Helen Wedgewood

Helen Wedgewood – Editor

Experienced, collaborative non-fiction editor and book doctor - worked for more than a decade at Hodder and HarperCollins.

Overview

Skills: *Non-fiction book doctor *Editorial consultant *Structural editor *Content creator *Communicator


I'm Helen and I specialise in words - writing, editing and communicating. With more than a decade of in-house experience in the publishing industry, I’ve worked with top non-fiction authors to craft their books from pitch stage through to publication. Whether you need an editorial consultant or a book doctor, I am both flexible and sensitive in my approach. Naturally curious, I enjoy adapting to each author's individual style and learning about their specific area of expertise.


My specialisms are cookery and general non-fiction. With experience ranging from creating bestselling illustrated cookery books for chefs, brands and Instagram stars for publishers such as HarperCollins and Hodder & Stoughton, to editing memoirs, business how-tos or nature books, I'm always interested in getting stuck into a new project.


I have an MA in English Literature, various postgraduate publishing qualifications and am a member of the CIEP.


When I'm not at my desk, I can be found walking my dog Toby around the green hills of Bath in Somerset or cooking up a feast for my family at home.


Testimonial:

'Helen is the perfect combination of calm, insightful and meticulous.' Myles Archibald, Publishing Director @ William Collins

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Cooking, Food, Wine, & Spirits Entertainment
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Certifications
  • Postgraduate Publishing Diploma
  • CELTA qualification
  • Copyediting and proofreading certificates
  • MA English Literature 2:1, University of Edinburgh

Work experience

Freelance

Jan, 2022 — Present

Flexible editorial consultant offering a range of services from book doctoring to straight copyediting. Works with non-fiction authors to hone book ideas ready for proposal submission or publication and specialises in developmental editing.

Abode Worldwide

Aug, 2019 — Jan, 2023 (over 3 years)

Set up and led a team of content creators at a global PR agency. Specialised in creating winning content strategies, top-notch B2B content and managing talented individuals to achieve excellent results for hospitality and tech clients. Also worked on business development and PR/media relations for the company.

HarperCollins

Jan, 2010 — Jul, 2014 (over 4 years)

Managed publishing projects from pitch stage through to publication. Specialised in TV tie-in, cookery and lifestyle non-fiction books. Delivered work on time and on budget in a fast-paced corporate environment.

Hodder & Stoughton

Jan, 2005 — Jan, 2010 (about 5 years)

Edited commercial lifestyle bestsellers, popular history and science, plus literary fiction. Involved in all phases of the publishing process for a small imprint, from author development to copywriting and marketing campaign ideas.

Portfolio

Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Book Coaching
Developmental Editing
Downtime: Deliciousness at Home: A Cookbook

Redzepi, Nadine Levy

Pam Krauss/Avery

Proofreading
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
A History of Food in 100 Recipes

Sitwell, William

Little, Brown and Company

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Good Things To Eat

Hollweg, Lucas

Collins

Developmental Editing
The Boy Who Loved Books: A Memoir

John Sutherland

John Murray

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
A Most Wanted Man

le Carré, John

Scribner

Editorial Assessment Proofreading
Wonders of the Solar System

Cox, Professor Brian

Collins

Developmental Editing Proofreading
Prisoner of Tehran: A Memoir

Nemat, Marina

Free Press

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Home Cooking Made Easy

Pascale, Lorraine

HarperCollins

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment
The World of Downton Abbey

Fellowes, Jessica

St. Martin's Press

Developmental Editing Editorial Assessment

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