Alli Brydon - Editor
Children's book editor and former lit agent who has worked with Top 5 publishing houses and on #1 New York Times Bestsellers.
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Overview
I'm a creative editorial professional with 15 years of experience writing, developing, selling, and editing children's books for U.S. publishing houses such as Scholastic, Bloomsbury, Harper Collins, Penguin Random House, Macmillan, Abrams, Simon & Schuster, Lonely Planet, and Sterling Publishing, among many others. Having worked as both an acquiring editor and an agent for children's book authors and illustrators, I bring a unique blend of skills to all projects. My specialty is in developmental editing of illustrated children’s books.
Languages
English (UK)
Non-Fiction
Children's - Non-fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade
Picture Books
Certifications
- MFA, Poetry
- NYU, Fundamentals of Copy Editing and Proofreading
Work experience
Founder & Editor
Self-employed
September, 2017
–
Present
(almost 3 years)
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
Children's Book Agent
Bright USA
April, 2015
–
August, 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.
Associate Editor, Editor, and Senior Editor
Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.
November, 2005
–
March, 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 (15 selected works)
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents a Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo
Jill Twiss, Marlon Bundo
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 Very Special boy bunny who falls in love with another boy bunny.Meet Marlon Bundo, a lonely bunny who lives with his Grampa, Mike Pence - the Vice President of the United States. But on this Very Special Day... read more
Look
Fiona Woodcock
Look! It’s a book!Starring a brother and sister who go to the zoo, see kangaroos and baboons, and get to bring home balloons! Told entirely in words that contain a double o, this playful story is a great choice for emerging readers.Bright illustrations and an engaging, interactive text will invite repeated readings. Hooray! A brother and sister can’t wait to go to the zoo, where they have an e... read more
“A subtle ode to an iconic figure of quiet ‘strength and enormous influence.’” —Publishers WeeklyGloria Steinem started a movement that changed our world. This picture-book biography of the pioneering feminist brings the message of equality to a new generation. Using gorgeous watercolor illustrations, this biography of Gloria Steinem introduces young readers to the leader of the women’s libera... read more
Peace, Love, Goats of Anarchy: How My Little Goats Taught Me Huge Lessons about Life
Leanne Lauricella, Alli Brydon
Leanne Lauricella,"Goat Mama" to the famous Goats of Anarchy, reveals the life lessons that these special needs goats have taught her. Part humor, part memoir of her life with the goats, and part testament to the power of giving back, Peace, Love, Goats of Anarchy is a moving read for animal lovers of every kind. When Leanne left her job as an event planner in New York City, she had no idea th... read more
Time for a Hug (Snuggle Time Stories)
Phillis Gershator, Mim Green
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.From the moment Little Bunny wakes up in the morning until the moon comes out and the stars shine, every hour includes a warm hug from Big Bunny. Whether they bake or build, bike or hike, a caring hug alw... read more
Calvin Can't Fly: The Story of a Bookworm Birdie
Jennifer Berne
Calvin is one unusual starling! While his siblings and cousins learn to fly, this rare bird lets his imagination soar while reading about pirates, dinosaurs, and other fascinating things. The other birds call him "geeky beaky," but Calvin just ruffles his feathers and buries his beak in a book. Yet, when it comes time to migrate, poor Calvin suddenly realizes he can't fly! His sisters, brother... read more
Teeny Tiny Toady
Jill Esbaum
When a giant hand scoops up her mama and puts her in a pail, a terrified tiny toad named Teeny hops faster than she ever did in her life. "Mama’s stuck inside a bucket! Help me get her out!” she begs her big, clumsy brothers. “Don’t you worry, kid. We’ll save her!” they promise, bumbling and stumbling and jumbling out the door. But as the boys rush headlong to the rescue, pushing their little ... read more
Ally-saurus & the First Day of School
Richard Torrey
You can call her Ally-SAURUS! When Ally roars off to her first day at school, she hopes she'll meet lots of other dinosaur-mad kids in class. Instead, she's the only one chomping her food with fierce dino teeth and drawing dinosaurs on her nameplate. Even worse, a group of would-be "princesses" snubs her! Will Ally ever make new friends? With its humorous art, appealing heroine, and surprise e... read more
I Am NOT a Dinosaur!
American Museum of Natural History, Will Lach
Way back in time, astonishing creatures lived on our planet. But they weren’t all dinosaurs! In this fun, fascinating book, you’ll meet some of these amazing prehistoric creatures, from a very big fish with 7-inch teeth to a flying reptile. Based on specimens in the collections of the American Museum of Natural History, I Am NOT a Dinosaur! uses riddle-like rhymes and bright illustrations to r... read more
ABC Universe (AMNH ABC Board Books)
American Museum of Natural History
From an astronaut in space to Voyager, yellow dwarf, and zenith, this ABC board book opens up the entire universe to children! Created in tandem with the American Museum of Natural History, it takes kids on a photographic journey through comets, flares, and planets like Jupiter, and introduces them to black holes, supernovas, telescopes, and more. Perfect for the youngest astronomers.
Penguins Are Cool!: (Level 2) (Amer Museum of Nat History Easy Readers)
Connie Roop, Peter Roop, American Museum of Natural History
What birds have wings but can't fly? Penguins! Instead, these adorable animals use their flippers to swim in the deep, cold water. Meet the different species, from the Little Blue to the Emperor, and find out about their feathers, their coloring, and their habitat-as well as how they build their nests and raise their young. By the end, kids will all agree: penguins are really cool!A biography ... read more
Jojo Giraffe's Big Laugh (EQ Explorers - Little Adventures for a Big, Happy Life! Book 3)
Linette, Kim, Loram, James
Wally Whale's Mighty Tail (EQ Explorers Book Series 1)
Linette, Kim, Loram, James
Myths and Legends of the World (Lonely Planet Kids)
Kids, Lonely Planet, Brydon, Alli, IREDALE, JULIA
Alli has 3 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
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 direction for my stories. (I had written for adults, but never for children, and Alli was able to gi...
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Kim Linette, May 2018
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.
Ryan Topham, November 2017
Reply from Alli Brydon
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 and find her knowledge invaluable.
Elizabeth Rawls, November 2017
Reply from Alli Brydon
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