Tim Major

Tim Major – Editor

Experienced editor specialising in science fiction, horror, mystery and YA – offering assessments, structural editing and copyediting.

Overview

I have 15 years of publishing experience in senior editorial roles, having commissioned and edited content for Scholastic, Pearson, CGP and Oxford University Press. I'm now a freelance editor, specialising in science fiction, horror, mysteries and YA fiction. I work with publishers, literary agencies and emerging authors, offering manuscript assessment, structural editing and copyediting.


My other roles have included co-editor of BFS Horizons, the fiction journal of the British Fantasy Society, and editor of the SF magazine, The Singularity.


I'm also a British Fantasy Award-winning writer. My books include JEKYLL & HYDE: CONSULTING DETECTIVES, SNAKESKINS, HOPE ISLAND, three Sherlock Holmes novels, short story collection AND THE HOUSE LIGHTS DIM and a monograph about the silent crime film, LES VAMPIRES. My short fiction has been selected for Best of British Science Fiction, Best of British Fantasy and Best Horror of the Year, and my short story ‘The Brazen Head of Westinghouse’ won the British Fantasy Award for Best Short Fiction in 2024.

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Fantasy Horror Mystery & Crime Psychological Thriller Science Fiction Short Story Young Adult
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

British Fantasy Society

Oct, 2017 — Jan, 2020 (over 2 years)

Commissioning, story selection, structural editing and copyediting.

Self-employed

Dec, 2015 — Present

Editorial services include structural editing, copyediting, proofreading and MS reports, as well as development editing and project management for non-fiction. Clients include Scholastic, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Oxford University Press.

Scholastic

Feb, 2010 — Oct, 2015 (over 5 years)

As Editor-in-Chief of Scholastic’s magazine for primary school teachers, Child Education PLUS, I commissioned articles and resources across all curriculum subjects. I led a team of editors, design staff and digital developers to provide high-quality print and interactive resources. I ran the Online Resources department, including the Early Years and Primary Resource Bank subscription websites. I maintained the website and subscriber base and managed the web advertising department.

Pearson

Sep, 2007 — Jan, 2010 (over 2 years)

I led an editorial team and worked closely with production, design and marketing departments. I published a successful Key Stage 2 maths intervention programme, Rapid Maths, and developed the Scottish primary maths programme, Heinemann Active Maths. As Senior Editor I edited Key Stage 3 Level Up Maths, including interactive content.

CGP

Jul, 2001 — Aug, 2007 (about 6 years)

I commissioned revision guides and workbooks from Key Stage 1 up to A-level, in all subjects including maths, science and literacy, including Shakespeare text notes. I was solely responsible for running the USA editorial department.

Portfolio

Hope Island

Major, Tim

Snakeskins

Tim Major

War-torn, resource-stripped, pi**ed off. By 2045 man had all but burnt down his own house. The threat of environmental annihilation loomed, and so a machine was built.Earth's hostile land spat... read more
Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
GENEFIRE

Flanagan, James

Nielson UK

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Made with Reedsy
Saving Schrödinger's Cat

Jenkins, Mark

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Falcon Fire

Otto, Erik A.

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Made with Reedsy
Deathwish

Richman, Justin

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Voids

Tim Jeffreys

In a future society suffering crippling over-population and food crises, Danny Seraphine works as a Sterilization Agent tracking down men who sire children and then desert them. Caught between... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
The Singularity is a brand new SF and fantasy fiction magazine, based in London, England, that publishes short stories that are singular in voice and style. Issue 1 features ten weird and wond... read more
Developmental Editing Copy Editing

Tim has 134 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Matt F.

Matt F.

May, 2024

Pinned
Tim was a pleasure to work with. He finished the project ahead of schedule and graciously answered all my questions. He didn't just mark up my manuscript, but he added helpful comments explaining why he was recommending each change. I've learned a lot from the experience and look forward to worki...
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Mark J.

Mark J.

Apr, 2024

Pinned
Tim is fantastic, and I've utilized his editorial services for all four of my published books. I can't say enough positive things about the work he does, and how much his objectivity and insight have enabled me to become a better storyteller. He is extremely thorough and doesn't pull any punches ...
Read more
Timothy G.

Timothy G.

Oct, 2023

Pinned
Extremely thorough, professional, and an absolute pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Tim for any and all projects you may have. I'm glad my project was part of a series because that means there's a chance I will get to work with him again. I will most certainly be asking him to have ...
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Arin L.

Arin L.

Feb, 2025

Tim was professional, easy to work with and completed the manuscript well before the deadline. Tim answered all my questions after the project was complete. I would also like to thank Tim for his kind words and encouragement. Happy to recommend!
A.M. M.

A.M. M.

Feb, 2025

The least I can say about Tim– he is one of the kindest, most talented people I've ever delt with during my professional life. He always embraced a positive approach toward the project. Dedicated extra effort to go above and beyond the expectations. Will definitely reach out to him in future proj...
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