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!
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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 STYLE
My 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.
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 STYLE
My 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.
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Inspirational
Fiction
Fantasy
Middle Grade
Romance
Science Fiction
Young Adult
Work experience
Editor
HarperCollins
November, 2016
–
November, 2019
(about 3 years)
Senior Literary Agent
Belcastro Agency
May, 2020
–
Present
(almost 3 years)
Freelance Editor
Self-employed
August, 2012
–
November, 2016
(over 4 years)
Portfolio (37 selected works)
A Broken Blade
Blair, Melissa
Jade Fire Gold
Tan, June CL
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
Devastation Class
Zipper, Glen, Mongeon, Elaine
Ignite the Sun (Blink)
Howard , Hanna
Twin Daggers
Connolly, MarcyKate
Where Wildflowers Grow
Dinh, Hà, Luu, Bao
The Colosseum: Pilot Episode
Falconer, Tom
The Big Yank (Splash!)
Hoag, Sandy
Kingdom of the Sea (The Crown Quintet Book 1)
Horton, Madison
The Akseli (Aldebarian Alliance Book 4)
Duvall, Dianne
The Nursery (Egg Hunters Book 1)
Arnett, Roark
Cut From Stone (Crafting Humanity Book 1)
O'Meara, Brendan
The Berge Sisters Tour the Neitherswarth
Durona, J L
A Dollhouse for Christmas
Hughes, Aleese
The Forbidden Love Affair
Emend, Aria
The Nestomir: Part I: Strange Landings
Reubenstone, Steven
Our Divine Mischief
Howard , Hanna
Hannah has 97 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Hannah was wonderful to work with: professional, flexible, and kind. She met the set deadline without issue. In addition to excellent grammar and style edits, she also included kind notes and fun reactions to my novel. I'd definitely recommend her.
LeeAnn Adams, March 2023
When I first contacted Hannah, I was really nervous about getting developmental edits. No one wants to "kill their darlings," and it's a vulnerable to have your story picked apart. However, Hannah has been wonderful in her guidance and feedback to the point where I went back for a re-read review. I highly recommend her to take a look at your story. It will truly be stronger in the end.
Maddie Rizzo, March 2023
Hannah was a pleasure to work with. She was quick and provided good insight on specifics within the story and high level recommendations on how to tighten it up.
Katie Blair, March 2023
Hannah is a brilliant editor with an eye for what will pop with readers. She is very thorough, timely, and communicates frequently. On top of all of that, Hannah has been great at encouraging me as a new author. Thank you so much, Hannah!
Steaphan Kay, March 2023
It's been uniquely great working with Hannah. With all this being so new to me, the standards of fees associated with layers of editing are alarming. Though it's breaking my account, I'm absolutely getting what I pay for whenever I can manage another round.
I hope she stays with Reedsy so I don't have any trouble tracking her down by the time I can find more money from somewhere. I would hate...
Read more
James Dauvergne, February 2023
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