Susanna Galton — The Telegraph Journalist and Bestselling Ghostwriter Redefining Modern Storytelling
Who Is Susanna Galton?
Susanna Galton—full name Susanna (Joy Ling) Galton—is a celebrated British journalist and ghostwriter renowned for her creative storytelling, integrity, and unmatched ability to craft authentic, emotionally resonant narratives. Based in the United Kingdom, she currently serves as a Features Writer (Health) at The Telegraph, one of Britain’s most respected broadsheets. With over two decades of experience spanning print and digital media, Galton has built a career that bridges the best of traditional journalism and contemporary publishing.
Her distinctive talent lies in transforming complex health, lifestyle, and human-interest stories into compelling, reader-friendly pieces that inform, inspire, and entertain. Alongside journalism, she has also gained global recognition as a three-time Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling ghostwriter, collaborating with leading publishers such as HarperCollins and Mirror Books.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in the UK, Susanna Galton developed an early fascination with art, words, and human stories. She pursued her higher education at the Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London, graduating in 1998 with a BA (Hons) in Art History, Criticism and Conservation, achieving a strong 2:1. Her academic foundation in visual culture later proved instrumental in her editorial eye and creative precision.
After completing her degree, she attended the Journalism Training Centre, undertaking a post-graduate fast-track course in Journalism (1999–2000). This accelerated training programme equipped her with professional newsroom skills and editorial judgement, preparing her for a dynamic career in national media.
In 2019, showing her versatility and interest in wellbeing, she also earned a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training qualification from Yoga London—an experience that deepened her insight into mental and physical health, themes that now feature prominently in her writing.
The Rise of a Media Professional
Early Career in Print Journalism
Susanna Galton’s journey began at the Wessex News & Features Agency (1999–2000), where she honed her ability to find powerful case studies and human-centred stories. Her exceptional skill soon led to her being head-hunted by national newspapers.
From 2000 to 2003, she worked as Staff Writer and Celebrity Editor at The Sunday People magazine, crafting “triumph over tragedy” human-interest features and celebrity exclusives during a time of intense newsroom pressure. Her flair for narrative, humour, and authenticity set her apart.
Subsequently, she joined The Express and OK! magazine (2003–2004) as a Senior Writer, creating cover interviews and innovative content such as the popular “Where Are They Now?” features. Her diplomatic approach and engaging tone helped maintain positive relations with publicists and interviewees alike.
Between 2004 and 2007, she worked as a TV Features Writer for The Sun, interviewing high-profile celebrities, planning covers, and generating stories that resonated with the paper’s broad readership.
From 2008 to 2012, she moved to the Bauer Media Group, becoming Deputy TV Editor for Closer Magazine, where she commissioned features, interviewed stars, and developed a deep understanding of public interest storytelling.
Leadership and Editorial Success at Reach plc
Between 2017 and 2022, Susanna Galton played key roles at Reach plc, one of the UK’s largest publishing houses. She first served as Editor at Mirrorpix (2017–2019), where her visually creative galleries achieved millions of daily views across MSN and other major news sites.
From 2019 to 2020, she was Deputy Features Editor for National Supplements, managing celebrity interviews, real-life exclusives, and lifestyle stories for the Mirror and Express.
Her promotion to Health & Real Life Editor (2020–2022) marked a turning point in her career. She oversaw content across Mirror.co.uk, OK.co.uk, and print supplements, commissioning original health stories and amplifying under-represented voices. Galton’s leadership was credited with broadening editorial diversity and enhancing audience engagement through human-centred storytelling.
Success as a Bestselling Ghostwriter
Alongside her newsroom achievements, Susanna Galton has built a remarkable parallel career as a bestselling ghostwriter.
She worked closely with Roman Kemp on Are You Really OK? (2022), a candid memoir exploring mental health, grief, and resilience. The book became an Amazon bestseller and earned critical acclaim for its warmth and honesty.
In 2023, her collaboration with HarperCollins on a memoir about overcoming addiction and trauma became an instant Sunday Times Top 5 and New York Times bestseller, praised as “brave and illuminating.” Another HarperCollins title in 2024 reached No. 1 in both charts upon release, cementing her reputation as one of Britain’s most commercially successful ghostwriters.
