An Editorial Training & Mentorship Course for Aspiring Children's Book Editors

Get into Children’s Publishing is a comprehensive editorial training course designed to help aspiring children’s book editors develop the skills, industry knowledge and confidence needed to start a career in publishing.

It is run by Claire Philip, alongside her work for the children’s publisher, Three Wishes. Claire is an experienced children’s book editor, author and publishing trainer and 2026 mentor for Creative Access. Read more about her here.

Across 11 modules, you'll explore the complete book-making process through in-depth course material, practical coursework, industry insights, journal prompts, discussion topics and optional extra research tasks. As you progress, you'll build a coursework portfolio, including a book proposal that showcases your creativity and understanding of editorial work. By the end of the course, you'll have a strong foundation in children's publishing, valuable industry awareness, and evidence of your learning to support applications and interviews.

The course is perfect for career changers, new graduates, and anyone interested in learning how children’s books are made. Previous participants have come from a wide range of backgrounds, including marketing, teaching, bookselling, sales, medicine, other areas of publishing and more, and have been at various stages of their careers and lives.

It's also ideal for anyone who is curious about a career in children's publishing but isn't yet sure which role would suit them best. Through exploring the publishing process from start to finish and learning about the many different jobs involved, you'll gain a clearer understanding of where your skills, interests and experience could fit within the industry.

Whether you're looking for intensive personal support or complete flexibility, there are currently two ways to complete the course:

Option 1: Bespoke One-to-One Training & Mentorship

Fully bespoke, one-to-one training and mentorship with Claire over six months, including 12 fortnightly 90-minute calls. As part of this package, you'll receive detailed feedback on all your coursework, along with personalised career mentoring tailored to your goals and a practise interview. Support continues throughout the course and beyond – Claire will continue to proofread your updated CVs and cover letters as you apply for jobs.

Option 2: Self‑Study with Monthly Mentoring Sessions

Ideal if you prefer to work independently but still want some guidance, this six-month option still gives you full access to all course materials, structured coursework, and six supportive hour-long mentoring sessions.

Each option gives you lifelong access to the extensive course material, which you can use as a practical editor’s manual in your first role.

Yes! Since 2020, more than a dozen one-to-one participants have made great steps in their publishing careers, from internships and paid work with major publishers to opening a children’s book shop!

You can read testimonials here.

The full course takes approximately 45–65 hours to complete (around 4–6 hours per module), depending on how deeply you choose to engage with the coursework and further research. The recommended pace is one module per fortnight, allowing you to complete the course in around six months. This works out at approximately 2–3 hours of study per week, making it manageable alongside work, family commitments and other responsibilities. Of course, you can choose to spend more or less time on the coursework depending on your goals and schedule!

Option 1: Bespoke One-to-One Training & Mentorship

The course material for each module is released one week before your scheduled call with Claire, giving you time to work through the content and prepare any questions. You'll then discuss the module in depth during your 90-minute one-to-one session. Over six months, you'll work through 11 content modules with Claire, with the final session dedicated to a practise interview. This option follows a structured schedule, with Claire guiding you through the course at a pace of approximately one module every fortnight.

Option 2: Self-Study with Monthly Mentoring Sessions

Course content is released monthly over six months, allowing you to work through the material at a structured pace. Each month, you'll have a one-hour mentoring session with Claire, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your progress. As with Option 1, Claire guides the pacing of the course to help you stay on track and complete the programme within six months.

Option 1: Bespoke One-to-One Training & Mentorship

£3200 upfront or £550 per month

Option 2: Self-Study with Monthly Mentoring Sessions

£1200 upfront or £220 per month

Options 1 and 2 require an application. As the mentoring elements of these programmes are highly personalised, Claire works with a limited number of students at a time to ensure everyone receives the support they need.

To apply, please email Claire with your answers to the questions on the application page and submit your CV. This helps Claire understand your background, experience and goals and ensures the course is the right fit for you.