Hannah VanVels - Editor
Editor with 8+ years' experience, specializing in young adult, middle grade, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and thrillers. Let's work together!
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Overview
Professional editor with 8+ years' experience. Most recently, I worked as the acquiring editor at a YA imprint at HarperCollins where I worked on everything from fantasy to historical, science fiction to romantic comedy, and much more! My editorial style is very collaborative and personal. These stories have lived inside your head a long time, and every writer pours a little bit of themselves into their characters. That's a scary thing, and I'm always sure to be respectful of that.
One of my big drivers is making children's literature more accessible, and I'd love to work with you to make your story the best it can be! In YA, I love working on fantasy, science fiction, romantic comedies, and coming of age books. On the MG side, I love to see magical realism, fantasy, action adventure, and humor. I value collaboration, open communication, and transparency. This is YOUR story, and I am here to help you make it great.
One of my big drivers is making children's literature more accessible, and I'd love to work with you to make your story the best it can be! In YA, I love working on fantasy, science fiction, romantic comedies, and coming of age books. On the MG side, I love to see magical realism, fantasy, action adventure, and humor. I value collaboration, open communication, and transparency. This is YOUR story, and I am here to help you make it great.
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Children's - Non-fiction
Fiction
Dystopian
Fantasy
Middle Grade
Romance
Science Fiction
Thriller & Suspense
Young Adult
Work experience
Freelance Editor
Self-employed
November, 2019
–
Present
(12 months)
Editor
HarperCollins
November, 2016
–
November, 2019
(about 3 years)
Freelance Editor
Self-employed
August, 2012
–
November, 2016
(over 4 years)
Portfolio (16 selected works)
The Memory Thief
Lauren Mansy
It’s always a risk to play with memories, when you can’t help but sink into a sea of others’ wishes, hopes, and dreams … but if losing myself means saving my mother, isn’t it worth it?In the city of Craewick, memories reign. The power-obsessed ruler of the city, Madame, has cultivated a society in which memories are currency, citizens are divided by ability, and Gifted individuals can take mem... read more
Tiger Queen
Annie Sullivan
“TIGER QUEEN is a gorgeous, lush YA fiction…Highly recommend for anyone looking for a beautifully crafted stand-alone book.” (YA and Kids Book Central)Two doors.Two choices.Life or death.Kateri, an arrogant warrior princess, has to fight in the arena against her suitors to win her right to rule, and she is desperate to prove to her father that she is strong enough to take over his throne and r... read more
A Touch of Gold (Blink)
Annie Sullivan
Gold is wealth. Wealth is power. Power is a curse. This captivating fantasy adventure—the untold story of the daughter King Midas turned to gold—will dazzle you with the kind of action, adventure, twists, turns, and a bit of romance to make any fan of magic and mythology greedy for more.After King Midas’s gift—or curse—almost killed his daughter, he relinquished The Touch forever. Ten years la... read more
Freaky in Fresno
Laurie Boyle Crompton
Wallflowers. Beauty queens. Film buffs. Drama queens. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend a day in her shoes? Two estranged cousins—geeky horror movie fanatic Ricki and makeup guru Lana—accidentally switch bodies for a fateful summer road trip that is part Freaky Friday, part romcom, and all heart.Ricki has one goal: save the Starlight Drive-in movie theater from going dark f... read more
Within These Lines
Stephanie Morrill
“Within These Lines is a moving story of love, hope, and family set against the dark history of Japanese internment in America. This book had me captivated!” —Maureen McQuerry, YALSA award-winning author of The PeculiarsEvalina Cassano’s life in an Italian-American family in 1941 is quiet and ordinary … until she falls in love with Taichi Hamasaki, the son of Japanese immigrants. Despite the s... read more
Between Before and After (Blink)
Maureen Doyle McQuerry
A mother being dragged ever deeper into the icy waters of depression. A daughter who finds a devastating secret about a shadowy past buried in her mom’s dresser. And the key to unlocking a long-hidden family mystery that could save or destroy much more than their two lives. Fourteen-year-old Molly worries about school, friends, and her parents’ failed marriage, but mostly about her mother Elai... read more
We Were Beautiful
Heather Hepler
The trace amount of alcohol in her bloodstream. The tremendous amount of guilt on her shoulders. A severely scarred face that is a daily reminder of the car crash that killed her sister. But when Mia finally pieces together her memories of the night Rachel died, the shocking truth might be as jarring as the crunch of metal. It’s been a year since fifteen-year-old Mia Hopkins was in a car crash... read more
Salty, Bitter, Sweet
Mayra Cuevas
