Tom McBrien
Trading as: East Pier Studio
Dublin, Ireland
Mobile phone: 0896151902
Training and professional development
Mastering Fiction Editing, Publishing Ireland
Creative Writing for TTRPG, Maynooth University
TJ Walker Communication Skills Masterclass
Beth Cox Foundations for Inclusion DEI
HarperCollins Editorial Training
Weldon Owen Editorial Training
BA (Hons) Philosophy & History UEA
Languages
English – Native
French – Fluent
Spanish – Intermediate
Experience
Professional book editor since 2017 with eight years’ experience in children’s fiction and nonfiction. I have conceived, written, and edited more than 25 internationally bestselling books for Big 5 publishers, global brands, and well-loved literary characters, such as Dennis the Menace, Rupert Bear, Captain Haddock, and Steve & Alex.
I provide comprehensive editorial services and writing coaching, drawing on a career as an in-house editor for Farshore Books and Weldon Owen, as well as my current work with East Pier Studio.
Services offered
✒️ Editing Services 💡
I offer full editorial services, including:
– Editorial assessments
– Developmental editing
– Copy editing
– 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.
Comprehensive Picture Book packages available.
Comprehensive Middle Grade package packages available.
📖 Book Coaching 📚
I also offer book coaching to authors. Together, we will discuss your ideas, explore the market, and set you on the best track to achieve your goals using the same strategies as Big 5 publishers. This service is tailored to fit the individual needs of each author.
Popular discussion points:
– Introduction to Self-Publishing
– New Book Development
– Commercial Success & Amazon
– Ongoing Development & Creative Collaboration
Perfect for budding authors & gifting!
Contact me for 2, 4, and 10-hour package options.
Ready to get started? Schedule a FREE discovery call: https://calendly.com/eastpierstudio/discovery-call
Media
– Children’s fiction (illustrated picture books, chapter books, middle grade books, early readers, graded readers)
– Children’s nonfiction and educational books
– Short stories & draft manuscripts
– Publisher proposals
– UCAS statements and other educational or college applications (commentary & proofreading)
Subject areas
All subjects. 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.
- Children’s Fiction & Non Fiction
- Self Help
- Adult Fiction
- Educational
- Action & Adventure
- Gaming/LitRPG
- Humor
- Neurodiversity & DEI
Clients include
I work with both independent authors and international publishers.
Past clients include: Minecraft, Beano, London’s Natural History Museum, Zion National Park, Nintendo, Rupert Bear, Star Wars, Tintin, Bonnier Books, Farshore, Weldon Owen, Miles Kelly, Pearson, Kapow Publishing, Westchester Edu, City & Guilds, DK, and many more small publishers and independent authors across the globe.
Examples of work undertaken
I’ve worked on countless manuscripts across numerous genres and age groups, with over 2 million copies printed worldwide. Want to see a relevant past title? Contact me for a FREE discovery call.
Personal Favourites
Andy and Rufus: The Ruby Robbery (M. Coddy., Independent Author)
The Goblin Twins (C. Grieb, Independent Author)
The Inevitable Death of Teacup (S. Winter, Independent Author)
Escape From Cat Hair Planet (J. Swift, Independent Author)
Dennis & Gnasher: Attack of the Evil Veg (The Beano, Bestselling series)
Top Pick Bestsellers:
The Minecraft Ideas Book (Bestseller)
Dennis & Gnasher: The Abominable Snowmenace (The Beano, Bestselling series)
Epic Bases (Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Award 2021, Bestselling series)
Dinosaurs Annual 2023 (London’s Natural History Museum, Bestselling series)
Rupert Bear Annuals (Bestselling series)
Testimonials
“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
“Tom is a godsend to writers and independent publishers. He has a keen mind and experience in the trenches to match. He’s passionate about the projects he takes on and wants to see positive results for his clients.” — Michael Lent, Independent Author
Additional information
Come see me speak at Dublin’s International Writer’s Festival in September 2025! https://internationaldublinwritersfestival.com/