Tom McBrien

Tom McBrien – Editor

Creative and award-winning children's editor of 25+ bestselling books. I champion independent authors to help them achieve their goals.

Overview

Hello!


I know you're searching for a meticulous editor to help you transform your manuscript into a story. Look no further, I'm here to help!


I am a creative editor (and bestselling writer!) with 8 years of experience helping publishers and independent authors achieve their publishing dreams. I work with some of the world's biggest publishing houses to craft captivating stories for beloved brands, like Minecraft and Rupert Bear. I've worked with some pretty famous icons too, like Dennis the Menace and Captain Haddock.


I specialize in children’s picture books, early readers, and chapter books, but I also accept adult books in select areas of interest. Before becoming a book editor, I was a children’s kayaking instructor, giving me a unique insight into making fun and engaging content for young readers.


Finding a personality fit is crucial to all editor-author relationships. That's why I invite all prospective clients to meet me for a FREE 15-minute discovery call. Let’s connect and see if we’re a good match.



Ready to get started? Message me today!


✒️ Editing Services 📖


I offer full editorial services including assessments, developmental edits, copy edits and proofreading. I take a tailored approach to all of my collaborations. When working with me, you can expect:


- One-to-one video call discussions

- Creative collaboration

- Strong technical skills

- Truthful and filter-free feedback.



💡 Book Coaching 📚


I also offer book coaching and publishing consultation to authors. Together, we will explore your ideas, gather market research and set you on the best track to achieve your goals using the same processes used by Big 5 publishers. Perfect for first-time authors and budding publishers!


Get in touch for a FREE 15-minute discovery call today.


Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Gaming & LitRPG Middle Grade Picture Books Young Adult
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Education & Reference Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Languages
English (AUS) English (NZ) English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • Sainsbury's Children's Book Award 2021 for License – Epic Bases, Mojang Studios
Certifications
  • Diversity & Inclusion, Foundations of Inclusions Certificate
  • Creative Writing: Writing for Role Playing Games 2024

Work experience

Self-employed

Nov, 2021 — Present
I offer full-service editorial packages, book coaching, and publishing consultation to publishers and independent authors around the globe, helping develop early drafts into polished manuscripts.

Farshore

Oct, 2019 — Nov, 2022 (about 3 years)
I was the lead editor at a Big 5 publisher managing and editing a list of global children's brands. I worked with authors and designers to write, edit, and produce numerous bestselling and award-winning titles. I also authored a number of gaming titles. Brands include: Minecraft, Beano, London's Natural History Museum, Tintin, Fortnite, Among Us, Rupert Bear, Star Wars, Pokemon.

Weldon Owen

Mar, 2017 — Jul, 2019 (over 2 years)
I was an editor for an illustrated children's nonfiction publisher creating picture books, activity books, atlases, encyclopedias and reference books for the global market.

Wherever There Is Water

May, 2013 — Mar, 2017 (almost 4 years)
I worked as a kayaking instructor teaching children of all ages how to have fun and push themselves while trying new sports. No matter the age, be it the Beaver Scouts (ages 6-8), Cub Scouts (8-11) or Scouts (11-15), my students would leave having built confidence and learned new skills.

Portfolio

38 Utterly Funny Stories

Various

Miles Kelly Publishing

Editorial Assessment
Fairytales by Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen

Miles Kelly Publishing Ltd

Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
The TimeOuts Pompeii

Zo, Dr.

Independently published

Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Proofreading
Meet the Great Inventors

Anderson, Abraham

Legend Books Sp. Z O.O.

Copy Editing
Scuba Sara's Maui Adventure

Schmitz, Jason

Scuba Schmitty Diving

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
The TimeOuts Hindenburg

Zo, Dr.

Independently published

Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing
The TimeOuts Titanic

Zo, Dr.

Independently published

Copy Editing Proofreading
The Big Wave

Swift, John

Sparky & Friends

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Isa Rae Lost in Play

Dellinger, Mrs Elizabeth

Elizabeth Dellinger

Developmental Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
101 Short Lessons For An Anxiety Free Life

Simsek, Dennis

https://library-archives.canada.ca/eng/services/publishers/isbn/Pages/isbn.aspx

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment Proofreading

Tom has 45 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Savi I.

Savi I.

Aug, 2024

Pinned
Working with Tom has been an absolute pleasure! His approach is incredibly patient and thorough, which has been invaluable for my Children’s Chapter Book Fantasy series. This genre requires a unique passion and understanding, and Tom's expertise made a world of difference. He even took the initia...
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Thomas L.

Thomas L.

Jul, 2024

Pinned
Keep it short and to the point. Without Tom's help and I have had other editors, I would not be realizing a dream of writing my first novel. I can't recommend Tom enough Thomas Lloyd
Michelle W.

Michelle W.

Apr, 2025

A huge thank you to Tom. He is so positive and encouraging. He gave constructive feedback and shared his expertise and real life experiences that truly inspired me to want to continue to work with him.
Steven C.

Steven C.

Mar, 2025

Working with Tom again has been a pleasure. What more can I say beyond my previous review from my last project - he's the best and I'm thankful for Reedsy connecting us.
Stephanie M.

Stephanie M.

Feb, 2025

This was my third, and most complete, Developmental Edit with Tom. He was incredibly thorough and gave me all the feedback: the good, the bad, and the ugly. I appreciated that there were examples of what he was meaning with the feedback as well, so that it was very clear what his expectation was ...
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