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

Sapere Books

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

Purpleprose Editorial Services

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 the 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 2 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

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 ...
Read more
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...
Read more
Paul A.

Paul A.

May, 2026

Quick and polite

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