Dan Hanks

Dan Hanks – Editor

Professional editor of SFF/Horror. Have worked with bestselling authors Shauna Lawless, Gemma Amor, Stacey McEwan. (New to Reedsy - Sept 24)

Overview

I'm a professional developmental and copy editor with several years experience working with traditional publishers, self-publishing authors, and querying writers.


I'm also a traditionally published author of SFF/horror and have worked previously as a literary agency slush reader. So I know first-hand what agents and editors want to see in those pages, how to make them work, AND how to inspire you with feedback - rather than hit you over the head with it!


Recent editorial success stories include working with author Shauna Lawless prior to her querying THE CHILDREN OF GODS AND FIGHTING MEN, as well as working with Bram Stoker Award-nominated horror author Gemma Amor on WHITE PINES. I was also honoured to work on VALLEY by Stacey McEwan. Being an author too, I have a unique insight into both sides of the process and enjoy working closely with writers at all stages of their journey - not only offering professional editorial assessments and full developmental edits, but also those tidbits of invaluable information all of us need to know to make the often ridiculous process both fun and rewarding.

Services
Fiction
Action & Adventure Fantasy Horror Romantic Fantasy
Languages
English (AUS) English (UK) English (US)

Work experience

Self-employed

Jul, 2019 — Present
Working as an accredited fiction editor with clients looking to either self publish or give their manuscripts the best chance of success with a traditional literary agent/publisher. Clients have included authors Shauna Lawless and Gemma Amor, and publishers Angry Robot and Datura.

Alex Adsett Literary

Jun, 2019 — Mar, 2020 (9 months)
Worked remotely as a slush reader for Australian Literary Agent Alex Adsett.

Portfolio

The Rising

Jo Riccioni

Pantera Press

Copy Editing
Valley: The Glacian Trilogy, Book III

McEwan, Stacey

Copy Editing
White Pines

Amor, Gemma

Developmental Editing
The Hunter's Gambit

Pierlot, Ciel

Developmental Editing
The Children of Gods and Fighting Men (1) (Gael Song)

Lawless, Shauna

Developmental Editing
The Othello Club

Pennington, J.D.

Datura Books

Developmental Editing
Our Gifted Hearts

Kennedy, Jennifer

Angry Robot

Developmental Editing
Awakened

Elliott, Laura

Angry Robot

Proofreading
Hoppelsigh

James, Michael

Michael James

Developmental Editing
Confessions of an Antichrist

Skaði, Marta

Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Symbiote

Nayak, Michael

Angry Robot

Proofreading
Space Brooms!

Rodriguez, A.G.

Angry Robot

Developmental Editing
The Final Orchard

Rivera, CJ

Developmental Editing
The Eel That Slept: A murder mystery set in the mountains of New Zealand, where gods and monsters of Maori mythology still haunt the rivers and valleys.

Sansom, Martin

Developmental Editing Copy Editing

Dan has 9 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Mark B.

Mark B.

Dec, 2024

Pinned
Let me start by saying that, in summary, Dan exceeded my expectations. Dan was patient, informative, honest, and very thorough. What I got when I hired Dan is someone that not only carried out what was agreed upon, but also added value as he went way above what I expected. He delivered a compre...
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Dan H.
Mark, this is such a wonderful review, thank you so much for these kind words. It was a delight to work with you on this fantastic story and I'm excited to know you'd want to send more my way - yes...
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EV D.

EV D.

Nov, 2024

Pinned
I really enjoyed working with Dan! I am a first time author and he was incredibly responsive to all of my questions and guided me through my first professional edit. His feedback was incredibly helpful and thorough and is making my second round of revisions very streamlined. When I had questions ...
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Dan H.
Eve, thank you so much for this - it was a pleasure working with you too! Wishing you the very best of luck with your fantastic story.
Ken S.

Ken S.

Nov, 2024

Pinned
Dan is quick, concise, and wonderful to work with. He gave me exactly what my book was missing, and I can't thank him enough for his help. If you're on the fence about hiring an editor, put your trust in Dan!
Dan H.
Ken, this is lovely to read, thanks so much. It's been a joy working with you on this book and I wish you the very best of luck with it!
Jayne M.

Jayne M.

May, 2025

So grateful for Dan’s guidance! He consistently provided detailed, thoughtful, and constructive feedback that helped me identify weaknesses in my manuscript & elevate my prose, characterization, and worldbuilding. Incredibly responsive, encouraging, and supportive throughout—his edit leveled up n...
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Matt E.

Matt E.

May, 2025

Dan was exceptionally professional and thorough in our collaboration, not only providing absolutely invaluable insights into how I might improve my manuscript but also encouraging me throughout the process to stick with it and believe in the quality of my work. He also proved extremely patient wh...
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