HELLO!
I'm Hannah, a lifelong storyteller, bookworm, and history nerd. I've been writing stories for as long as I've known how to organize words into sentences. Originally from northwest Oregon ("Goonies never say die!"), I spent a while living in the southern Arizona desert, where I met my now-husband, before returning to the PNW a few years ago.
When I'm not writing or editing, you're likely to find me at the dance studio or reading some middle grade nonfiction (a truly under-appreciated genre).
Let's work together!
EXPERIENCE
I have been a writer and editor of fiction and nonfiction for young readers (primarily ages 5-13) for more than 7 years. After receiving my Master's degree in History, I got my start in the educational publishing industry in 2018, creating books for K-5 students. Over the years, I've worked with many educational publishers, including Lerner, ABDO, Britannica Education, and McGraw Hill. I started working with independent children's book authors in 2022, providing developmental, line, and copy editing services.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Over the years, I've continued to develop and refine my skills as an editor of kidlit. Some of the professional development courses I've taken include:
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Book Mapping for Developmental Editors (Editorial Freelancers Association)
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Introduction to Editing Children's Literature (Editorial Freelancers Association)
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Writing for the Educational Market (Highlights Foundation)
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History of Children's Literature (University of California—San Diego)
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Writing Nonfiction for Children (University of California—San Diego)
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Writing for Children I (University of California—San Diego)
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Writing for Children II (University of California—San Diego)
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Writing for the Middle Grade/YA Reader (University of California—San Diego)
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Introduction to Developmental Editing (University of Chicago)
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Working with Authors (University of Chicago)
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Developmental Editing for Fiction (University of Chicago)
EDITING APPROACH
As a writer myself, I am intimately familiar with how vulnerable it can be to let someone else read your writing, especially when they’re doing so with a critical eye. I’ve been in your shoes; I’ve had unpleasant experiences with editors in the past—editors who made changes to my work based on personal preference, provided vague and confusing suggestions, or were downright rude in their feedback.
Because I’ve been there myself, I want to make it clear that I appreciate and value the trust you are placing in me when you hire me to edit your manuscript. I will build on that trust by providing thoughtful edits, queries, and detailed feedback (and style sheets, if I’m copy editing!) that show I’m paying close attention to your manuscript and giving it the consideration it deserves. I respect your creative vision and your unique voice as an author. My edits are intended to make your voice clearer, not to change it or dilute it with my own. I care deeply about the success of your project, and I want you to feel both supported and prepared to move forward in the revision process.
CONTACT
Ready to take the next step? For guidance on what type of editing you need or to request a free sample edit and quote, please fill out the form below. I will respond within 3-5 business days.