How to do history

How to go about writing history and how I can help you.

I started my career in writing about history almost twelve years ago. I researched and wrote for BBC Radio 4’S In Our Time. I went on to be a documentary history producer, I wrote historical journalism and then had my first book commissioned in 2017, arriving on the shelves in 2021 — The Red Prince, John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster (Oneworld). It became an instant bestseller and a Sunday Times bestseller. This was soon followed by What is History, Now? A volume of essays co-edited with Suzannah Lipscomb. This book is a key text for so many studying history today. Finally and most recently, I published Sceptred Isle, a New History of the Fourteenth Century (Hutchinson Heinemann 2025) which became another instant bestseller and Sunday Times best selling non fiction.

In between writing these books I have taught courses, hosted podcasts, broadcast across global channels and made my own documentaries for HistoryHit. But one of the other aspects to my career, which I love love doing, is teaching.

For the last eighteen months I have been mentoring and teaching people how to follow their passion projects. How to get that ‘idea’ into something more than an idea. I have coached people in how to think about writing history, how to locate sources, how to shift an academic style of writing into something more narrative — a key skill for those looking to use their research for something more commercial and accesible. I have helped people who are working on fiction ensure they’re not veering too far from the history. Above all I have given people confidence in a non judgemental and kind space in which you can share your work and gain support (and a deadline). This has even materialised into a real book deal for some.

It is now a new academic year and I have made space to take on some new mentees. What you get for working with me is 50 minutes 1-1 over Zoom. I read and critique your work outside of this time if you need me to. I schedule meetings monthly which allows you time to advance your work and put into practice what we have discussed from our previous session. It is fun, creative and above all helps you take your project from an idea to a reality in a manner entirely curated to your needs.

If you want to work with me then DM me for more information on my fee and an initial chat about your project.

"Taking part in Helen's mentorship programme has quite literally changed my life. She has that rare ability of enabling you to realise your own strengths, as well as the experience and insight to coach you through areas where you may struggle - all in a friendly and relaxed environment. It was with Helen's support and encouragement that I was able to achieve my lifelong dream of getting my first book deal." - James Danter, author of Uncrowned King