Overview
I edit nonfiction and fiction for adults. My offerings include editorial assessment and developmental editing of nonfiction book proposals and fiction and nonfiction manuscripts for authors, agents, and publishers. (Note that I only provide query letter review as an add-on for clients who book me for an editorial assessment or developmental edit.)
In addition, I provide inclusivity reads (aka sensitivity reads) with a queer lens for most genres of fiction and nonfiction.
I love helping writers take their book proposals and manuscripts to the next level. My approach to editing is both intuitive and analytical—I read very closely with an eye to what the target audience wants out of your book, keeping your goals in mind the whole time. I have deep knowledge of the publishing market in many genres and lots of experience putting together an appealing nonfiction book proposal.
I've edited New York Times bestsellers, long-time regional bestsellers, award-winners, million-plus copy sellers, apps, and books that have kickstarted publishing trends.
As a nonfiction editor, I enjoy working on a wide range of subject matter but have a soft spot for family memoir, narrative nonfiction, and LGBTQ+.
In terms of fiction, I enjoy literary, book club, and speculative fiction, and have an affinity for sapphic stories and women's voices.
I am NOT going to be a good fit for children's books, diet books, religion, or conservative books.
Testimonials:
"Hannah was a dream editor for my book HOW TO RAISE A FEMINIST SON. She helped me envision it, then let me soar with it, and came in with brilliant suggestions as I encountered doubt. She cared deeply for the subject. She had a finger on the pulse for inclusivity and intersectional social justice. She totally championed my wit and passion. Hannah has an astute eye, infinite wisdom, and such a warm heart. I cherish my fortune at having her as an editor."
—Sonora Jha, author of the critically acclaimed HOW TO RAISE A FEMINIST SON
"A great editor helps you tell your story better. A great editor asks good questions, sees the potential in problems, cares about the flow of a chapter and the sound of a sentence. Hannah does all this and more. I ended up with a tight, dynamic, and more insightful memoir, and learned a lot about writing in the process."
—Erica Bauermeister, author of HOUSE LESSONS: RENOVATING A LIFE, a WA State Book Award Finalist and Real Simple Best of the Year
"Hannah is an ideal editor! Having worked with her for over a decade on multiple books, I am profoundly grateful for her wordsmithing savvy, her wellspring of kindness and wit, and her ninja skills to keep schedules and deadlines on track without micromanaging. She is that rare gem of an editor that communicates enthusiasm and belief in authors while challenging them to grow and improve. I am so lucky to have her in my corner."
—Sanae Ishida, author of the award-winning SEWING HAPPINESS and SEWING LOVE
Services
Non-Fiction
Fiction
Languages
Awards
- Publishers Weekly Star Watch
Work experience
Self-employed
I offer editorial assessment and developmental editing of nonfiction book proposals and manuscripts for authors, agents, and publishers. I also edit literary and book club fiction for select projects. In addition, I provide inclusivity reads (also known as sensitivity reads) with a queer lens for most genres of fiction and nonfiction.
Sasquatch Books, Penguin Random House
For 10 years, I worked as a Senior Editor at Sasquatch Books when they were a division of Penguin Random House, helping a small regional imprint achieve national and regional successes. While there, I had a hand in the entire publishing process: identifying trends, working very closely with authors to develop nonfiction book proposals, doing developmental editing and line editing on the manuscripts, and shepherding the books through every stage of production and publication. At Sasquatch, I was named a Publishers Weekly Star Watch Honoree, as well as a Sasquatch Books Employee of the Year. I'm proud to say that I developed and edited the mega-bestselling 52 Lists guided journal series by Moorea Seal with over 1.5 million copies in print.
Ballantine Books, Penguin Random House
Edited bestselling fiction and nonfiction.
Elyse Cheney Literary
Agency assistant for literary fiction and serious nonfiction.
Portfolio
