Prime Minister

Tom McLaughlin

When Joe tells a local news reporter exactly what he would do if he were leader of the country, the video goes viral and Joe's speech becomes famous all over the world! Before long, people are calling for the current leader to resign and give someone else a go... read more
The Demon Headmaster Total Control

Gillian Cross

Everyone is good at something. But at Lizzie's school this has been taken to extremes. Her classmate Ethan, who previously had no interest in sport, is now incredible at football; her brother's suddenly an expert in robotics; and Lizzie has become really good ... read more
The Girl with the Shark's Teeth

Cerrie Burnell

Minnow is different from the other girls in her town and there's plenty to set her apart: the blossom of pale scars which lie beneath Minnow's delicate ears, the fact that she has an affinity with the water which leaves people speechless, and that once - she i... read more
Isadora Moon Gets in Trouble

Harriet Muncaster

Half vampire, half fairy, totally unique! Isadora Moon is special because she is different. Her mum is a fairy and her dad is a vampire and she is a bit of both. When Isadora's cousin, Mirabelle, comes to stay, Isadora is really excited. Mirabelle, who is a wi... read more
Pugs of the Frozen North

Philip Reeve

Reeve and McIntyre bring you another rip-roaring read! The Race to the Top of the World! It comes around once in a lifetime, and the prize? Your heart's desire. Shen and Sika can't resist the chance to win, but competition is fierce. The path to victory is lit... read more

Clare has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Stella D.

Stella D.

Nov, 2021

Clare was a pleasure to work with and provided some really invaluable feedback. This was just a short brief but I would love to work with Clare again and would happily recommend her services to others.
Felicity M.

Felicity M.

Sep, 2021

I am delighted with the editorial review I received from Clare Whitston. I found it to be balanced and fair. Most importantly I was given a clear idea of ways I could improve my story and how to structure the layout for submission to an agent. Clare suggested how I should give more thought to t...
Read more
Ina A.

Ina A.

Sep, 2021

Clare's developmental and line editing work was very helpful for my project. She was clear and provided highly professional feedback. Will not hesitate to work with her again.
Clare W.
Thank you Ina!

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