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 10 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Colin S.

Colin S.

Oct, 2026

Helen J When I first decided to work with Reedsy, I chose five potential editors for my first novel. I was immediately drawn towards Helen's quote , not only because the price was reasonable, but also because her quotation was both explanatory and engaging. She also asked for a sample from the b...
Read more
Lindsey B.

Lindsey B.

Oct, 2026

Helen did a phenomenal job. Exactly what I needed + more. She spotted inconsistencies, smoothed out sentences, and polished my manuscript. She kept my voice intact while making the work stronger. Highly recommend.
steven S.

steven S.

Sep, 2026

Great working with her.
Helen J.
Thanks Steven! It was a pleasure to work with you on your novel and I wish you every success with it. Do feel free to get in touch again if I can be of any help in the future.
Alessio M.

Alessio M.

Sep, 2026

I worked with Helen for a short proofreading sample. I was very happy with the result.
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...
Read more

Sign up to read more reviews

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

Professionals similar to Helen

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

Scott W.

I'm an editor with twenty years’ experience, and I'm passionate about helping writers refine and polish their work for publication.

Avilés, Spain

100% reply rate

View profile

Olivia T.

Publishing professional at a top trade publisher specializing in developmental editing for adult fiction and nonfiction!

Chicago, IL, USA

100% reply rate

View profile

Dawn F.

22+ year publishing professional providing editing and consulting on book proposals, nonfiction books, and query letters

Twin Cities, MN

100% reply rate

View profile