Barry Timms

Barry Timms – Editor

Multiple award-winning children's picture book editor for over 20 years, specialising in ages 2-6. Also an author of 15+ books for children.

Overview

In my 20+ years as an editor, I’ve worked on an expansive range of books for the children’s market. From diggers and dinosaurs to pumpkins and pirates, there are few topics I've not yet covered, but am always up for a new challenge!

I specialise in picture books for 2-6 year olds, but have also edited preschool books, non-fiction and young fiction works. My editorial roles include senior and management positions at Macmillan Children’s Books, Walker Books and Little Tiger Group, making commercially successful books for the UK, US and international markets.

I’ve guided many celebrated authors and illustrators through the picture book process, but can also enable less experienced creatives to build their story ideas from the ground up. I'm helped in this by my experience as a multiple award-winning author of over 15 picture books for children. I also work as a mentor for picture book creators, and have conducted many educational talks and workshops on the topic.

Authors find me approachable, resourceful and fun to work with. I can bring fresh insight, perspective and energy to a picture book project, and take great pride in helping writers on their journey towards publication.

Services
Fiction
Picture Books
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Stockport Children's Book Awards 2022 (Best Picture Book) – This is NOT a Unicorn!
  • Bock Book Award for Children's Literature 2023 – Love Grows Everywhere
  • Leeds Book Awards 2023 (shortlisted) — This is NOT a Dinosaur!
  • Scholastic Laugh Out Loud Awards 2023 (shortlisted) — This is NOT a Unicorn!
  • Nottingham Children's Book Award 2023 (shortlisted) – This is NOT a Dinosaur!
  • Scholastic Laugh Out Loud Awards 2024 (shortlisted) — This is NOT a Dinosaur!
Certifications
  • BA (Hons) Fine Art, Central Saint Martins
  • BA (Hons) Social with Clinical Psychology, University of Kent

Work experience

Self-employed

May, 2022 — Present
Writer of commercial children's picture books for publishers including Macmillan, Nosy Crow, Frances Lincoln and Little Tiger Group, plus editorial consultancy services for a variety of clients, including NBCUniversal, Wonderbly, Golden Egg Academy and Plum Agency.

Macmillan Children's Books

Jun, 2020 — Apr, 2022 (almost 2 years)
Publishing Director overseeing the growth of trusted preschool brand Campbell Books, and a setting up a new list of market-focused novelty titles for very young children. The role included managing a team of editors and designers. Books edited or overseen included those by authors Tim Hopgood, Lucy Rowland and Lily Murray.

Little Tiger Group

Jul, 2012 — May, 2020 (almost 8 years)
Editorial Director of Little Tiger's picture book list, including novelty titles and board books, together with managing a team of editors. Books edited include those by authors Tracey Corderoy, Timothy Knapman and Jeanne Willis.

Carlton Books (now Welbeck Publishing Group)

Nov, 2008 — Jun, 2012 (over 3 years)
Commissioning for a growing children’s division, applying new technology to traditional formats, and developing relationships with high-profile authors and brands such as the Science Museum and London 2012 Games.

Walker Books

Jan, 2002 — Jun, 2008 (over 6 years)
Editing across a diverse commercial children’s list, including picture books, board books, novelty books, non-fiction and young fiction titles. Books edited include those by authors Michael Morpurgo, Cressida Cowell and Anthony Browne.

Portfolio

The Street Where Santa Lives

Howe, Harriet

Tiger Tales

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
I Give You The World

McCleary, Stacey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Hank Meets Frank

Powell-Tuck, Maudie

Tiger Tales

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Hank Goes Peck

Powell-Tuck, Maudie

Tiger Tales

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Unicorn Club

Senior, Suzy

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Octopants

Senior, Suzy

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
No!

Corderoy, Tracey

Copy Editing Proofreading
Good Night Tiger

Knapman, Timothy

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Why?

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
The First Slodge

Willis, Jeanne

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Together

Chapman, Jane

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
More!

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Now! (Otto the Rhino)

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Fairy Tale Pets

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Sneaky Beak

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Impossible

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
I Love School!

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
It's Only One!

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading Book Coaching
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading

Barry has 75 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Craig A.

Craig A.

Oct, 2024

Pinned
The best feedback I have ever received. Barry really drills down into the major components like the plot, structure, logic, and characters. And as an author himself, he gives actionable notes to actually make your story the best it can be, and not just try to make changes he would prefer, or give...
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Sarah K.

Sarah K.

May, 2024

Pinned
I have worked with Barry many times before. He is an absolutely brilliant editor. He is passionate about making your work as best as it can possibly be, he is truly an expert in the field, his feedback is precise, clear and creative. He will work to tight deadlines and gets edits back very quickl...
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Hannah M.

Hannah M.

Dec, 2023

Pinned
Barry is brilliant and a master of his craft! He exceeded all expectations and is the best editor a person could ask for. I am so grateful to him for everything. He really helps a person transform their work into something extraordinary while remaining authentic to the original vision. Thank ...
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Tara M.

Tara M.

Jun, 2025

My collaboration with Barry was such a positive experience. He was timely, professional, responsive, and most importantly, encouraging. His suggestions are fair and honest, showing a fantastic knowledge of the industry and the craft. But Barry still manages to strike the balance of being kind, su...
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Anna K.

Anna K.

Jun, 2025

Barry's help literally turned my writing world upside down! He has a clear vision and can support you equally well with both the small details and the bigger picture. I would highly recommend Barry to anyone who needs help with their manuscript—he’ll sort it out! His well-observed comments are li...
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