Helen Greathead – Editor

My publishing career really took off during the 14 years I spent working in house at Scholastic Children's Books. I set up the non-fiction department there and became its first editorial director, publishing a broad list of titles that ranged from full-colour activity and information books through to teen non-fiction and included the Horrible Histories and Horrible Science series.

The Horrible Histories and Horrible Science series were each turned into highly successful TV shows and are still hugely popular today.

During my 20+ years of freelancing, my most regular roles have involved developing series non-fiction for David Fickling Books – IPA Children's Publisher of the Year, 2025 – and copy-editing for the fiction department at Usborne Books.

I have also worked with a number of self-published authors, including Rosalind Kerven and Chris Scott. Here's what they have to say about the experience:

'Helen was initially recommended to me by high-profile children’s publisher, David Fickling. She is a really meticulous editor who helped get my four-book middle-grade fiction series, Grim Gruesome Viking Villain, shortlisted for two awards, with glowing reviews in the national and educational press. I asked her to be ruthless with my drafts – and she was, urging me to change this and improve that until it was absolutely right for young readers. Since then, she has copyedited several of my non-fiction books for adults, again with an eagle eye for detail. Unlike most editors I’ve known, she is generous with her praise too! I’m a hybrid author, working for both mainstream publishers and my own small imprint. I have to say that Helen is definitely one of the best editors I have worked with in my long career.' RK

'I loved working with Helen. She is incredibly approachable and honest, and her vast editing experience showed through in her deft touch, turning a good story into an excellent book. Her suggestions were invariably spot-on. Frankly, I learned more from her than from years of writing, attending courses and getting manuscript evaluations from published authors, and would not go to anyone else to edit my work.' CS

Children's books is a huge umbrella term, covering distinct reading stages and with books that can range from seriously silly to seriously serious. I enjoy both extremes and everything in between but, if pushed, I'd say I'm best at working on the silly side and at elementary and middle-grade levels.

I can offer advice on the germ of an idea, including thoughts on titles and how to put a proposal together, and/or work with you on your text, helping to polish it to submission or publication level.

I so enjoy getting my teeth into a good idea and really helping it shine.