Tom McBrien

Tom McBrien – Editor

Editor of 25+ bestselling children's books, including the new Dennis the Menace MG book series. I specialise in Children's F and N-F.

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 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 select adult books in 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 to meet and greet.


My rates range between €0.02 - 0.2 / word, depending on the service(s) requested and the state of the text, and I offer package pricing. I have been called "filterless" and I take that as a compliment. I include 1-to-1 video calls with each of my services to ensure you receive the support you need to make your story a masterpiece.


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 hands-on 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.



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REVIEWS:


"Tom displays a great level of expertise, enhanced by his enthusiasm and engaging personality. His technical abilities as an editor are impeccable, and he adds unique additional value to each project via strong creative ideation and solution-focused input. He does his research on the source material and has a strong understanding of audience needs and the market associated with these. He shares his expertise generously and openly. Tom imparts these benefits with a grace that makes any writer feel they have a stronger, more confident control of their story than they possessed prior to his contribution." — Michael Stirling, Head of Beano Studios


"Tom was amazing! He really took my book to the next level. He is a true professional, and he is extremely personable and responsive." — Tess Rowland, Independent Author


"Tom is amazing and far exceeds my expectations every time. Looking forward to working with him in the near future." — Elizabeth Ann, Independent Author

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Education & Reference Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Fantasy Middle Grade Picture Books Young Adult
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

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 to develop early drafts into polished manuscripts. Self-publishing authors represent the most passionate part of publishing, and I love nothing more than to help an author release their first title.

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. My book, Epic Bases, won the Sainsbury's Children's Book Award 2021 for Licences.

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

Fairytales by Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen

Miles Kelly Publishing Ltd

Editorial Assessment
Isa Rae Lost in Play

Dellinger, Mrs Elizabeth

Elizabeth Dellinger

Developmental Editing Proofreading
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
38 Utterly Funny Stories

Various

Miles Kelly Publishing

Editorial Assessment
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 39 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Steven C.

Steven C.

Feb, 2024

Pinned
As a first time children’s book author, I was totally oblivious to the steps that needed to be taken to get to the finish line. Tom was very thorough in his developmental and copy edits and was budget friendly for me and my project that is aimed more at education than profit. He gave feedback even beyond what was in the scope of work that will help me as I wrap up this project with the illustra...
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Rhea M.

Rhea M.

Jan, 2024

Pinned
It was an absolute pleasure working with Tom on my project. His communication was excellent throughout and he met all deadlines that we had agreed on. Tom gave a thorough editorial review of my book and gave plenty of time to discuss this along with a written response. I would definitely work with him again on future projects.
Mike R.

Mike R.

Jul, 2023

Pinned
Tom was wonderful to work with! It truly felt like a collaborative experience. He took the time to get to know me and my goals as a writer, which made his feedback impactful. We had great conversations about my story, and how to enhance my work for future stages in publishing. His assessment was perfect, because it was honest, constructive, and encouraging. He allowed me to see my story through...
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Jenny B.

Jenny B.

Nov, 2024

Overall Tom was good, professional and responsive. He gave good suggestions for improvement for the text and was easy to collaborate with. We were misaligned on when a proofread would happen. I assumed it would be after book was designed and put together, however Tom's view was that it was another read through after copyedit comments had been resolved, focusing on punctuation and grammar. Thi...
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Tom M.
Hi Jenny, Thank you for your review. I'm glad we were able to complete the collaboration to your satisfaction. As we discussed, I was happy to proofread whichever file you preferred but after cauti...
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Stephanie M.

Stephanie M.

Oct, 2024

Tom continues to be a reliable and responsive collaborator on my book project. He is welcome to feedback, and will work with you to create your vision for your book project. I have been impressed with his willingness to go above and beyond and collaborate with other professionals also involved with my project. Highly recommend!

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