Helen Johns

Visit Helen Johns on
table number 32
at the summer
Oxford Indie Book Fair
on 13-July 2025

See home page for details, map and more.

Results Department Editorial Consultancy

I have been involved with the written word for more years than I care to count. At school I sent articles to the local newspaper, and at university I wrote for the student newspaper. My first job was as a copy editor at Penguin Books, training which has stood me in good stead ever since.

I spent many years in sales and marketing roles, mainly in book publishing. My last marketing job in a corporate setting was for an accountancy firm, and then I decided to set up my own business, providing editorial consultancy, copywriting, copy editing and proofreading services to businesses and individuals. This has brought me a lot of pleasure, because of the close relationship I build with the client, and because it’s so satisfying to witness their delight when they see their work has been enhanced due to my efforts.

Amongst the highlights, I have edited a memoir by a renowned neurosurgeon (involving a whole new vocabulary of medical terms!); some of his operations were ground-breaking and it was fascinating to read about the difference he made to patients’ lives. I also edited an autobiography by a young lady who suffered with cerebral palsy – a tale of immense courage and fortitude. Another job involved editing a collection of articles by experts in their fields focussing on the organisational and personal aspects of stress and wellbeing, and then getting it published on Amazon (not very straightforward but I got there in the end!). More recently, I have been proofreading a guide to the Peloponnese in Greece – I am now pretty much equipped to act as a tour guide if anyone wants me!

I care deeply about the written word and books, which I believe are more important than ever today. In the digital era, research has shown that people are reading less than they were 40 years ago, and the average reading time online is approximately 55 seconds. By contrast, reading books has many benefits, including improving mental health, expanding your knowledge, growing your vocabulary and your communication skills. In the same way that puzzles are good for the brain, reading keeps your brain active and engaged, which leads to better brain health. Compared with digital options like social media, movies, and television, reading is by far the healthiest option.

I am proud to be able to contribute towards the creation of books – whether fiction or non-fiction – and to help in encouraging the habit of reading. I hope that my focus on the vocabulary, syntax and grammar, spelling and punctuation in the projects I’m involved with means that the experience of reading is as accessible and pleasurable as possible.