Alli Brydon

Alli Brydon – Editor

Senior-level children's book publishing professional with 20+ years of experience in the US and UK publishing industries.

Overview

For more than 20 years, I've been a children's book publisher, editor and writer for traditional publishers, authors, and illustrators and. In that time, I have developed amazing children's content and gotten it into the hands of young readers across the globe.

Working with the Big 5, publishing #1 New York Times Bestsellers, helping emerging authors get traditional publishing deals...it's all in a days work! Having worked with many publishing houses in the US and UK, I am an industry insider who won't make you feel like an outsider.

Selected clients include: Amazon Publishing, Scholastic, Sourcebooks, I See Me!, Wonderbly, Simon & Schuster, Macmillan, Little Bee Books, Disney, Lonely Planet Kids, National Geographic Kids, Bloomsbury Children's Books, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Services include: Manuscript and Illustration Portfolio Critique, Developmental and Substantive Editing, Publishing Industry Consultation

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • MFA, Poetry
  • NYU, Fundamentals of Copy Editing and Proofreading

Work experience

Quarto Publishing

Aug, 2025 — Present
Research and observe the global children's book market in order to publish fiction and nonfiction books for ages 0 - 12 that will resonate with young readers and sell for a long time. Specialties include: board books, novelty books, picture books, abridged classics, leveled easy readers, early chapter books, young graphic novels.

Priddy Books / Macmillan

Sep, 2024 — Jul, 2025 (10 months)
Concepted, wrote, and edited preschool novelty books for children aged 0 - 5, selling into the mass and trade markets in the USA.

Upside Down Books/Trigger Publishing

Feb, 2019 — Present
As Commissioning Editor of Upside Down Books, the children's book imprint of Trigger Publishing, I acquire and publish a range of fiction and nonfiction picture books, activity books, and chapter books on the topics of mental health, wellbeing, and emotional intelligence.

Self-employed

Sep, 2017 — Present
I run an independent children's book editorial and writing business, catering to book publishers and emerging children's book authors and illustrators. My specialties include: Developmental and Substantive Editing, Writing/Content Development, Publishing Market Consultation, Query Letter Critique, Illustrator Portfolio Review, Illustrator Web Site Review, Photo Research, Coaching in Picture Book Writing

Bright USA

Apr, 2015 — Aug, 2017 (over 2 years)
Managed a boutique list of trade children's book author-illustrators, helping them to develop stories which I then went on to pitch and sell to publishing houses in the US and UK. Brokered significant, one- and two-book deals with HarperCollins, Bloomsbury Children's, Little Brown BYR, Simon and Schuster, Random House, Penguin, HMH/Clarion, Quarto, among others.

Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.

Nov, 2005 — Mar, 2015 (over 9 years)
Acquired and edited children's fiction and nonfiction for ages 0 - 12: board books, novelty, picture books, abridged classics, leveled easy readers, craft/activity books, and middle grade.

Portfolio

Bright Winter Night

Brydon, Alli

Two Lions

Naughty Elf: With Wiggly Eyes!

Priddy Books

Priddy Books US

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
100% of Last Week Tonight's proceeds will be donated to The Trevor Project and AIDS United. HBO's Emmy-winning Last Week Tonight with John Oliver presents a children's picture book about a Ver... read more
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Go Wild! Lemurs

Brydon, Alli

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
A hug feels good. Let's hug again.We'll hug at nine.We'll hug at ten.When is it time for a hug? Anytime! This feel-good picture book assures kids there's plenty of love to go around-the-clock.... read more
Developmental Editing

Alli has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Kim L.

Kim L.

May, 2018

Alli is an outstanding editor. I engaged Alli to provide developmental and copy editing for three books. Since I have a BA in English, I thought my manuscripts were pretty solid. I was surprised/impressed to learn right away that Alli provided invaluable insights and much needed developmental d...
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Ryan T.

Ryan T.

Nov, 2017

Working with Alli was great. She was professional, responsive, and most importantly, helpful. Her advice was thoughtful and considered, and she even pushed a deadline up to accommodate an earlier than expected submission request. Alli's work was invaluable.
Alli B.
Ryan, thank you for choosing me as your editor! I enjoyed reviewing your manuscripts and working with you. Best of luck with these, and I hope we have the chance to work together again in the future.
Elizabeth R.

Elizabeth R.

Nov, 2017

As an author/illustrator I have been consulting with Alli on a picture book manuscript and book dummy. She has been wonderful to work with, she responds in a timely manner with very helpful feedback. I appreciate all the experience she has in the children book industry as an editor, then agent an...
Read more
Alli B.
Thank you, Elizabeth! It's been a joy to help you develop your picture book.

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