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 50 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

christopher S.

christopher S.

Mar, 2026

Kate was an awesome development editor and really helped level up my book. She gave thoughtful, practical feedback on structure, flow, and clarity that made revising way easier. Her insights helped me strengthen my ideas and make the content much more engaging.
Kurt B.

Kurt B.

Mar, 2026

Kate is an excellent copy editor. Not only was her review and edit on point, but she also appropriately challenged me on a couple of the examples I was using to illustrate a point. They were fair and insightful critiques, and I made updates accordingly. It shows she cares about the work and clien...
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Kate V.
Thank you! It was a pleasure to work with you on this book.
Emma M.

Emma M.

Mar, 2026

Kate was an absolute pleasure to work with. She went above and beyond, and helped ease my mind about the entire editing process. She helped me solidify a great final product. Could not recommend her more!
Kate V.
Thank you! It has been a delight to work with you and Wendie on this one!
Alexandr K.

Alexandr K.

Mar, 2026

Had a great time working with Kate on several articles that we worked on together, and I would recommend her to anyone looking for help with their book or writing, and if they want to take it to the next level.
Kate V.
Thank you! It's been a pleasure to coach you on this part of your writing journey!
Peter M.

Peter M.

Oct, 2025

Kate was invaluable! This is my first book, and I don't know what I don't know. Kate led me through the process and made me feel at ease. I also learned that I needed to surrender to the process to make my book the best, and Kate helped me get there. I loved her wisdom, which could only come fro...
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Kate V.
Thanks, Peter! Really enjoyed working with you to help you showcase your ideas!

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