Why work with us?

We are a dynamic team of multi-skilled professionals dedicated to helping authors and businesses achieve their production and publishing goals for both commercial and non-commercial books and publications. With hands-on, personalised service and strong attention to detail, we ensure every project meets the highest standards.

Recognising the specialised nature of each aspect of production, printing and distribution, we collaborate with a network of editorial freelancers, designers, print suppliers and distributors, both locally and internationally. This approach allows us to manage a diverse range of projects while maintaining exceptional craftsmanship and expertise tailored to each client’s specific needs.

Whether you’re an author bringing your life’s work to fruition, an academic sharing groundbreaking research, a business strengthening its brand through authoritative publishing, or an organisation producing a coffee table book, magazine or report for stakeholders, our expertise and diverse skill set ensure your vision becomes a reality.

Quickfox Publishing is a leading provider of publication production and assisted publishing services in South Africa, offering flexible solutions to suit your unique publishing needs.

We’re professional. We’re honest. And we care

We believe in responsible publishing and provide honest feedback with solutions that align with your objectives. Our author support removes the overwhelm often associated with publishing. Explore our services and let us guide you through a successful publishing journey.

Our core team

About us - Vanessa Wilson Quickfox Publishing Owner and Director

Vanessa Wilson
Publishing director

VANESSA WILSON, founder of Quickfox Publishing, brings over 32 years of experience in graphic design, book and publication production. She began her career in magazines and commercial design before moving into book production for South Africa’s largest traditional publishers.

Vanessa has extensive expertise in independent publishing and, with the support of her team, has helped hundreds of authors and businesses achieve their publishing and production goals. Dedicated to producing professional, trade-quality books and publications, Vanessa has built Quickfox Publishing into a respected name in the industry.

She has collaborated on two bestselling books—one self-published and the other published by Struik Publishers (now Penguin Random House South Africa). She is the co-author of Publish Like A Pro: The Complete Guide to Successful and Profitable Self-Publishing and A Spiritual Toolkit for Dealing with Change. She’s also a publishing workshop presenter at the Franschhoek Literary Festival.

Adele Wilson - About us

Adele wilson
Customer Support

ADELE WILSON discovered her passion for art early on, studying it in school before launching her career in signage design and promotions. Over the years, she has expanded her expertise across multiple industries, bringing a keen eye for detail and design to every role—whether creative or business-focused.

Adele’s strong visual sense allows her to offer invaluable input into cover design and interior layouts. Combined with her practical mindset, meticulous attention to detail and exceptional customer service skills, she is the first point of contact for our clients.

She plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth daily operations, managing office and production schedules, overseeing billing and accounts, coordinating international distribution setup, and handling printing and delivery logistics.

As co-manager of our YesPress imprint, Adele ensures that every project runs seamlessly from start to finish and that authors receive the highest level of care and professionalism throughout the publishing process.

Our editors

Gill Gordon

GILL brings over 40 years of editorial and commercial publishing experience, having worked across multiple industries, from corporate communications to book publishing. She spent 24 years at Penguin Random House (formerly Struik Publishers), where she played a key role in editing and shaping a diverse range of titles across lifestyle, nature, children’s and illustrated books.

Gill has worked on more than 160 books, collaborating with both debut and established authors to refine manuscripts, enhance clarity, and ensure a polished final product. Her expertise spans from copy editing and proofreading to substantive manuscript development, indexing, editorial management, working with design teams and photographers, and marketing copywriting. Many of the books she has worked on have gone into reprints, new editions or become bestsellers.

With a deep understanding of language, structure and readability, Gill ensures that every book is clear, engaging and produced to the highest standard. Now transitioning into a freelance career, she continues to apply her wealth of knowledge to Quickfox publishing projects, ensuring that every book she works on is the best it can be.

Rachel Bey-Miller

Rachel Bey-Miller is a long-standing member of the Quickfox team and holds the honour of being our very first editorial manager, having shared the Quickfox vision of empowering authors since the company’s inception.

Originally qualifying as a Psych Nurse, Rachel went on to complete her BA (English). She has more than 32 years’ experience as a writer, editor and editorial project manager. She works for various clients, including South Africa’s largest educational/academic publishing houses, and an international online courseware developer. She is the author of numerous computer and health-related textbooks for major publishing brands, a novel and a self-help book.

Her enquiring mind draws her to a variety of subjects, however, she particularly enjoys working on computer, IT, self-help, empowerment, spiritual and health-related books.

Tracy Buenk

Tracy is a skilled editor and proofreader with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With nearly a decade of experience in manuscript assessments, structural editing, copy editing and proofreading, she specialises in fiction, memoirs, creative writing and young adult fiction.

A member of the Professional Editors’ Guild (PEG) in South Africa and the Chartered Institute of Editors and Proofreaders (CIEP) in the UK, Tracy has undergone extensive training in editorial best practices. She has completed courses in copy editing, developmental editing and proofreading with industry experts such as John Linnegar, Elana Bregin and Linda Pretorius. Her expertise extends to both traditional and self-published authors, ensuring their manuscripts are polished and publication-ready.

Tracy’s meticulous approach to editing, combined with her deep understanding of narrative structure and language, makes her a valuable member of the Quickfox team. Whether refining fiction manuscripts or shaping compelling memoirs, she is dedicated to helping writers bring their stories to life with clarity and precision.

Louise Rapley

LOUISE is a publishing professional with over 18 years of industry experience with some of South Africa’s largest publishers. Having worked in various roles – including publisher, managing editor, writer and proofreader – she has an in-depth understanding of the book-making process and a deep appreciation for the author’s journey.

As both an author and an editor, Louise understands the challenges writers face, from self-doubt to the complexities of refining a manuscript. She specialises in manuscript evaluation, developmental editing, overwriting, copy-editing and proofreading, offering tailored guidance to help authors strengthen their work while preserving their unique voice.

With a particular passion for non-fiction, memoir and biography, Louise brings a thoughtful, respectful approach to every project. Whether an author needs big-picture structural input or fine-tuned editing, she provides expert support to help bring their vision to life.

Louise is a full member of the Professional Editors’ Guild (PEG).

Ilana Sachar

Ilana is a seasoned editor, writer and communication specialist with over 25 years of experience in publishing, corporate communications and public relations. With a background in industrial psychology and communication, Ilana has worked extensively in corporate and freelance capacities, serving clients such as Macmillan Education, NB Publishers, Chevron South Africa and the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business. She has a sharp editorial eye, a passion for simplifying complex concepts, and a commitment to delivering high-quality content on time.

Ilana’s expertise includes developmental editing, proofreading, layout design and corporate publications. A full member of the Professional Editors’ Guild (PEG), she is highly skilled at producing internal and external communications, company reports, and promotional materials that align with brand identity and strategic messaging.

Ilana handles our corporate and magazine publishing and non-fiction books in her subject areas.

Barbara Wood

Barbara is an accomplished editor, writer and academic publisher with a career spanning over four decades in media, research, and business leadership. With a background in market research, journal publishing and corporate strategy, Barbara has held leadership roles in various organisations, including PMR.africa and MarketProbe, where she played a pivotal role in business turnarounds and editorial direction. She has also worked extensively in higher education, lecturing on business strategy, entrepreneurship and communication at institutions such as Wits Business School and Gibs.

Fluent in multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, German and French, Barbara specialises in translation, editing and content consulting. She is an Honorary Life Member of the Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and has served on numerous professional councils, including the Institute of Directors and the South African Market Research Association.

Barbara is a full member of the Professional Editors’ Guild (PEG) and handles our academic and journal editing.

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