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 37 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Catherine T.

Catherine T.

Jul, 2024

Kate is sharp, considerate, and helpful. I consider her a friend.
Kate V.
Thanks, Catherine! It was delightful to work with you on this project and get to know you!
Jean Bertrand D.

Jean Bertrand D.

Apr, 2024

Working with Kate was delightful. She met all deadline and promises. I was really impressed by the speed and accuracy of her work. She may make authors lives either if she was using the Reedsy app rather than words! I do not hesitate to recommend Kate editting work to anybody!
Kate V.
Thank you! A pleasure to work with you on this project!
Teresa C.

Teresa C.

Apr, 2024

Kate is a 'strict grammarian' and has done an excellent job on the copy editing of my book. It has been a pleasure to work with her again. She has provided advice and guidance on all aspects of my book production going above and beyond the copy editing to ensure that all the extra bits involved are complete and suitable. I can highly recommend her services.
Kate V.
Thanks, Teresa! A pleasure to work with you on this project!
Teresa C.

Teresa C.

Jan, 2024

Kate has been so helpful. She has guided me through the process of improving my book, offering insightful comments and asking pertinent questions which helped to better bring out the book’s message. She has been patient when I needed to extend my deadlines and supportive throughout the development editing process. I look forward to continuing my collaboration with her in the copy-editing pha...
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Paul T.

Paul T.

Dec, 2023

Kate demonstrated competence and timeliness with her copy-editing feedback. She also provided valuable insights on getting my manuscript published. I would recommend her to others.
Kate V.
Thanks, Paul--a pleasure to work with you on this project. Wishing you the best with the rest of the process!

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