Meet Our Founder
Olly Grey was founded by Melissa Johns, whose lifelong love of language and years of editorial experience form the foundation of everything we do.
Melissa has provided professional editorial services in various capacities since 2007, officially launching Olly Grey in early 2025 to dedicate herself to the work she loves most: helping writers express their ideas with clarity, precision, and grace.
A lifelong word nerd, Melissa has always been fascinated by the way language connects people. From collecting and devouring books to exploring grammar, etymology, phonology, and syntax, she has spent years studying and celebrating the written word. She reads between sixty and seventy books each year and believes reading is one of the most powerful ways to build empathy and better understand the perspectives and experiences of others—an approach that also makes her a more thoughtful editor.
Melissa holds an undergraduate degree in elementary education from Middle Tennessee State University, a master’s degree in linguistics from the University of Florida, and a professional editing certificate from the University of Chicago. This blend of teaching, linguistics background and expertise, and formal editorial training shapes Olly Grey’s philosophy: careful, informed editing that strengthens a piece while honoring each writer’s voice.
Her experience as both an educator and a linguist informs every aspect of Olly Grey’s work—from the standards we uphold to the collaborative, care-forward way we work with our clients.
What's in a Name?
Olly Grey is named after Melissa’s beloved dog. He made her a puppy mom in 2008, and he was with her when she met her husband three months later.
Though he crossed The Rainbow Bridge in April 2024 at the age of sixteen, he is always in her heart. Melissa and her husband know that their sweet boy will be waiting for them at the Rainbow Bridge when it’s time to meet again.
Why Work with Olly Grey?
We bring nearly two decades of editorial experience, formal training in linguistics, and a deep respect for the relationship between writer and editor. Our approach is collaborative, precise, and rooted in care for both the work and the person behind it.
