What I do | Claire Baker

Writing Text

I can write to any brief, fiction and non-fiction and in prose or rhyme – I've written around 100 rhyming books, so metre, scansion and finding that elusive rhyming word hold no fears for me! I make sure everything I write meets your brief and is age appropriate, factually correct, hits the right tone and fits your layout. And I'll keep working at it until you're as happy with it as I am...

Editing & Proofreading

I'll work through an existing text to ensure it's the very best it can be, checking for accuracy and consistency of style as well as age appropriateness in both language and content. I can make a dry text more engaging, a rhyme stronger and edit text to fit your layout. I'm InDesign savvy and used to liaising with both editors and designers to achieve layouts that work both editorially and visually.

Project Management

After many years working in house I know how much liaison is needed between teams, the need to keep to both schedule and budget – and how quickly things can slide... I'm a safe and experienced pair of hands to keep your project on track, adept at a schedule and a stickler for a deadline. I enjoy working as a team and make clear communication a priority to get your project to print.

Project Development

Got (or need) an idea for a book or series and want someone to brainstorm it? With my extensive knowledge of the children's book market, I'll do the thinking and research and can come up with everything from just some initial ideas to first dummy layouts. I can create a full publishing plan proposal, help you with material for pitching and provide basic visuals to turn an idea into reality.

Editorial Consultancy

Perhaps you don't need me to write, edit or proofread text, or to develop or manage a project, but there are many things I can still help you with. I can write or look over a pitch, suggest where a project might fit in the market, give an appraisal of a manuscript or carry out a market survey of comparable titles. And if you can think of anything else editorial that I can help you with, just ask...

Author Mentoring

Writing a children's book can be both exhiliarating and daunting. I can guide you through the process whatever stage you're at, working flexibly and at a pace that suits you. I can advise you on structure, form, tone, language and characterisation, as well as on the publishing process, the role of agents and publishers and the current market, always remembering that it's your book and not mine.