Barry Timms - Editor
Children's picture book editor with 20+ years' experience, specialising in ages 2-6. Also an award-winning author of 15+ books for children.
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Overview
In my twenty 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!
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 managerial 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 but can also help less experienced creatives build their story ideas from the ground up. I'm helped in this by my work as an award-winning author of over 15 picture books for children. I have also conducted many educational talks and workshops on the topic.
Authors find me approachable, resourceful and fun to work with. I can bring fresh insight and perspective, and take great pride in bringing stories to life and helping writers on their journey towards publication.
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 managerial 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 but can also help less experienced creatives build their story ideas from the ground up. I'm helped in this by my work as an award-winning author of over 15 picture books for children. I have also conducted many educational talks and workshops on the topic.
Authors find me approachable, resourceful and fun to work with. I can bring fresh insight and perspective, and take great pride in bringing stories to life and helping writers on their journey towards publication.
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Picture Books
Certifications
- BA (Hons) Fine Art, Central Saint Martins
- BA (Hons) Social with Clinical Psychology, University of Kent
Awards
- Stockport Children's Book Awards 2022 (Best Picture Book)
- Raiffi Picture Book Prize 2021
- Scholastic Laugh Out Loud Awards 2023 (shortlisted)
Work experience
Editorial Consultant and Children's Author
Self-employed
May, 2022
–
Present
(11 months)
Writer of commercial children's picture books for publishers including Macmillan, Nosy Crow, Frances Lincoln and Farshore, plus editorial consultancy services for a variety of clients, including Wonderbly, Pop-Up, Townhouse Publishing and Little Tiger Group.
Publishing Director (Preschool)
Macmillan Children's Books
June, 2020
–
April, 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.
Editorial Director (Picture Books)
Little Tiger Group
July, 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.
Executive Editor
Carlton Books (now Welbeck Publishing Group)
November, 2008
–
June, 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.
Senior Editor
Walker Books
January, 2002
–
June, 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.
Portfolio (30 selected works)
No!
Corderoy, Tracey, Warnes, Tim
Good Night Tiger
Knapman, Timothy, Hughes, Laura
I Give You The World
McCleary, Stacey, Saldana, Carmen
Octopants
Senior, Suzy, Powell, Claire
Unicorn Club
Senior, Suzy, Martin, Leire
I Love You Brighter than the Stars
Hart, Owen, Julian, Sean
I'll Love You Forever
Owen Hart, Sean Julian
It's Only One!
Corderoy, Tracey, Neal, Tony
I Love School!
Corderoy, Tracey, Warnes, Tim
Impossible
Corderoy, Tracey
Sneaky Beak
Corderoy, Tracey
Fairy Tale Pets
Corderoy, Tracey, Martin, Jorge
Christmas Extravaganza Hotel, The
Corderoy, Tracey, Neal, Tony
Now! (Otto the Rhino)
Corderoy, Tracey, Warnes, Tim
More!
Corderoy, Tracey, Warnes, Tim
It's Christmas! (Otto the Rhino)
Corderoy, Tracey, Warnes, Tim
Together
Chapman, Jane
Blue Monster Wants It All!
Willis, Jeanne, Desmond, Jenni
The First Slodge
Willis, Jeanne, Desmond, Jenni
Dragonworld: Secrets of the Dragon Domain
Caldwell, Stella
Monsters of the Deep
Nicola Davies
Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs : The Definitive Pop-Up
Sabuda, Robert, Reinhart, Matthew, Sabuda, Robert, Reinhart, Matthew
Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Sharks and Other Sea Monsters
Robert Sabuda, Matthew Reinhart
Encyclopedia Prehistorica Mega-Beasts Pop-Up
Sabuda, Robert, Reinhart, Matthew, Sabuda, Robert, Reinhart, Matthew
Why?
Corderoy, Tracey, Warnes, Tim
Barry has 14 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Great communicator and amazing editor! Definitely will work with him again!
Sahar Shams, March 2023
Barry was absolutely fantastic to work with. He didn’t shy away from a first time author, even when I said I was writing in rhyme. He encouraged me throughout, made suggestions regarding the plot and the story, queried parts that truly did need to be queried and made redrafting suggestions as necessary. I honestly could not have found a better editor to work with. He was extremely thorough, ke...
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Andie Welsch, March 2023
Barry was great to work with! Quick to respond, wonderful insight and his feedback was honest that helped me frame next steps in the process. He also was incredibly generous, I had software issues so he reformatted his assessments and edits in another format for me. Would definitely work with Barry again!
Jacqueline Gowin, March 2023
Barry was fantastic throughout our collaboration - his experience provided keen insight, he made excellent suggestions to improve the language and rhythm, helped strengthen the story and worked hard to help me achieve my vision for the story. I'd highly recommend him and hope to use him again in the future.
Jonny Davison, March 2023
I was very satisfied with Barry's service. He was very professional. His response times were quick and his ideas were very insightful. It was nice to have a new perspective from an expert in the field. I highly recommend Barry and can't wait to work with him again in the future.
Michael Bardo, February 2023
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