Editing is an important relationship that will help elevate your manuscript through a collaborative process. There are several different types of editing, each of which involves different sets of skills and knowledge. You want to ensure that the editor you choose has experience in your genre and that the two of you have a meeting of the minds on the end results that you are looking for.
I offer several different types of editing, each of which I’ll explain and share details about on this page. I’ll also include my editing specialty and a TL;DR at the bottom.
Types of Editing I Offer (and Why They’re Important)
One of the kinds of editing that I offer is called developmental editing or substantive editing. This type of editing should come after you’ve written your manuscript out completely but before any other types of professional editing. (If you’re looking for help writing the initial draft of your manuscript, you may be better served by investing in book coaching.) Developmental editing looks at the big picture elements of your manuscript and discusses ways in which they can be improved or altered to increase the cohesion or impact of your manuscript. Developmental editing comes with comments in the manuscript and an editorial letter covering the elements of your manuscript that may need to be addressed.
Developmental editing is important to make sure all of the loose ends are tied up in your manuscript and that it comes across as well as possible.
I also offer copyediting (sometimes written as “copy editing”), which typically comes after at least one round of developmental editing, any relevant revisions, and at least one additional round of self-editing. Copyediting examines your manuscript and corrects (or flags, in the case of multiple options being possible) things like grammar, spelling, word usage, punctuation, and the like.
Copyediting is vital to ensuring that your manuscript is largely error-free, though it is important to note that copyeditors are humans too, so some small mistakes may slip through.
Genres I Love to Edit
I specialize in editing memoirs and personal development manuscripts, though I also am qualified to (and enjoy to) work on manuscripts with disabled, chronically ill, or neurodivergent representation.
I also love having the opportunity to edit mass-market academic nonfiction, especially within the realms of the humanities and social sciences. (My favorite book that I’ve ever been part of was an irreverent history of the ancient world.)
However, I do take on certain other projects on a case-by-case basis, so if you would like to work with me even though your manuscript is part of a different genre, you can feel free to contact me to see if we would still be a good fit.
I do not edit books with graphic abuse of children or animals. I also do not work with sci-fi or horror manuscripts.
Genres I Love to Beta & ARC Read
I enjoy reading the following genres and would be able to help with:
- Memoir, including fictional memoirs and memoirs executed in unique manners/formats
- Self-help, especially those designed for female readers with a top end of the target age range being between 30 and 35
- Personal development, especially those with a metaphysical angle
- Metaphysical books on subjects such as tarot and astrology
- Feminist works, both fiction and nonfiction
- Mass-market nonfiction books, especially if they’re somehow related to history or anthropology
- Poetry, especially books that deal with trauma and (ideally) overcoming it
- Own-voices works, especially those by disabled authors
However, I do take on other projects on a case-by-case basis, so if you would like me to read your book even though your manuscript is part of a different genre, you can feel free to contact me to see if we would still be a good fit.
I do not read books with graphic abuse of children or animals. I also do not enjoy hard sci-fi or horror, with zombies being my absolute least favorite things to read about. (They give me a weird vibe so I try to limit my exposure to them in all forms of media.)
TL;DR
Editing is a collaborative relationship.
I offer developmental/substantive editing and copyediting.
I mostly work with manuscripts that cover academic topics but that are designed for a non-academic audience.
No graphic violence/graphic abuse toward children or animals.
I also beta/ARC read for authors with upcoming publishing dates.
No hard sci-fi or horror (and especially no zombies!)
Testimonials
I’ve had many satisfied clients throughout my years of editing. Here’s what some of them had to say after working with me.
Developmental Editing
“I engaged Hannah for structural editing on my book ‘Lightbulb Moments in Human History.’ Before working with her, I had a collection of chapters in need of re-organisation and feedback. Hannah helped me look at my work with new eyes. She quickly understood the scope of the work and identified missing pieces of the puzzle. A better, more cohesive manuscript was the result. I thoroughly recommend Hannah’s services.” – Scott W.
“Hannah edited my full manuscript and did an amazing job! She will give your work the love and care it needs and offer constructive criticism that helps bring it to life. I would 100% have her as an editor again.” – Amanda C.
Copyediting/Copy Editing
“I worked with Hannah during the final phase of my first book. She helped me with my final edits and made sure that my message was coming across in a meaningful manner. She is very professional, insightful, and easy to work with. I highly recommend her service as I look forward to working with her again for my next book.” – Natty B.
Disclaimer
I reserve the right to refuse any manuscript for any reason; if I feel like we would not be a good fit, I do not need to specify the exact reasoning behind this decision. Conversely, you have the right to work with any editor that you choose; requesting information, or even a quote, for your manuscript does not obligate you to work with me if you don’t feel like we would be a good fit.
All requests are subject to my personal availability, and will be scheduled as soon as my calendar allows.