It starts young

As far back as I can remember, I've been obsessed with words. At three I was teaching teddies how to spell their names; at five taking great delight in correcting my own laboured writing with a red felt tip; at seven keeping the first of many diaries, including such gems as 'Went to the zoo toady. It poored and poored'.

I had the usual childhood ambitions - nurse, fireman, lollipop lady - but the dream of being a writer was less transient. It kind of stuck with me.

Once I could read, I did - as much as possible. I've a voracious appetite for many different genres of books, which dates back to my infancy. I read the classics and formed firm opinions on all (it's a Marmite thing for me - love them or hate them). By ten I'd read the children's section of my local library dry.

My love of words and writing was born in my childhood, so I've kept a passion for children's books to this day. Grown-ups all too often close the door on 'childish' pursuits, but turning your back on children's literature is a travesty. It's some of the funniest, cleverest and most inspiring writing about.

In my work as a copy-editor and proofreader, I'm privileged to work on children's books sometimes. Far from being the easiest texts to proofread and copy-edit, they require a dedication to simplicity and the best possible selection of word. Hard work, but some of my favourite copy-editing and proofreading projects.