Barry Timms

Barry Timms – Editor

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

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, 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 but can also help less experienced creatives 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 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.

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

I Love You Brighter than the Stars

Hart, Owen

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Unicorn Club

Senior, Suzy

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Octopants

Senior, Suzy

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
I Give You The World

McCleary, Stacey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Good Night Tiger

Knapman, Timothy

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
No!

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Octopants: The Missing Pirate Pants

Developmental Editing
Why?

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Titanic by Martin Jenkins (2007-10-01)

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Encyclopedia Prehistorica Mega-Beasts Pop-Up

Sabuda, Robert

Copy Editing Proofreading
Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Sharks and Other Sea Monsters

Robert Sabuda

Copy Editing Proofreading
Encyclopedia Prehistorica Dinosaurs : The Definitive Pop-Up

Sabuda, Robert

Copy Editing Proofreading
Dinosaurs Alive! (Augmented Reality) by Mash, Robert (2010) Hardcover

Mash, Robert

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Monsters of the Deep

Nicola Davies

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Egyptworld: Discover the Wonders of the Ancient Land of Tutankhamun and Cleopatra

Caldwell, Stella

Developmental Editing
Knights by Stella Caldwell (2015-09-10)

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Dragonworld: Secrets of the Dragon Domain

Caldwell, Stella

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
The First Slodge

Willis, Jeanne

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Blue Monster Wants It All!

Willis, Jeanne

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Together

Chapman, Jane

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
It's Christmas! (Otto the Rhino)

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
More!

Corderoy, Tracey

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

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Christmas Extravaganza Hotel, The

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Fairy Tale Pets

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Sneaky Beak

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Impossible

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
I Love School!

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
It's Only One!

Corderoy, Tracey

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
I'll Love You Forever

Owen Hart

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading

Barry has 69 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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Kevin F.

Kevin F.

Jan, 2025

Barry was great to work with. Very responsive and helpful. I am very new to this space and he answered all my questions.
Matthew H.

Matthew H.

Dec, 2024

Excellent work. This was the second time I have worked with Barry for editorial assessment. Once again Barry provided me with excellent feedback and some great ideas to move my project to a final draft. I can happily recommend Barry to all.

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