Overview
I've been writing, editing, and teaching writing for more than thirty years. I also work as a writing coach. I love to see authors reach their full potential and produce manuscripts that go on to be published. As well as my work as an editor, I also want to encourage, teach, and show the way to a re-inspired, successful revision.
Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Historical Fiction
Middle Grade
Mystery & Crime
Picture Books
Poetry
Short Story
Young Adult
Languages
English (AUS)
English (NZ)
English (UK)
English (US)
Awards
- NSW Premier's Award for Children's Books 2005
- CBCA Honor Book 2008
- 13 CBCA Notable Book awards
- Longlisted CWA John Creasey New Blood Award 2019
- Prime Minister's Award for Children's Literature 2022
Certifications
- Master of Fine Arts (Writing for Children and Young Adults) - Hamline University
- PhD - Victoria University
- Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing - Victoria University TAFE
Work experience
Self-employed
Jan, 2004 —
Present
I have been teaching creating writing. poetry and editing for 25 years, and am now writing and freelancing full-time. Many of my published books are for children and young adults. I also write adult crime fiction, and poetry.
I believe it's not enough to simply edit or be critical - that offering sound, experienced suggestions and ideas is also an important part of my services to writers.
Victoria University
Jul, 1996 —
Jul, 2019
(about 23 years)
I taught creative writing and editing in the Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing for more than 20 years. This included editing and workshopping the writing of over 2500 students during this time, teaching them writing skills and how to improve their stories and poems, and teaching them revision skills. Many of my students have been published.
I began freelance editing and mentoring about six years ago, as a way to continue this work with writers to help them towards publication.
Self-employed
Jan, 1996 —
Present
I have been teaching writing and editing at tertiary level for more than 20 years, mostly at Victoria University TAFE/Polytechnic. I have been a magazine editor for Poetrix journal for 20 years. I have worked as a freelance editor for many years and opened my writing coach website in 2015. I have more than 70 titles of my own published, both in Australia and overseas, by publishers such as Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, University of Queensland Press, KaneMiller US and Allen and Unwin.
Portfolio
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2018 CWA DEBUT DAGGER FOR UNPUBLISHED FIRST NOVELShe hasn't seen her brother in years. Now, he's dead.When Judi Westerholme finds out her estranged brother has been murdered, she assumes it's connected to his long term drug addiction. Retur... read more
Fresh, frolicking, pirate fun for kids 3 and up! Nicholas Nosh is the littlest pirate in the world. his family won't let him go to sea, and he's bored. 'I'll show them,' he says. A delightful adventure story from the combined talents of Sherryl Clark and Tom J... read more
From popular and award-winning author Sherryl Clark comes a story about the pressure, heartache and determination that it takes to live your dreams. Attending the National Ballet School is every aspiring dancer's dream. It's been Brynna's for as long as she ca... read more
The Little Pirate and his crew have been taken prisoner on board Captain Stinker's smelly ship! Is there a way to rescue them all?
Since Chris lost his best mate, Dave, cars are all he really cares about. Then Josh Carter moves to town. His dad is a famous racing car driver and everyone wants to be Josh's friend. But as Chris soon discovers, Josh is a bit of a motormouth, and that's where... read more
Tony's dad wants Tony to be a footy superstar. But Tony's got another talent, one that's more important to him. He's a gifted artist, and footy doesn't seem that important. Now he has to make a choice, and someone's going to get hurt ... A great sports story w... read more
Successful self-publishing is simply about selling the books you produce, however many that may be. Or if you're not interested in selling, giving them away to an appreciative audience. This book will interest everyone from the amateur genealogist to a profess... read more
Do you dare leave school to support your family? Do you save your big brother? Do you stand up to the local criminals? It's 1915 in Melbourne's inner west and Jimmy has left school to support his family while his brother is away at war. But when Jimmy's brothe... read more
Find out where it all began for Ellyse Perry, Australia's most prominent sportswoman!CBCA Notable book for Younger Readers, 2017All Ellyse wants to do is play sport. Cricket, soccer, touch footy, athletics - you name it! But now that she's in high school, play... read more
Brightly illustrated, fun stories focusing on key areas of interest for this age group. Ages 4-5 years.
Book by Clark, Sherryl
Independent, adventurous, and courageous, Rose is an unforgettable Australian Girl. It's 1900, and Rose lives with her family in a big house in Melbourne. She wants to play cricket and have adventures, but Rose's conservative mother won't let her. Then young A... read more
Sherryl has 33 reviews
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J D.
Jun, 2026
Hilary B.
Jun, 2025
Rebecca N.
Mar, 2025
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Oct, 2024
Travis C.
Oct, 2024
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