The Three Skills You Need: Senior Commissioning Editor for Picture Books

1.  Can you tell us how you came to be in your current role?

I have always loved children’s books, and it was a revelation when I realised I could do it for a job. I worked as a children’s bookseller at Waterstones after leaving university, and I then as an editorial assistant on visual arts and fashion books before getting my dream role as an assistant in the children’s department at Bloomsbury. I’ve been here ever since.

2. Could you take us through the sort of responsibilities that you manage in your role?

One of the best things about the job of a commissioning editor is that every day is different. I do everything from reading submissions and meeting with agents to editing picture-book texts and talking to our sales, marketing and PR teams about the covers and campaigns for upcoming titles. One of the best parts of the job is seeing a book’s artwork for the first time – that’s the moment when the whole thing begins to come alive, and the thrill of it never gets old. 

3. What is the first skill you need for your role?

A real love of children’s books, of course – but also a strong visual eye. Every picture book is an extended work of art over 32 pages or more, and it’s essential to have a sense of how visual narrative, pacing and storytelling works.

4. What is the second skill you need?

This one sounds obvious, but teamwork is so important. Making a picture book is a shared creative endeavour between author, editor, designer and illustrator – not to mention the amazing production, sales, marketing and PR teams that carry the baton towards publication and beyond.

5. Finally, what is the third skill you need?

A strong commercial sense and knowledge of the current market. What is working at the moment? Can you anticipate – or even help to shape – the next big thing? Picture books are fascinating because they need to equally satisfy two very different audiences – the small child, and then the adult buyer who will have to read it aloud, possibly dozens or hundreds of times.  

6. What advice do you have for publishing hopefuls looking to develop these skills?

Be kind – to your authors and illustrators, and to yourself. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. Publishing is full of wonderful people who are usually happy to share their experience and expertise.

7. You’re also an author with your debut middle grade GREENWILD coming out in 2023. For those working in publishing while writing at the same time, do you have any tips on balancing work life and pursuing an individual creative career?

I’d welcome advice on this one myself! I’m the furthest thing from an expert, but I have found that it helps to think of writing as something fun and playful that you get to do as a reward. 

Pari Thomson is a Senior Commissioning Editor for picture books at Bloomsbury Children’s Books. Half English, half Persian, she lived in many countries while she was growing up, including the US, the UK, India, Pakistan and Belgium. She lives in West London, and her debut middle-grade novel will be published by Macmillan Children’s Books in June 2023.