Tamson Weston

Tamson Weston – Editor

I have twenty years of experience in editing, writing, and publishing for children of all ages at major publishing houses.

Overview

I have been a children's book editor and writer for over twenty years, working at major publishing houses including HarperCollins and Disney Hyperion, and have made a name for myself as a picture book editor in particular. I have edited New York Times Bestsellers, New York Times Best Illustrated Books, Bank Street Award Winners, and more.

I am adept at helping writers streamline language, hone structure, and, if you're an illustrator, craft an effective visual narrative. I am also the author of picture books and middle grade novels for children, including, with Emily Calandrelli, the Ada Lace series.

I excel at deep developmental edits, and, in the case of picture books, hands-on rewrites. I can help you tease out the bloom that’s been lost in the weeds. I meet each author on their own terms and do my best to adhere to the author’s intention, rather than imposing an idea upon the work.

Tamson’s taste is impeccable. I trust her completely. –Mac Barnett

Tamson Weston makes my books better. Everybody should have one. –Adam Rex

Tamson has always been one of my favorite editors. –Steve Malk, agent, Writers House

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade Picture Books
Languages
English (US)
Awards
  • Society of Illustrators Silver Medal for Oh No! by Mac Barnett & Dan Santat
  • Society of Illustrators Gold Medal for Bow Wow Bugs A Bug by Mark Newgarden & Megan Cash
  • Minnesota Children’s Book Award for Hey, Pancakes!

Work experience

HarperCollins Children’s Books

Jun, 2022 — Dec, 2023 (over 1 year)
Edited fiction and nonfiction picture books, graphic novels, and middle grade novels.

Self-employed

Jan, 2010 — Present
I help authors hone their manuscripts, refine their pitches, and create compelling submission packages to send to agents. I also edit projects for publishers in a freelance capacity.

Self-employed

Jan, 2010 — Present
I help authors hone their work and strategize how to approach agents and editors when they are ready to sell their project.

Disney Hyperion

Mar, 2006 — Dec, 2009 (almost 4 years)

Harcourt Children’s Books

Jul, 2000 — Jan, 2006 (over 5 years)
Edited picture books and novels, including The Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry, which has sold over a million copies in all formats.

Portfolio

Miscommunicamp! (Camp Hillside)

Katzovi, Steph

Brown Books Kids

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Putting Makeup on Dead People

Violi, Jen

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich

Rex, Adam

Clarion Books

Developmental Editing
Little Blue Truck

Schertle, Alice

Clarion Books

Developmental Editing
Stagecoach Sal

Hopkinson, Deborah

Hyperion Book CH

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
I Am Going!-An Elephant and Piggie Book

Willems, Mo

Hyperion Books for Children

Developmental Editing
The Monster Above the Bed

Pew, Kailei

Clarion Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
How This Book Was Made

Barnett, Mac

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Developmental Editing
Oh No!: Or How My Science Project Destroyed the World

Barnett, Mac

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Cupid: A Tale of Love and Desire

Lester, Julius

Clarion Books

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Where the Giant Sleeps

Fox, Mem

HMH Books for Young Readers

Developmental Editing
I Love You Dude

Radunsky, Vladimir

HMH Books for Young Readers

Developmental Editing
The Mighty Asparagus

Radunsky, Vladimir

Clarion Books

Developmental Editing
Hurricamp! (Camp Hillside)

Katzovi, Steph

Brown Books Publishing Group

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment Query Letter Review
When Elephants Fly

Fischer, Nancy Richardson

Harlequin Teen

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment

Tamson has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Shannon S.

Shannon S.

Jul, 2025

I had a very positive experience working with Tamson. Tamson has a very balanced approach of giving feedback with suggestions and recommendations for improving the storyline and providing clarity for readers. My story is in the midst of an identity crisis, and Tamson helped illuminate ways to sha...
Read more
Tamson W.
It was a pleasure to work with you, Shannon! I’m glad you found my feedback useful.

Most recent contributions

How can authors effectively identify and describe their target audience for a book proposal?

When describing the target audience of a book, age range (for children’s picture books, middle grade and YA), genre, and sub-genre provide the first macro view of a project and will often give an agent, publisher, or reader a sense of whether the project is right for them. Once you have establish...
Read more

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