Kate Victory Hannisian

Kate Victory Hannisian – Editor

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

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)

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Business & Management Health & Wellbeing Humanities & Social Sciences Inspirational Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Historical Fiction Mystery & Crime
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and English Literature, Boston College

Work experience

Self-employed

Jan, 2001 — Present

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

Endicott College Tutoring & Writing Center

Nov, 2018 — Dec, 2022 (about 4 years)

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

Emerson College

Sep, 2011 — Dec, 2015 (about 4 years)

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

Cutter Information Corp.

Feb, 1991 — Dec, 1999 (almost 9 years)

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

Cutter Information Corp.

Oct, 1989 — Feb, 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.

Cambridge Corporation

Aug, 1985 — Oct, 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.

The Donoghue Organization

May, 1984 — Jul, 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

Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Proofreading
Developmental Editing Copy Editing Editorial Assessment
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
In the Shadow of Light

Alemian, Claire

Copy Editing
Copy Editing
THE DOCKS

CAROTA, JOANNE

Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Developmental Editing Query Letter Review
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing Copy Editing
Copy Editing
Developmental Editing

Kate has 42 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Parfait B.

Parfait B.

Feb, 2025

Kate assisted me with a developmental edit for my manuscript. Kate was professional, timely, communicative, knowledgeable and kind. She provided me with valuable insight and feedback and elevated my manuscript. Her suggestions were pertinent and helped create a stronger literary piece. I will work with Kate again and recommend her wholeheartedly.
Eric P.

Eric P.

Jan, 2025

Kate was perfect for my project. She was very responsive and provided me with the critical feedback I needed to elevate my writing. I am looking forward to working with Kate on future projects!
Kate V.
Thanks, Eric! Looking forward to working with you again!
Denise D.

Denise D.

Dec, 2024

Working with Kate as my book coach provided me with the guidance and reassurance I needed as a first-time author. She patiently helped me craft a well-structured outline for a deeply personal memoir, providing focus to bring my ideas together cohesively. Kate's thoughtful questions and encouragement helped me explore and address important aspects of my story with sensitivity. She also wanted t...
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Kate V.
Thank you, Denise! It is both a pleasure and an honor to be working with you on this project!
Bill H.

Bill H.

Nov, 2024

Kate was delightful to work with! She worked quickly, responded to all requests, and delivered a high quality finished edited product.
Kate V.
Thanks, Bill! Your manuscript was fun to work on and it was a pleasure to work with you on this project. May your book help many entrepreneurs minimize the number of uh-oh! moments in their journeys!
Jennifer N.

Jennifer N.

Oct, 2024

Kate was very easy to deal with and managed my short editing project with professionalism and provided valuable tips and insight. The project was also completed well on time and budget.
Kate V.
Thank you! A pleasure to work with you (and very interesting to learn about the differences between the Australian and US financial systems).

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