Item: Helen Wedgewood
Rating: 5.0
Author: Felice Hardy

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

Developmental Editing

Editorial Assessment

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

Editor

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.

Head of Content

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.

Senior Editor

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.

Senior Editor

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.