Hugh Barker - Editor
I'm a writer, editor and publisher with decades of experience. I'm keen to advise on or edit commercial fiction, non-fiction or memoir.
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Overview
I'm an editor and writer with many years experience in a wide variety of publishing roles and houses including Constable & Robinson, Michael O'Mara and (as author) Faber, Bloomsbury, Ebury and Atlantic - I have worked on everything from cosy crime to comic novels, and non-fiction including art, history, science, philosophy and most other areas. I also have experience in the sales departments of publishers, so understand their mindset, and also have experience as an author and ghostwriter, having written about fifteen books myself (under my own name and pseudonyms).
Services
Languages
English (UK)
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Business & Management
Math & Science
Philosophy
Political Science & Current Affairs
Fiction
Holiday
Humor & Comedy
Mystery & Crime
Work experience
Freelance writing, book creation and editing
Self-employed
April, 2016
–
Present
(almost 5 years)
I write books for several major publishers including Penguin and Hachette. I also work regularly as a freelancer for publishers around the UK and the US, as well as taking on a wide variety of jobs via Reedsy, which I find endlessly enjoyable and fascinating.
Publishing Director
Michael O'Mara
April, 2014
–
August, 2016
(over 2 years)
Commissioning Editor
Constable & Robinson
January, 2004
–
April, 2014
(about 10 years)
I had a variety of roles, starting in the sales department, then commissioning and acquiring hundreds of books and ending up as a commissioning editor
Sales Manager
Quarto
January, 2001
–
January, 2004
(about 3 years)
My first job in publishing, although I previously worked as a proof-reader and in bookshops for several years.
Portfolio (13 selected works)
This is the story of how Britishhedgerows contribute to our national identity and our wildlife. Overthe centuries we have proved ourselves to be a nation of hedge growers,marking boundaries or trimming them into fantastical creations. Fromformal garden features to emphatically rustic barriers, Hugh exploresour hedges in all their diversity.Hedge Britannia offers a wittyinsight into the history... read more
Faking It: The Quest for Authenticity in Popular Music
Hugh Barker, Yuval Taylor
Musicians strive to “keep it real”; listeners condemn “fakes”; ... but does great music really need to be authentic? Did Elvis sing from the heart, or was he just acting? Were the Sex Pistols more real than disco? Why do so many musicians base their approach on being authentic, and why do music buffs fall for it every time? By investigating this obsession in the last century through the storie... read more
This Book Will Send You to Sleep
Professor K. McCoy, Dr Hardwick
The world of business books is a curious place where one can find everyone from great businesspeople like Warren Buffett, Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, to the most spectacular business failures such as Enron and the sub-prime business market. There are geniuses, hard workers, academics and entrepreneurs as well a few charlatans and hucksters. There's even room for Donald Trump., The 70 titles cove... read more
Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops
Jen Campbell
'Can books conduct electricity?''My children are just climbing your bookshelves: that's ok... isn't it?' A John Cleese Twitter question ['What is your pet peeve?'], first sparked the "Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops" blog, which grew over three years into one bookseller's collection of ridiculous conversations on the shop floor. From 'Did Beatrix Potter ever write a book about dinosaur... read more
We're Going on a Bar Hunt: A Parody
Emlyn Rees, Josie Lloyd
We're going on a bar hunt.We're going to find a cool one.The babysitter's booked.We're not old!Bestselling authors Emlyn Rees and Josie Lloyd also happen to be parents, so they understand the complications of organising a rare night out. In this parody of the famous children's book, two parents set off for a night on the tiles, and encounter a series of watering holes and bars before an alarmi... read more
You've Done What, My Lord? Rumshott is one of the finest landed estates in England. However, when James Aden takes up the position of Deputy Agent he does not realise the full extent of what the job entails. He finds himself spending his days negotiating with royalty, farmers, and even wildlife, as well as the imperious Lady Leghorn. Full description
Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey
Nicola Tallis
The Bookshop That Floated Away
Sarah Henshaw
Bookshop That Floated Away
Create Your Own Universe
Greg McLeod, Myles McLeod
If you have ever wanted to create a comic, graphic novel, animation, film, television series, or even a book, then Create Your Own Universe is here to help you get started. A fun, imaginative and interactive guide to creating your own characters and worlds, this is a great starting point for producing your own stories.Be inspired and collect information on all your characters, locations and ba... read more
Take Care, Son: The Story of My Dad and his Dementia
Tony Husband
Hugh has 68 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
I found Hugh to be professional and insightful. His attention to detail and overall perspective helped move the work onto a new level. I would highly recommend his services.
Alex Lancer, January 2021
Working with Hugh was great. I appreciated his thoughtfulness and candor in the feedback he gave and it felt he knew the message I was trying to portray. I would definitely work with Hugh again.
Candice Burney, December 2020
My experience with Hugh was good. Hugh is straight forward. Because Hugh is good, he is also busy.
Paul Thind, December 2020
Hugh provided excellent copy-editing for my business book written as a novel. He understood what I was going for with the non-traditional form and had great suggestions for making it work better. He included constructive and honest critique along with thoughtful feedback about what did work well. As a U.S. author, I found it interesting to see where he pointed out differences in U.S. vs. U.K....
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Melanie Ho, November 2020
Hugh was a pleasure to work with. He edited my book in quick fashion with clear and constructive notes to coincide with his corrections. Would definitely recommend and use his services again.
Shamus Campbell, November 2020
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