Helen Sewell, Proofreader, Editor, Writer

I am an established British proofreader, writer and editor who has worked freelance for around ten years. I can proofread and edit any document, but some examples are: academic essays, articles and theses, self help books, romance books, childrens and YA fiction, literary fiction. Wherever you are in your journey of writing, whether a student struggling to get your essay right, or a seasoned fiction or non-fiction writer, or a person who struggles with English, I can help. I offer a bespoke service to individuals. I have an eclectic background which gives me a good understanding of different subjects and also the different needs of individuals. Please look at my website to find out more about me, and send me a query to secure your place in my busy schedule today!

Following are some testimonials.

I am hugely impressed with Helen’s work. I am a complete novice in the writing world and also have dyslexia. I am grateful that, not only did she do the job fantastically, she offered advice and support along the way in relation to all areas of writing, editing, submitting. I have learnt a lot. Her constructive criticism was always kind and helpful but honest. I will definitely be using Helen for further work and look forward to doing so. She understood the importance of my manuscrpt and I could be confident it was in safe hands with Helen. Huge Thanks and I look forward to working with you again
– Natalie Fay

When seeking an editor, what every writer wants is a wordsmith to hone their narrative to perfection, to eliminate redunosity, fostory and arouse the reader’s intrigue by maintaining the tension.
A good editor knows it is not just the logic of the plot or the shrewdly observed characterisations that create the successful story, but how the fabric is woven – the ability to use the best word, to conjure immediacy, create action, stay relentlessly on ‘message’ while gradually building to a climax.
Some professional editors make the process so brutal that motivation is stifled, the creative spirit quenched. This is why I so enjoy working with Helen. She will subtly sharpen your text by suggesting slight but clever edits. The improvement will inspire you, carry you forward to tackle the more basic challenges – strengthening characterisations, clarifying the plot, refining the dénouement – with greater determination and creativity.
On the practical side, she will give you a deadline, and stick to it. Her charges are reasonable, and she will discuss her recommendations. Thank you, Helen!
– Ian Joseph – Author

Helen’s feedback on my prose was helpful and appreciated. She pointed out some of my tendencies to overdescribe, and I recognised her professionalism in giving feedback as it mirrored the kind of feedback I’d got previously from my MA tutor.
– Debbie Taggio – Shortlisted for Primadonna Prize