Hannah VanVels Ausbury

Hannah VanVels Ausbury – Editor

Former HarperCollins editor with 10 years' experience, specializing in YA, MG, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and thrillers. Let's work together!

Overview

WHO AM I?I am an award-winning editor with 10+ 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. These days, in addition to editing, I'm also a literary agent and represent everything from picture books to select adult genres. One of my big drivers is making literature more accessible, and I'd love to work with you to make your story the best it can be! I enjoy working on fantasy, science fiction, romantic comedies, and coming of age books. I love to see magical realism, fantasy, action adventure, and humor. I work on genre fiction for all audiences and ages at any stage of manuscript development.MY STYLEMy editorial style is very collaborative, personal, and coach-like. 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. I value collaboration, open communication, and transparency. It’s always my goal to preserve your voice as an author, honor your artistic vision, and make you come away feeling confident by providing specific, actionable feedback and resources for you to take beyond this manuscript alone.WHO ARE YOU?I’ve worked with award-winning and bestselling writers who are well-established, and I’ve worked with authors just starting out writing their first novel. I work with authors pursuing traditional publishing and those pursuing self-publishing. Writing is a journey, and I’ve collaborated with authors in a variety of places on their individual writing or publishing journey. Whether it’s your hundredth book or your very first, this is YOUR story and I am here to help you make it great.
Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction Inspirational
Fiction
Fantasy Middle Grade Romance Science Fiction Young Adult
Languages
English (US)

Work experience

HarperCollins

Nov, 2016 — Nov, 2019 (about 3 years)

Belcastro Agency

May, 2020 — Feb, 2025 (almost 5 years)

Self-employed

Aug, 2012 — Present

Portfolio

The Sins on Their Bones (The Cursed Crown series)

Samotin, Laura R.

Random House Canada

A Betrayal of Storms: Realm of Fey

Alderson, Ben

Angry Robot

Jade Fire Gold

Tan, June CL

A Broken Blade

Blair, Melissa

The Shooter's Sister (Raven Ledger Duet: Book 1)

Dearth, Paige

Fiction With Meaning LLC

The Twin Sister (Raven Ledger Duet: Book 2)

Dearth, Paige

Fiction With Meaning LLC

Communicating with a Devil: The Ministry of Shadows

Williams, Brandon

Brandon Noel Williams

Out of Body: Straight to Hell

Chater, Christopher John

Chater Publishing

Rima and the Painter

Boukarim, Leila

Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Sundays Are for Feasts

Boukarim, Leila

Groundwood Books

The Jade Bracelet

Dinh, Hà

Random House Studio

Our Divine Mischief (Blink)

Howard, Hanna

Blink

The Haunting of William Thorn

Alderson, Ben

Angry Robot

A Kingdom of Lies: Realm of Fey

Alderson, Ben

Angry Robot

Carved From Wood (Crafting Humanity)

O'Meara, Brendan

Brendan O'Meara

Provoking The Lost

S. A. Claremont

I’ve never been great at dating, my best friend August would attest to that, so how I ended up entangled with three men makes your guess as good as mine. I don’t think encountering a mysterious man in the Colorado woods, poaching in a button down and cap-toe-b... read more
The Shattered Lands

Nation, Brenna

Being Fiction

Sparrow, T. G.

Where is Home?

Blazic, Natasha

Twin Daggers

Connolly, MarcyKate

Devastation Class

Zipper, Glen

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 ... 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... 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 dre... read more
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 ... 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 ... 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 i... read more
“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 do... read more
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 ... 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 die... 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 th... 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-Ame... 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 tri... read more
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 an... 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 h... read more
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 cit... read more

Hannah has 195 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Dustin F.

Dustin F.

Jun, 2025

Pinned
Hannah was awesome! I received a 55 page PDF with detailed notes on every single chapter in my book. On top of that I received a notes throughout the entire manuscript. The amount of stuff I learned throughout my interactions from Hannah will last with me forever. Honestly, the work she sent ...
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Randall F.

Randall F.

Apr, 2025

Pinned
Hannah and her work are both extraordinary! She obviously cares about her authors and I felt an instant connection. It’s no accident her reviews are so good. Absolutely hire her! I feel extremely fortunate I did and plan on working with her again. If I could give her more than 5 stars I would.
Stephanie D.

Stephanie D.

Mar, 2025

Pinned
Hannah's developmental assessment of my manuscript exceeded my expectations. This is my first novel-length project, and her detailed, insightful feedback has already proved invaluable as I begin revision. Hannah is a consummate professional who clearly knows the market. She immediately suggested ...
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Daniel B.

Daniel B.

Jul, 2025

An amazing and highly skilled editor. She was polite, prompt, and delivered everything we asked for — and then some. If you’re looking for someone to treat your project with care and deliver high-quality editing, this is the person to hire.
Shaohai G.

Shaohai G.

Jun, 2025

Second time working with Hannah and it was great as usual. During the first go around she helped me identify what was working and what wasn't, and I was able to apply it the second time around. Hannah wants you to grow as a writer and will help you become the best writer you can be. Query lette...
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