NibWeb is the Network for Information Book Writers and Editors

Authors and editors of non-fiction books for children

Sue Nicholson

I have been a freelance writer and editor for over 10 years. Before becoming a freelancer, I was Editorial Manager at Kingfisher Books, responsible for developing and commissioning new titles on the young non-fiction and activity list. This, together with various in-house contracts I’ve undertaken, has given me a good knowledge of both the publishing process and requirements of the international co-edition market. As a result, I am used to working creatively and flexibly and am happy to take on a variety of contracts – from new title development to working with previously published material to regenerate backlist material. I work on a Mac and can write/edit layouts in InDesign if required.

Non-fiction work:

I have researched and written a range of non-fiction titles for children. Preferred subjects include history (especially ancient history, medieval life, Tudors and Stuarts, Victorians), natural history, biography and wildlife. Recent projects include writing over 40 wallcharts for the paperback reissues of the DK Eyewitness series and various components for an expert pack on Ancient Rome.

Other work:

As well as non-fiction for school/library and trade markets, I have also written picture book texts, early years concept books (many with pops or other novelties), colouring/activity books for pre-schoolers, activity books (often boxed with components) on subjects ranging from sleepovers to spies, as well as fiction for 6-9s. I have also devised crafts either for art/craft titles (for example, Warne’s Flower Fairy and DK’s Angelina Ballerina titles) or for curriculum-based S&L titles (for example, Watt’s Making History series).

Publishers I have worked for include Belitha Press, Campbell Books, Constable & Robinson, Dorling Kindersley, Egmont, Franklin Watts, Kingfisher Books, Marshall Editions, Parragon Publishing, Quarto Children’s Books and Tamarind Publishing,

Contact details:

Home/Work: 020 8342 8172

Mobile: 07887 752975

Email: sue.nicholson@virgin.net

Age group preferences:

	pre-school
	5 - 7
	7 - 11

Selection of non-fiction books:

(Please call or email for a full CV and list of titles)

	Franklin Watts Making History (2009) (co-authored) Ancient Egypt • Ancient Rome • Knights • Pirates • Victorians • World War II Devised/scamped/wrote the craft activities to accompany non-fiction text written by co-authors
	Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Workbooks • Medieval Life (2008) • Ancient Rome (2007) Text- and picture-based activities, quiz and “turn-to-learn” wheel based on DK’s successful Eyewitness series
	Kingfisher Books Animal Babies • Animal Babies in Seas (2006) • Animal Babies in Deserts (2006) Gentle introduction to baby animals for pre-schoolers
	Marshall Editions Explorers • Ocean Explorer (2001) • Rainforest Explorer (2001) Exploration of ocean and rainforest environments presented in the format of an explorer’s notebook complete with photos, sketches – and animal footprints!
	Kingfisher Books Sightseers Aztecs & Incas (2000) History written in the style of a travel guide with survival guide and souvenir quiz