Sophie Bradshaw

Sophie Bradshaw – Ghostwriter

Bestselling non-fiction ghostwriter of over 20 books for major publishers eg Penguin, Hachette & DK.

Overview

I am a highly educated and creative ghostwriter with 20 years' experience writing and developing commercial non-fiction.

I worked in senior publishing roles in the UK before becoming a ghostwriter and I now write memoir, self-help, personal development, business, lifestyle and health & wellness books. My background in publishing means I have a in-depth knowledge of the global publishing market so can help you position your book to sell.

Some of the clients I’ve worked with:

- A health influencer in the nutrition industry

- A senior leader in Big Tech company who now speaks at global events

- A lifestyle influencer with large Instagram following

- An entrepreneur in the tech industry

- A finance expert in the banking industry

- A parenting expert and owner of a major charity

My books have been chosen as Radio 4 Book of the Week, optioned for TV and film and even adapted for the stage.

I am Cambridge University-educated and have a wide knowledge of business, history, health, nutrition and popular science.

I am an intelligent and thorough researcher and will always offer ideas to structure your book as well as make it more engaging and ensure it is written with your reader in mind. In short, I care about your book as much as you do.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management History Inspirational Parenting & Families Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

The History Press

Jul, 2014 — Jun, 2017 (almost 3 years)
As Publisher for general history, I planned and implemented a successful publishing strategy, with full responsibility for the profit and loss of a trade publishing division. I have a keen sense of emerging trends, excellent people skills and an intuitive understanding of the global book publishing market. This enabled me to use the contacts I have built up in the industry to develop my list into a commercially viable section of the business. I managed a team of four commissioning editors and commissioned between 10 and 12 titles of my own each year.

Self-employed

Jun, 2008 — Jun, 2014 (about 6 years)
Following the birth of my children, I worked as a freelance commissioning editor of illustrated non-fiction, history and military history titles, originating and developing new series ideas, commissioning books to order and consulting on publishing strategy. During this time I had a proven track record of initiating new and innovative ideas and following through with strong business plans. I commissioned authors to write to a specific brief for my nostalgia series A 1950s Childhood, which has sold over 300,000 copies to date.

Tempus Publishing

Oct, 2004 — Jun, 2008 (over 3 years)
This role involved commissioning and project managing a list of over 40 titles per year. I also worked with charities, museums and other companies on licensing agreements, licensed foreign rights deals, worked with agents and authors to negotiate contracts, and ensured the ongoing performance of the backlist through paperbacking frontlist titles and managing automatic stock replenishment systems and reprints. I managed editorial staff to ensure projects were brought in on time and to budget. I was responsible for negotiating print quotes, picture fees and author advances, as well as liaising with internal sales and marketing staff in order to get the most out of the product.

Self-employed

Aug, 2002 — Jun, 2006 (almost 4 years)
I wrote recipes and regular food columns, including restaurant and hotel reviews, for several newspapers and magazines, including Derbyshire Life, Cotswold Essence, The Burton Mail, The Bath Chronicle and The Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard. As a writer for Cotswold Essence, I was responsible for sourcing ideas, researching and developing them into reader-friendly content.

Self-employed

Jan, 2020 — Jan, 2022 (about 2 years)
This memoir was published by a major UK publishing house, optioned for television and adapted as a stage play in the West End.

Self-employed

Jun, 2017 — Present
I am a writing coach, ghostwriter and editor. Through one-to-one coaching, bespoke book planning workshops, group courses and ghostwriting, I help non-fiction authors who want to write a book but don't know where to start. I also offer structural editing for authors who have a finished or partial draft that needs substantial work. I am an experienced indexer and food writer.

Sophie has 7 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Keith F.

Keith F.

Mar, 2024

I really had a great experience with Sophie, and she worked HARD on my book drafts. Her first round of edits included more than TEN THOUSAND changes in Word. When I expressed amazement at her dedication, she remarked that she was surprised at how LITTLE editing she had had to do, so lord knows ...
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Rick G.

Rick G.

Oct, 2021

Sophie was great to work with in developing the index for my book. Ever the professional, her communications were clear and helpful. Equally important, she delivered on all of her commitments on time. I would definitely work with Sophie on other projects.
Nicky B.

Nicky B.

May, 2021

I enjoyed working with Sophie as she made me look at my manuscript with fresh eyes. By implementing the changes the book is in better shape than when we started, Thanks Sophie
Marc R.

Marc R.

May, 2020

Sophie does excellent work and is completely reliable.
Nader S.

Nader S.

Aug, 2019

To give a balanced review here: 1. She started with a good vibe, and then took her sweet time in which I thought serious progress was taking place 2. Much later down the road i found not enough work was done to spec 3. When it was address she give it a good initial effort 4. As i provided more cl...
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Sophie B.
This collaboration was cancelled at my request due to unreasonable requests from the author.

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