Susie Helme

Susie Helme – Editor

Award-winning author and former magazine editor. Offering developmental editing, copy editing, proofreading. Let's get your book published!

Overview

Get your manuscript publication-ready with expert editing services.


Proofreading: I will go through your manuscript with a fine-tooth comb, correcting spelling, grammar and punctuation.


Copy Editing: Beyond correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation, I’ll ensure stylistic consistency and clarity throughout your work.


Developmental Editing: I will provide in-depth feedback on your manuscript, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, identifying plot inconsistencies, enhancing character development, improving unrealistic dialogue and refining structure. Whether you need advice on protagonist-antagonist conflict, plot twists, pacing, dramatisation, voice, building suspense, or word choice, I’m here to help.


I write historical fiction, but I have experience editing novels from all genres and non-fiction, too.


As an award-winning author and former magazine editor, I bring years of writing and editing to my work.


My debut novel, The Lost Wisdom of the Magi, was Winner of the 2021 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical. The Genizah Codex, coming out soon, was a Finalist for the 2022 Claymore Award for Best Historical.


I also sub-edit for Dignity magazine and review books for Historical Novels Review and Reedsy Discovery. You can read my book reviews on Reedsy, Goodreads, Amazon or Bookbub.


Every novel needs an objective eye, a third-party professional editor who is not your friend or your mum. I am passionate about bringing fine literature into the world, and I would like to work with you to get you there. Ready to polish up your manuscript? Let’s get started today!

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Contemporary Fiction Historical Fiction Mystery & Crime Science Fiction Women's Fiction
Non-Fiction
Health & Wellbeing Inspirational
Languages
English (UK) English (US)
Awards
  • 2021 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award for Best Historical
  • ‘Mrs Joseph Campbell’ shortlisted Writers’ Retreat Short, Short Story Competition Summer 2020
  • Finalist 2022 Killer Nashville Claymore Award for Best Historical
Certifications
  • BA Japanese Linguistics - International Christian University, 1976
  • PUW for Graduates (Japanese translation, Journalism) - Hatfield Polytechnic, 1989
  • Periodical Journalism for Graduates - London College of Printing, 1992

Work experience

Reedsy Marketplace

Feb, 2022 — Present

Historical Novels Review

Sep, 2021 — Present

Book reviewer for Historical Novels Review, magazine of the Historical Novels Society

Reedsy Discovery

Jun, 2021 — Present

Book reviewer for Reedsy Discovery

Dignity magazine

Jun, 2021 — Sep, 2024 (over 3 years)

Subedit Dignity, a magazine for elders

Self-employed

Mar, 2021 — Present

I offer freelance services in proofreading and developmental editing. My favourite genre is historical fiction, the older the timescale the better, but I love reading and encouraging new writers, and I would love to help you with your novel.

EuroWeek Magazine

Jun, 2005 — Oct, 2009 (over 4 years)

Billing Magazine; Unified Communications International Magazine

Mar, 2001 — Feb, 2002 (11 months)

Mobile Communications Asia

Jun, 1999 — Oct, 2000 (over 1 year)

Mobile Communications International

Mar, 1996 — Nov, 1999 (over 3 years)

Self-employed

Jan, 1995 — Present

Portfolio

Journey to Jaffna

Rajes Bala

The Conrad Press

Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
The Dig: A Guide to Self-Discovery and Deep-Level Transformation

McCarroll, James

Holy Impact Publishing, LLC

Copy Editing
In The Joshua Sea

Stillman, M

Gneiss

Developmental Editing
The Mafidon Inheritance

Akinode, Yomi

Independently published

Developmental Editing
Lidu’s Awakening

Bennett, Valerie

Independently published

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing
The Tree of Knowledge

Miller, Daniel G.

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
War Story

Margenau, Rolf

Parted Waters

Cook, Deborah

Great Crossing

Bornay, Judalon de

Looked After Boy

Brennan, Lynda M

Developmental Editing
The Caduca

Graham-Leigh, Elaine

Developmental Editing

Susie has 15 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Britta E.

Britta E.

Sep, 2023

Pinned
Working with Susie was a very rewarding experience. She was quite responsive to messages and queries and I found her notes and comments respectful and constructive. Many of her suggestions were logical and changes made worked out well. I noticed that her practical knowledge of language is excellent. Although I used to teach in the public school system and have also tutored reading, I fe...
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mat S.

mat S.

Jul, 2023

Pinned
Beyond the excellent notes, the professional insights into structure and style, the obvious expertise in fleshing out a story's weaknesses and strengths, Susie gave me a life moment with her review.
Susie H.
thank you
Daniel M.

Daniel M.

Mar, 2022

Pinned
Susie did a wonderful job proofreading my novel. She completed her work ahead of schedule, caught numerous errors, and even added a few great story notes. I wholeheartedly recommend her.
Susie H.
thank you.
Megan E.

Megan E.

Jul, 2024

Thank you for your review. My illogical brain is working through your helpful suggestions. Although my thoughts about Islam may not be the same as yours I take your pointers into consideration, Your professionalism have been great.
Susie H.
thanks and good luck
Roger Fred G.

Roger Fred G.

Apr, 2024

Susie did an excellent job marking up my text and pointing out I need to provide more detail in the surroundings, emote more of the emotions of the characters, and realize that most people don’t understand the Southwest Florida dialect and nuances. Also, do not expect everyone to “get” subtle hints as to the characters ethnicity. If you are writing the story you think that everyone will see th...
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Susie H.
Thank you for this thoughtful review, which also gives me some food for thought regarding my own writing. I wd love to work with Fred again. Susie

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