I’ve spent 20 years writing about birds for audiences ranging from five-year-olds to fellow scientists. Whether you’re developing a children’s book, polishing an academic text, or need an expert eye on your manuscript before it goes to press, I can help.
My published writing includes Birds: A Day in the Life (Neon Squid/Macmillan), contributions to BIRD: Exploring the Winged World (Phaidon Press), and fact-checking and consultation on Everything You Know About Birds Is Wrong (Nosy Crow). I hold a PhD in biology, I’m Curator in Charge of Birds at the Natural History Museum in London, and I’ve done fieldwork across Canada, Alaska, Australia, the South Atlantic, and South Pacific. I bring that depth of knowledge to every project.
What I Do
Children’s & Popular Writing
I write nonfiction for young readers and general audiences: picture books, illustrated reference books, captions, and nature writing. I work in the style of a nature documentary: scientifically rigorous, but accessible and engaging. I can write from scratch, develop a brief, or work alongside an illustrator or editorial team.
Academic & Scientific Writing I write and edit academic content for book chapters, contributed volumes, review articles, grant narratives, and lay summaries. I write for specialist and non-specialist scientific audiences, and can help bridge the gap between technical research and broader readership.
Fact-Checking & Consultancy I provide expert review of manuscripts, proofs, and published content for scientific accuracy: identifying errors, outdated claims, and gaps, with suggested corrections and sources. I also offer broader consultancy on bird biology, behaviour, taxonomy, ecology, and conservation throughout the editorial process.
Recent Published Work
Birds: A Day in the Life Author Neon Squid / Macmillan Children’s Books, 2023 Ages 5–8 | 48 pages
Set over 24 hours, this illustrated nonfiction book follows the world’s most remarkable birds through their day, from a bald eagle on a fishing trip to flamingos dancing at dusk. Written in the style of a nature documentary for young readers.
BIRD: Exploring the Winged World Contributor — captions Phaidon Press
A landmark illustrated reference work featuring contributions from leading ornithologists and naturalists worldwide. I contributed approximately 20 captions to this major Phaidon title.
Everything You Know About Birds Is Wrong Fact-checker & scientific consultant Nosy Crow
A myth-busting children’s nonfiction title from Nosy Crow. I provided expert fact-checking and scientific consultation throughout the editorial process.
What I Don’t Do
I don’t write original research papers or manuscripts intended for peer-reviewed academic submission on a client’s behalf. For everything else, feel free to get in touch. If a project isn’t right for me, I’ll say so promptly.
Rates & Process
I work to a fixed project fee, calculated from the scope of your project. All projects are subject to a minimum fee of £150. Short projects are often deliverable within a week; longer projects by arrangement.
I work with publishers, editors, authors, and illustrators at all stages, from initial brief to final proof. Commercial and corporate enquiries are welcome; rates differ, so please get in touch to discuss.
A full breakdown of my process, from initial enquiry through to delivery, is available on request.
Get in Touch
If you have a project in mind, I’d love to hear about it. Please include a brief description of the project, the intended audience, and your approximate timeline, and I’ll come back to you within two business days.
Email: alex@alexanderbond.org
For academic and research enquiries, including data analysis, please visit my Contact Information page.
Dr Alexander Bond 