Samantha Armstrong

Samantha Armstrong – Editor

A highly experienced children's book publisher and editor with a sharp focus on grammar, specialising in fiction, reference and non-fiction.

Overview

I am a skilled children's books publisher with over 30 years editorial experience in children's publishing, including being Head of Children's Dictionaries at Oxford University Press. I have also created globally published non fiction series, such as the 'Very Short Introductions for Curious Young Minds' and 'Big Words for Little People', and contributed to high-profile initiatives such as 'Children’s Word of the Year' and the 'BBC 500 Words' competition.

I offer editorial support for children’s non-fiction for ages 3–16. I can help you shape ideas into clear, engaging books as well as providing hands-on editorial support.

My skills include concept development, developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading. I can help you structure your content for clarity and flow, edit for age appropriate and accessibility for your target age group. and help you create a polished final product. With my background with leading children’s dictionaries and thesauruses, I bring exceptional attention to language, grammar, and vocabulary.

I work with both first-time and experienced authors, offering thoughtful, practical editorial support at every stage.

I am also the Programming Lead for a local literary festival, Shipston Bookfest, and can provide you with insight into events and presentations.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Education & Reference
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English (UK)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jun, 2024 — Present
Project management of Americanization of young adult fiction titles, including proofreading; Editor and project manager of the forthcoming Oxford Children’s Dictionary new edition, involving editorial and lexical content review, briefing, schedule management, and proofreading; writing and compilation of the Oxford Children’s Word of the Year Report 2024 and 2025 and Oxford BBC 500 Words Report 2024 and 2025; audio QA – audio files for 48 children’s stories for quality and accuracy, against print, with full report and recommendations provided; proofreading young fiction titles e.g. Marv by Alex Falase-Koya, Kitty by Paula Harrison for trade and educational markets. As Programme Lead for Shipston Bookfest, I am liaising with publishers, curating diverse line-ups, managing author logistics, and ensuring age-appropriate, engaging events. I am known for strong communication, excellent organisation, and deep expertise in children’s publishing.

Oxford University Press

Sep, 2021 — May, 2024 (over 2 years)
Deep expertise in non-fiction, reference, home learning, and dictionaries for children aged 3-16 years. I was responsible for the Oxford children's dictionaries and thesaurus list so have excellent grammar, spelling and punctuation skills. I also created non fiction series for global markets such as The Very Short Introductions for children. Also responsible for the Oxford Children’s Word of the Year and BBC 500 Words competition with national and local media coverage.

Portfolio

Marv & The Dino Attack (1)

Koya, Alex

Oxford Children’s

Copy Editing Proofreading
Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue

Harrison, Paula

Greenwillow Books

Proofreading
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Proofreading
Oxford School Dictionary

Oxford Dictionaries

Oxford University Press

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
How to Write Your Best Story Ever!

Edge, Christopher

Oxford University Press, USA

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary

Blake, Quentin

Oxford University Press

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Big Words For Little People: Our World

Mortimer, Helen

Oxford University Press España, S.A.

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Very Short Introductions For Curious Minds Rainforests

Thomas, Isabel

Oxford University Press España, S.A.

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading

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