Helen Jennings

Helen Jennings – Editor

Friendly and experienced editor of contemporary, historical and YA fiction, working with you to bring out the best in your manuscript.

Overview

I’m a copyeditor, line editor and proofreader with a solid publishing background, primarily in commercial fiction. With more than two decades’ editorial experience, both in-house and freelance, I aim to strengthen your writing while preserving your unique voice.

I've worked on a wide range of fiction, including contemporary and historical titles as well as children’s and YA books. I have a strong eye for clarity, consistency and narrative flow, and authors I work with can expect thoughtful editing, clear communication and a collaborative approach throughout.

Alongside my editorial work, I also translate from German into English and have translated children’s fiction for publication.

Services
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Dystopian Historical Fiction Middle Grade Mystery & Crime Women's Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Chapterhouse Certificate of Competence in Proofreading

Work experience

Self-employed

Apr, 2026 — Present
- I have recently returned to freelancing, offering copyediting, line editing and proofreading services - Previous freelance experience includes editing contemporary, historical, children’s and YA fiction, as well as occasional ghostwriting and translation of two children’s books from German into English

Sapere Books

Nov, 2020 — Apr, 2026 (over 5 years)
- Proofreading and copyediting historical fiction - Blurb writing

Self-employed

May, 2002 — Oct, 2020 (over 18 years)
- Freelance copyediting, line editing and proofreading commercial fiction titles - Worked mainly on contemporary, children’s and YA fiction, for publishing houses including Chicken House Books and Scholastic UK, as well as for independent authors - Occasional ghostwriting and translation of two children’s books from German into English

Portfolio

Maze Runner series (5 books)

James Dashner

Scholastic

All five books in the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series - now a series of major movies starring Dylan O'Brien! SEE THE FILMS. READ THE BOOKS. ENTER THE MAZE ... When the doors of t... read more
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Candy

Kevin Brooks

Scholastic Inc.

"[A] provocative, suspenseful work . . . the story plays skillfully to teens' curiosity about the mechanics of addiction and its manic, lurid subculture." — Booklist When Joe meets Candy, it s... read more
Copy Editing
The Hit

Chicken House

Copy Editing
You Don't Know Me

Sophia Bennett

Scholastic

Would you ever betray your best friend? On TV, in front of millions? Sasha Bailey did. Everything was good. Four girls in a band, singing together. Even better ... getting to the finals of Kil... read more
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading
Copy Editing Proofreading

Helen has 6 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

robert D.

robert D.

Jul, 2026

Helen proofread my 72,000 word manuscript with a remarkebal eattention to detail and additionally hoghlighted areas which lacked clarity or consistency. She ensured my final draft is ready to be read and looks professional in every respect. Helen also helpfully took the time to explain her correc...
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Lydia O.

Lydia O.

Jul, 2026

It was my first time using Reedsy and to use editing services. I liked the format of refining and selecting the professionals that would be a match to what I needed (copy edits), finally selecting Helen for the job. I really appreciated the test edit that Helen provided and also the questions as...
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Paul A.

Paul A.

Jul, 2026

Very easy to work with
Marcus F.

Marcus F.

Jun, 2026

Only a very short project, helping with back page blurb, after Helen's work editing the main body of my manuscript. Very useful, as I find creating things like elevator pitches and synopsis the most difficult part of the process. I plan to work with Helen on the second part of the book. Highly re...
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Marcus F.

Marcus F.

Jun, 2026

Helen is the third editor I have used over the time I have been writing and the second from Reedsy. I am less technically gifted than most writers, so a good editor is essential for me. Helen fit the bill to a T, with her professionalism, input, commentary and value, she hit just the right level ...
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Helen J.
It was a pleasure to copyedit The Black Bean, a very enjoyable novella with a compelling cast of characters. Marcus set out his requirements clearly, was very open to feedback, and payment was prom...
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