Overview
I love being a wordsmith - and that's how I describe myself to people who ask what I do. I write, edit, proofread and teach in English and Spanish, and I also use the spoken word in storytelling. In October 2021, my debut YA novel 'The Haunting of Lindy Pennyworth' was published by UCLan, and I had a short story published in Otranto House's 'Tales of the Supernatural'. Additionally, I have had short stories published and performed in a variety of places, including the Charles Dickens Museum in London, the Maria Edgeworth Centre in Ireland, and Theatre Cloud's competition running alongside their touring production of 'A Tale of Two Cities'.
I earn my crust by working as a teacher of English language, literature, Spanish, and creative writing to students of all ages. With a Master's degree in Children's Literature, I have developed a good knowledge of what works with writing for children and I review books on my website which has featured in The Sunday Times and the Telegraph newspapers. Additionally, I have written for the Times Educational Supplement and Teach Primary on the benefits of having a school library.
However, my experience isn't just limited to writing about children's literature. I have also worked with clients such as Scholastic, Oxfam GB and The Oxford Times on editorial projects and features, and I have managed literacy projects for The National Literacy Trust and Edge Hill University. Before this, I was an editor working on graduate career publications and have experience of commissioning writers and designers as well as writing copy myself. Therefore, I am very versatile and can get involved in all aspects of editorial projects - on paper, online and in person.
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Certifications
- BA (Hons) in Spanish from Magdalen College, Oxford University (2.1)
- BA (Hons) in Literature from the Open University (1st class)
- MA (Merit) in Children's Literature from the University of Roehampton
Work experience
Self-employed
I have worked for nearly 20 years as a freelance writer, editor and proofreader across both fiction and non-fiction and on screen and on paper. Clients include Oxfam GB, Scholastic, Pearson Education, National Literacy Trust, Edge Hill University and Oxfordshire County Council and as well as providing editorial help and advice, I have also project-managed literacy campaigns.
I love working with the written word and have edited textbooks, fiction books and websites. I am comfortable coming on board at any stage of the editorial process - from initial ideas to commissioning writers and designers, from checking for sense to proofreading. I have a strong eye for detail and am also able to proofread books in translation, to ensure that the English not only makes sense but flows well. I can translate from Spanish, Catalan and French into English.
As a writer, I have had various short stories shortlisted in competitions, and won Theatre Cloud's Tell a Tale competition as part of their UK tour of A Tale of Two Cities: Two years ago, I was shortlisted as a debut author in a competition run by Trapeze Books and single-parent-family charity Gingerbread to find a new voice to positively portray single parents in fiction. The result is my book Keeping Mum, a link to which is below. I self-published the book with amazon to be considered for their new writer competition and am currently seeking an agent/publisher. I have also written a ghost story for young adults which is with a small, independent publisher at present.
Portfolio
Samantha has 2 reviews
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Daniel K.
Jun, 2023
Temistocles D.
Feb, 2020
