Helena Drakakis

Helena Drakakis – Ghostwriter

I am a Sunday Times bestselling ghostwriter of more than 20 years. I love working with authors to bring your ideas to life.

Overview

I am a Sunday Times bestselling ghostwriter with more than 20 years experience of writing and editing across book publishing, newspapers, magazines and broadcast. I love to help authors bring their ideas to life and work with them to create a compelling product.

Whether your non-fiction project is in its idea, research or writing phase I can help shape it into a final manuscript. As a professional ghostwriter and editor I bring a complete range of skills to any project. I work very collaboratively with authors, have a great understanding of structure, story development, the interviewing and writing process as well as a good working knowledge of media law. I work efficiently to your deadline and budget.

I ghost memoir, biography and general non-fiction. Having worked with most of the major publishing houses including Hachette UK and US, Penguin Random House, Bonnier and Atlantic. I also have a good feel for what might attract commissioners should you want to pursue a commercial route.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Education & Reference
Languages
English (UK)
Certifications
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Newspaper Journalism
  • Degree in International Politics and American Studies
  • NCTJ Qualifications plus 100 wpm shorthand

Work experience

Self-employed

Mar, 2014 — Present
I started my career at Bloomsbury Publishing working on a non-fiction list. As an editor, I have worked on titles from politics to science, sport, music, comedy, fashion and film. I went on to work as a journalist, becoming deputy editor of the Big Issue magazine before turning freelance. I have reported from India, the US and West Africa. My work has appeared in the Guardian, Independent, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Ecologist; Resurgence among others. I have also been a part of a team working on two long-running investigations for Channel 4 News. I have ghosted more than 20 memoirs and non-fiction titles including three Sunday Times No 1 bestsellers. My books have also been shortlisted for three national awards and one was the winner of True Crime Book of the Year 2025.

Portfolio

Someone Like Me

Lancaster, Penny

Bloomsbury Publishing

Book Ghostwriting
The one where mum and Elvis lived unhappily ever after in our little Stoke Newington Victorian townhouse. In this honest and gripping memoir, actor Stanley J. Browne reflects on a childhood an... read more
Book Ghostwriting
Book Ghostwriting
Sigrid Rides

Travis Nelson

Octopus

'A one-man, one-cat mission to cheer people up' - The Mirror When Travis Nelson arrived in London, he expected to embark on a new life and a new job. Coming from California, he'd uprooted his ... read more
Book Ghostwriting
Book Ghostwriting
Roar

Sam Quek

Allen & Unwin

*SHORTLISTED for the Vikki Orvice Award for Women's Sports Writing at The British Sports Book Awards 2024* 'The stories here are vital to our understanding of women's sporting history' GABBY L... read more
Book Ghostwriting
The Green Start-up

Juliet Davenport OBE

Heligo Books

The Green Start-Up is an essential toolkit for the modern-day entrepreneur. As issues around climate change and environmental impact become more urgent, businesses and start-ups must work hard... read more
Book Ghostwriting
Getting Away with Murder

Lynda La Plante

Bonnier Zaffre Ltd.

'Screamingly funny and deliciously candid, full of wisdom and joie de vivre, this is memoir with the grip of a thriller' ERIN KELLYLynda La Plante has lived an illustrious life and has the sto... read more
Book Ghostwriting
Loving Amy

Janis Winehouse

Transworld

Arguably the most gifted artist of her generation, Amy Winehouse died tragically young, aged just 27. With a worldwide fanbase and millions of record sales to her name, she should have had the... read more
Book Ghostwriting
Don't Laugh, It'll Only Encourage Her

Daisy May Cooper

Penguin UK

THE SUNDAY TIMES NO. 1 BESTSELLERDiscover the hilarious memoir written by the most relatable woman in the world - Daisy May Cooper, creator and star of BBC's award-winning comedy This Country'... read more
Book Ghostwriting

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