Emily Wells

Emily Wells – Editor

Development editor of Christian books including study guides, devotionals and fiction. By day, I am Senior Editor at Hodder & Stoughton.

Overview

I am an editor with 10+ years experience publishing educational and Christian lifestyle books. I currently work for Hodder & Stoughton/John Murray Press as Senior Editor, publishing the best-selling book of all time (the Bible, no less).

I love working with authors to bring to life the word that is on their heart, whether that be a devotional, testimony, story, or explainer that unpacks the Bible. My development edits focus on getting the pace, tone and structure of your work just right for your intended reader.

Now taking bookings for September 2026 and beyond.

Services
Fiction
Christian Fiction
Non-Fiction
Christian Non-Fiction Education & Reference Political Science & Current Affairs
Languages
English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

John Murray Press

Jan, 2023 — Present
I work for the Hodder Faith imprint as a Senior Editor, where I publish the Bible and other Christian books.

Hodder Education

Oct, 2016 — Jan, 2023 (over 6 years)
I published and edited 100s of titles for KS3, GCSE and A Level, primarily in Religious Studies, Politics and English.

Taylor & Francis

Feb, 2016 — Oct, 2016 (8 months)
I commissioned academic books for the Physics list.

Portfolio

NIV Bible for Young Explorers with Bear Grylls and Andrew Ollerton

Bear Grylls

Hodder & Stoughton

'Beautifully illustrated, it makes reading the Bible so much fun, with thoughtful comments and super-useful guides such as maps, factual pictures and historical background.' -- Parent reader r... read more
Developmental Editing
The Word Week by Week

Lee Gatiss

John Murray Press

The early church used patterns of set readings to guide Christians through scripture. Over the centuries, these readings developed into full Lectionaries to guide communities through the Bible... read more
Developmental Editing
The Hodder Bible Commentary: James

Daniel K. Eng

John Murray Press

50 volumes. 4 million words. Global representation.Engage with the latest theological thinking in this new, readable exposition of the Bible in 50 volumes. Covering all books of the Bible and including the full the Anglicised New International Version (NIV) te... read more
The Hodder Bible Commentary: Proverbs

Kirsten Birkett

John Murray Press

About the Hodder Bible CommentaryThe Hodder Bible Commentary is a comprehensive 50-volume Bible commentary series. Doctrinally sensitive and globally aware, its goal is to encourage a deepened knowledge and understanding of Scripture.Accessible and insightful ... read more
NIV Bible in One Year with Commentary by Nicky and Pippa Gumbel

Gumbel, Nicky

NIV Life Application Study Bible, Third Edition

Tyndale

The Hodder Bible Commentary: Ecclesiastes

Eric Ortlund

John Murray Press

How can we live well in a world that can feel meaningless? Ecclesiastes invites us to face the hard truth that our lives are very brief and mostly out of our control. But that doesn't mean God leaves us to despair.In this searching and uplifting commentary, Er... read more
Manga Bible

Siku

Hodder & Stoughton

From the creation of the earth to the ultimate showdown between the forces of good and evil, this is the greatest story ever told. This manga adaptation of the Holy Bible tells the story of God's relationship with his people, from the creation of the earth and... read more
The Hodder Bible Commentary: Luke

Peterson, David

The Hodder Bible Commentary: Mark

Moore, Chris

Pearson Edexcel A Level US Government and Politics

Bennett, Anthony J

My Revision Notes: A-level Religious Studies Islam

Curriculum for Wales: Religion, Values and Ethics for 11–14 years

Parry, Lesley

Key Stage 3 English Anthology: Dystopia

Eddy, Steve

Key Stage 3 English Anthology: 19th Century

Sheldon, Jane

Eduqas GCSE (9-1) Religious Studies Route B: Catholic Christianity and Judaism

Barron, Andrew

Wjec Eduqas GCSE (9-1) Religious Studies

White, Joy

Touchstones: A Teaching Anthology of Poetry

Benton, Michael

Explore RE for Key Stage 3

Clarke, Steve

Pearson Edexcel A Level UK Government and Politics Sixth Edition

McNaughton, Neil

Pearson Edexcel A level Politics

Jenkins, Sarra

Emily has 7 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Sarah L.

Sarah L.

Jun, 2026

Emily is very engaging and professional. I would recommend her. Such helpful insights and feedback, even on the critique which is hard to accomplish well. Excellent.
Emily W.
Thank you so much Sarah, it was a pleasure to work on your book!
Makayla W.

Makayla W.

May, 2026

As a first-time Reedsy user and first-time author, I honestly didn’t know what to expect going into this process, but Emily exceeded my expectations in every way. She approached my book with so much care, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail. Her review was thorough, insightful, and honest in ...
Read more
Dianna W.

Dianna W.

Mar, 2026

Emily's Editorial Assessment was extremely helpful and let me see my project in a whole new light. I will definitely be looking to use her again for future projects. She gave a fresh perspective on the layout and got me excited to write again!
David B.

David B.

Mar, 2026

Can't say enough about how wonderful Emily was. The notes were robust and very helpful. She responded very quickly and was open with her advice and thoughts. I would definitely use her again.
Elisabeta K.

Elisabeta K.

Sep, 2024

Emily's review of my book manuscript was done with all excellence, clarity, sensitivity, organization, promptness, and professionalism. She certainly has a gift with editing as well as pinpointing and articulating the strengths and weaknesses wonderfully. Moreover, she makes helpful suggestions f...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

Create a free Reedsy account to connect with Emily and thousands of other publishing professionals on Reedsy.

Professionals similar to Emily

Get a range of offers by requesting quotes from multiple professionals.

Drew D.

Developmental editor at Penguin Random House specializing in Christian nonfiction, with 15+ years editing and assessing bestselling authors.

Nashville, TN, USA

95% reply rate

View profile

Virginia B.

Dedicated former Big 5 editor with 10+ years of experience in Christian and Inspirational Nonfiction.

Nashville, TN, USA

100% reply rate

View profile

Cindy M.

I help make dreams come true – developing a plan after your first draft or polishing with personal care. Lower-cost options available.

Slippery Rock, PA, United States

100% reply rate

View profile