Helen Macdonald

Helen Macdonald – Editor

Meticulous copy editor and proofreader with 15+ years’ experience. Production editor at Penguin Random House.

Overview

In my current position as senior production editor at Penguin Random House, I manage book development from copyedit to print for adult trade nonfiction, fiction, illustrated children’s books (ages 3 to 8), and middle grade fiction.

I have been fortunate to work with many bestselling authors, including Andrew Peterson (the Wingfeather Saga—a hugely popular middle grade fiction series), Jordan Lee Dooley, John Mark Comer, and Mark Batterson.

I currently work for the Christian division at Penguin Random House, but as a freelancer, I have worked on a wide range of material, including detective novels, cozy mysteries, historical fiction, and autobiographies. I enjoy working in all genres.

I have thorough knowledge of The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th edition, and I have an exceptional eye for detail and exemplary skills in fact-checking.

I would love to help you polish your project! Please send me a message if you have any questions.
Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Christian Non-Fiction Health & Wellbeing
Fiction
Christian Fiction Middle Grade Mystery & Crime Picture Books Romance
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

Penguin Random House

Aug, 2017 — Present

I guide all phases of book development from copyedit to print, as well as copyedit ads, cover copy, and other materials. I hire freelance copy editors, proofreaders, and indexers, and review their work and provide feedback.

David C Cook

Mar, 2014 — Jan, 2017 (almost 3 years)

In this position, I oversaw the prepress production of illustrated children’s books and both fiction and nonfiction adult titles. I supervised production editors and freelance team members.

Self-employed

Sep, 2004 — Mar, 2014 (over 9 years)

Copyedited and proofread fiction and nonfiction books for several publishing companies. I worked on many genres, including mysteries, romance, and Christian.

Helen has 3 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Dana R.

Dana R.

Mar, 2023

Helen was very encouraging to me during this process. She took her time to advise on a project that she was not involved with - as if she was involved. I then was able to hire her for another collaboration and she was very thorough and timely. So thankful for her expertise and her well thought out time.
Sara K.

Sara K.

Jan, 2023

Helen was great to work with and I will definitely work with her again.
Francisco E.

Francisco E.

Jan, 2023

It has been great working with Helen. I found her not only very professional at what she does but also willing to share and explain literary concepts and writing ideas.

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