A slow-burn romance in a cutthroat kitchen! There’s more to becoming a top chef for 17-year-old Isabella Fields than just not getting chopped … especially when the chances of things heating up with an intriguing boy and becoming a food star in the kitchen are both on the chopping block. Aspiring chef Isa’s family life has fallen apart after the death of her Cuban abuela and the divorce of her ... read more
The Silence Between Us
Alison Gervais
“The Silence Between Us is eminently un-put-down-able.” (NPR)“This is a great YA contemporary (clean) romance that follows Maya as she navigates a new school and plans for her future. The addition of representation by a Deaf character was really beautifully done. Highly recommend for people looking for a sweet, engaging, and educational romantic read.” (YA and Kids Book Central)#OwnVoices YA n... read more
Grab your parka and compass and get ready for adventure! The all-new, illustrated NIV Adventure Bible Book of Devotions: Polar Exploration Edition takes kids on a thrilling, enriching quest. This 365-day devotional is filled with exciting daily devotions and includes topical and Scripture indexes. Devotional topics include self-esteem, courage, friendship, and many more! Boys and girls will le... read more
Grab your parka and compass and get ready for a thrilling trek through God’s Word! This 365-day devotional is filled with exciting daily devotions that will inspire you to read about, write about, and, most importantly, live out your faith.Recommended by more Christian schools and churches than any other Bible for kids, the illustrated, full-color NIrV Adventure Bible Book of Devotions for Ear... read more
A Higher Calling: Claiming God's Best for Your Life
Dana Isaiah Thomas
Packed with devotions on overcoming loneliness and worries, embracing confidence, and letting go of fears and doubts, these 31 devotions will inspire you to let the ups and downs of life give you unwavering strength and confidence while bringing you closer to Christ.Empowering and inspiring, A Higher Calling by Dana Isaiah Thomas—fitness enthusiast and husband of singer, songwriter, and Americ... read more
In his debut book, The IF in Life: How to Get Off Life’s Sidelines and Become Your Best Self, former NFL running back and Dancing with the Stars champion Rashad Jennings shares his inspiring story and experiences that will encourage readers to follow their dreams.As a kid, Rashad was overweight, had poor vision, asthma, and a 0.6 GPA yet he still hoped to one day play in the NFL. The odds were... read more
Every Stolen Breath
Kimberly Gabriel
The Swarm is unrecognizable, untraceable, and unpredictable—random attacks on the streets of Chicago by a mob of crazed teens that leaves death in its wake. It’s been two years since the last attack, but Lia Finch has found clues that reveal the Swarm is ready to claim a new victim.Lia is the only one still pursuing her father’s killers, two years after attorney Steven Finch’s murder by the Sw... read more
Wardens of Eternity
Courtney Allison Moulton
Magic and magical creatures. Immortal gods and goddesses. History and mythology. Strap in for this action-packed YA novel that that takes place over the days leading up to World War II, when Ziva must rely on her wit and magic to outmaneuver Nazis and ancient Egyptian gods to prevent global destruction.Ziva has one memory of her parents, made the day they abandoned her on the streets of New Yo... read more
Every Stolen Breath
Kimberly Gabriel
The Swarm is unrecognizable, untraceable, and unpredictable—random attacks on the streets of Chicago by a mob of crazed teens that leaves death in its wake. It’s been two years since the last attack, but Lia Finch has found clues that reveal the Swarm is ready to claim a new victim.Lia is the only one still pursuing her father’s killers, two years after attorney Steven Finch’s murder by the Sw... read more
Hannah has 3 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
I was incredibly nervous about submitting my first ever writing project for a developmental and copy edit, especially as I didn't know what to expect from the process.
I am so glad I chose Hannah because she really took the time to get to know my personal writing goals in addition to helping me understand what the process would involve.
Hannah was kind, helpful and always thoughtful througho...
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Shihara Jaldin, October 2020
Hannah was a great match for my project. I'm super glad I found her. She helped identify a number of areas that I needed to improve my story and gave great examples and direction on doing so. I'm very excited to dive in and start building up some of my weak scenes. Hannah was also great at being able to see what I was trying to do and giving me some tips on how to pull it off. I hope I can get ...
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Roy Hayward, October 2020
I recently selected Hannah to do a submission edit on the first thirty pages of my manuscript, query letter, and synopsis. Her insight, advice, and professional experience were invaluable in elevating my writing and understanding of why I was having trouble getting traction. She pointed out missing plot points I hadn't seen, the need for a "ticking clock" element to the story and made thoughtfu...
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D. C. Lozar, September 2020
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