THE PEOPLE BEHIND MAKE BOOKS BETTER

Two editors. One shared passion.

We believe better books begin with understanding stories, thoughtful editing, and learning by doing.

Helena Hansen

Helena Hansen

Co-founder

Developmental editor with an MA in Creative Writing and two master's degrees in Literature from the Sorbonne. Helena has helped numerous authors bring their manuscripts to publication. Together with Ann, she created DEEC. When she's not working on manuscripts, Helena can usually be found exploring Paris, preferably with a bookshop somewhere along the way.

Ann Ljungberg

Ann Ljungberg

Co-founder

Author coach, editor, and writing course leader. Ann has spent more than a decade training developmental editors in Sweden, with over 100 people completing her Swedish-language program. Her home turf is story structure, which makes her particularly good at spotting the hole in the floor of your second act.

Why we started
Make Books Better

We started Make Books Better with an idea: better books come from understanding how stories work.

Whether we're helping writers develop their novels or training developmental editors, we believe in practical experience, thoughtful guidance, and giving every manuscript the attention it deserves.

What matters to us

Every story is unique.

Good developmental editing starts by understanding what the writer wants their story to be.

Learning happens by doing.

Real manuscripts, practical challenges, and experienced guidance help editors build confidence.

Editing is a conversation.

Our goal is to open up possibilities, not prescribe a single way to write a book.

Let's make better books together.

Have a question about writing, editing, or working with us?

Get in touch ↗