Kate Victory Hannisian

Kate Victory Hannisian - Editor

Danvers, MA, USA

Editor, Manuscript Midwife and Book Therapist works with thought leaders who write to inspire on business, humanities, and self-help topics.

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Overview

As an editor, writer, manuscript midwife and book therapist, I help thought leaders polish their books and book proposals to be ready to pitch or publish. My entire career, first as a business journalist and now as an editor, is about telling stories that matter, entertain, inform, and inspire. I’ve edited nonfiction books on topics ranging from business, history, and law to health, philosophy, social issues, and self-help. I've also edited memoirs and fiction, including mystery novels and a few children's books. (Complete list of projects available upon request.) My editing experience is enriched by my work as a writing tutor and a teacher of college courses on copy editing and book publishing.

My clients value my careful attention to detail and ability to see the "big picture." One client praised my "superpower of gentleness as I speak fierceness" about what we can do to improve a manuscript. Beyond developmental editing and copy editing, I can also help you create polished book proposals and query letters, and guide you to the appropriate publishing path for your book. I work collaboratively with you to get your manuscript over the finish line, whether it needs better structure and flow or a thorough copy edit that respects your "voice" as a writer. I'm the fresh set of eyes able to spot what you might not, and smooth out the rough spots to make your manuscript shine.

Client Testimonials


* “Kate, you wore multiple hats in helping me flesh out various content and structural changes, were a powerful and patient sounding board the many times I felt stuck in the muck, and an incredible resource for all things self-publishing. I cannot imagine what this book would have looked like without your insights and word mastery, from the initial book proposal all the way through the finalized manuscript.” -- Chris Vasiliadis, Ignition: A Professional Woman’s Guide to Energized, Burnout-Proof Living


“Thank you for the ‘book therapy’ and for understanding what I was trying to do before I understood it myself.” -- Debby Irving, Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race


“Thank you for reading the book during various stages of the writing process and offering insight and suggestions that ultimately made it a better read.” – Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, Breaking Money Silence: How to Shatter Money Taboos, Talk More Openly about Finances, and Live a Richer Life


“Kate stood by me with her amazing combination of patience and persistence. As a first-time author, I relied heavily on Kate’s expertise.” -- Deb Nelson, Finding Health After Cancer: Stories of Renewal and Healing


“I gave her straw. She spun it into gold. I am grateful for her watchful eye and expertise in the craft of writing.” – James H.K. Bruner, Son Over the Yardarm (Bike Cop #2) and Shadows of Dog Island Light (Bike Cop #3)

Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Business & Management
Health & Wellbeing
Humanities & Social Sciences
Inspirational
Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Historical Fiction
Mystery & Crime

Certifications

  • Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and English Literature, Boston College

Work experience

Owner

Self-employed
January, 2001 – Present (about 22 years)

I've been a freelance editor and writer since 2001.

Professional Writing Tutor

Endicott College Tutoring & Writing Center
November, 2018 – Present (over 4 years)

I work with undergraduate and graduate students to help them structure and improve their writing (essays, research papers, thesis projects).

Affiliated Faculty

Emerson College
September, 2011 – December, 2015 (about 4 years)

Taught Copyediting (undergraduate level) and Book Publishing Overview (undergraduate and graduate level).

Editor, Business and the Environment

Cutter Information Corp.
February, 1991 – December, 1999 (almost 9 years)

Wrote and edited a monthly international newsletter on strategic corporate environmental management. Edited material from contributing freelancers and outside authors.

Editor, The Autoparts Report

Cutter Information Corp.
October, 1989 – February, 1991 (over 1 year)

Wrote and edited twice-monthly newsletter on merger activity, environmental and legislative issues in the automotive parts industry. Served as managing editor from March 1991 to November 1991.

Editor, Merger Management Report

Cambridge Corporation
August, 1985 – October, 1989 (about 4 years)

Wrote and edited monthly newsletter for merger and acquisition professionals. Edited The Merger Directory and contributed articles for The Merger Yearbook.

Editor, Donoghue's MONEYLETTER

The Donoghue Organization
May, 1984 – July, 1985 (about 1 year)

Edited and wrote articles for twice-monthly personal finance newsletter. Supervised contributing reporter. Previous served as reporter for other Donoghue publications, September 1983 to May 1984.

Portfolio (32 selected works)

The Tiniest Owl

Laud, Paul, Laud, Paul

THE DOCKS

CAROTA, JOANNE

In the Shadow of Light

Alemian, Claire

Managing a Special Needs Trust: A Guide for Trustees (2020)

Barbara Jackins, Richard S. Blank, Ken W. Shulman

Web Marketing On All Cylinders

John McDougall, Paul Gillin

Content Marketing and SEO for Law Firms

John D. McDougall, Nicole Minnis Esq

Kate has 22 reviews

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

Bill Groce
As a first-time author with no background in publishing, I was worried that no editor would be willing to work on my book. I found Reedsy Marketplace, which encouraged me to search. The five quotes I requested were returned, with a very wide range. The five resumes all had a similar tone. I sent the same open-ended question to the five. Kate’s price was mid-range but her response was by far the...
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Bill Groce, November 2022

Kate Victory Hannisian
Thanks, Bill! It was truly a joy to work with you on this project!

Reply from Kate Victory Hannisian


Janet Howard
This was my second time working with Kate. I appreciate her insights, expertise and her clear communication and focus on deadlines. I would recommend Kate to anyone seeking a copy editor. Thank you Kate.

Janet Howard, September 2022

Kate Victory Hannisian
Thanks, Janet! A pleasure to work with you a second time!

Reply from Kate Victory Hannisian


Daniel Monehin
Kate is better than advertised; she exceeded my expectations on all fronts. Her technical capability, attention to detail, flexibility, turnaround time, responsiveness, and professionalism set her apart from other editors I have worked with in the past. I am grateful to Kate for adding tremendous value to my book's quality and readability.

Daniel Monehin, August 2022

Kate Victory Hannisian
Thank you, Daniel! Delighted to work with you on giving the book a final polish.

Reply from Kate Victory Hannisian


Bill Groce
Kate listened well to my goals and questions and gave very thoughtful helpful suggestions in the editorial assessment. It was a pleasure working with her. Plan to continue with her for developmental edit. Great job.

Bill Groce, August 2022

Kate Victory Hannisian
Thanks, Bill! Looking forward to continuing work on your book!

Reply from Kate Victory Hannisian


Janet Howard
Kate was hired as a copy editor and brought her years of experience and expertise as well as excellent communication, an upbeat demeanor and firm adherence to deadlines. This is my first book and I have no prior experience or comparison but was very pleased with Kate's patience and willingness to educate me on the process. I hired her for the companion workbook, as well. :)

Janet Howard, July 2022

Kate Victory Hannisian
Thanks, Janet! Looking forward to continuing with you on the workbook!

Reply from Kate Victory Hannisian

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