Her approach combines empathy, research, and narrative discipline—qualities that allow her to give authentic voice to others while maintaining confidentiality and literary excellence.
The Telegraph Years: Health, Lifestyle and Authenticity
In 2023, Susanna Galton joined The Telegraph as Features Editor (Publishing) before becoming Features Writer (Health) in February 2024.
Within months, she emerged as one of the paper’s top-performing writers, consistently ranking high for quality read-time, page views, and subscriber conversions. Her engaging tone and balanced analysis have become hallmarks of The Telegraph’s modern features section.
She also leads live expert Q&A sessions under the Below the Line initiative, connecting readers with professionals in health, psychology, and lifestyle fields—an innovative move blending journalism with community engagement.
Her pieces explore topics ranging from menopause and midlife wellness to emotional intelligence, relationships, and resilience. Her writing combines personal insight, expert commentary, and relatable humour—qualities that keep readers returning.
Style and Philosophy
Susanna Galton believes that great journalism requires honesty, empathy, and precision. Whether covering public health, emotional wellbeing, or cultural phenomena, she approaches each story with sensitivity and curiosity.
Her years as a ghostwriter have sharpened her ability to inhabit other perspectives, while her editorial background ensures structural clarity and narrative impact. Galton often describes herself as “results-driven and collaborative, guided by integrity and creative flair.”
She also champions women’s voices and mental-health awareness, using her platform to highlight both social issues and individual stories of strength.
Personal Life and Interests
Although Susanna Galton keeps much of her private life out of the spotlight, she is known to live in the United Kingdom and is a mother, as reflected in occasional family-centred posts on her verified Instagram account @susannagaltonjourno.
As of 2025, she is 48 years old, according to her own Telegraph feature “I’m 48 with the bones of a 77-year-old” (October 2025). Beyond journalism, she has a passion for travel, yoga, and art, interests that mirror her education and creative temperament. Her family life remains private, but she often alludes to her children in warm, humorous ways.
Legacy and Impact
Over a career spanning more than two decades, Susanna Galton has become one of the UK’s most versatile and respected journalists. Her contributions to national media, from The Sun and Daily Mirror to The Telegraph, reflect her adaptability and editorial excellence.
She represents a new model of the modern journalist—someone who merges commercial acumen with human connection, digital innovation with literary craftsmanship, and career longevity with authentic voice.
Through both her articles and her bestselling ghostwritten books, Galton continues to shape contemporary conversations around wellbeing, identity, and storytelling integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Susanna Galton
1. Who is Susanna Galton?
Susanna (Joy Ling) Galton is a British journalist and ghostwriter, currently serving as a Features Writer (Health) at The Telegraph. She is also a three-time Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling ghostwriter known for her powerful, human-centred storytelling.
2. What is Susanna Galton famous for?
She is best known for her high-performing health and lifestyle features for The Telegraph and her bestselling ghostwritten memoirs published by HarperCollins and Mirror Books, including Roman Kemp’s Are You Really OK?
3. How old is Susanna Galton?
As of 2025, Susanna Galton is 48 years old. She revealed her age in her Telegraph feature “I’m 48 with the bones of a 77-year-old,” reflecting her candid and relatable writing style.
4. Is Susanna Galton married and does she have children?
Susanna Galton keeps her personal life private. She resides in the United Kingdom and is a mother, as occasionally mentioned in her social media posts, though her husband’s name and further family details are not publicly disclosed.
5. What is Susanna Galton’s educational background?
She holds a BA in Art History, Criticism and Conservation from the Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London (1998) and completed postgraduate journalism training at the Journalism Training Centre. She is also a qualified yoga instructor with a 200-hour certification from Yoga London.
Conclusion
Susanna Galton stands at the intersection of journalism and creative writing—a figure who has navigated the evolving media landscape with grace, professionalism, and success. From her beginnings in local news agencies to her current role at The Telegraph and her status as an award-winning ghostwriter, she exemplifies how curiosity, discipline, and empathy can sustain a brilliant career.
In every sense, Susanna Galton is more than a journalist—she is a storyteller of the human condition, whose words continue to inform and inspire audiences across Britain and beyond.
