You don’t need an editor, you need a secret weapon.
Authors work with me because they intuitively know that books that change conversations and hit bestseller lists need an editor who does more than fix typos and tighten narratives.
What authors want—and great books deserve— is a 21st-century version of the old, almost completely vanished author/editor relationships of yesteryear: an editor who is equal parts your deepest listener, your sharpest ally, and your biggest fan.
A bit of literary Mary Poppins… but also the M to your James Bond and the Chewbacca to your Han Solo.
Every author deserves an editor who has the author’s best interests in mind 100% of the time. I don’t work for a publisher, I work for you.
Every author deserves an editor who prioritizes their distinctive vision above tired old industry gatekeeping. The next world-changing book could be written by anyone, about almost anything. It should be yours.
Clients who work with me know that bespoke wraparound service saves time and money in the long run. This is why they choose to make their books a reality with the support of an old-school editorial expert with decades of writing and publishing experience… who is also a new-school deep listener, thought partner, motivator, and accountability ninja.
It all comes wrapped up in dependability, seamless structure, near infinite customizability, and white-glove presentation.
You’ll call me your editor, but you’ll think of me as your secret weapon.
My Clients Are
Hands-On Writers: Authors who want to write every word of their books themselves (or have already written a draft of their manuscript) and want personalized support plus technical backup and comprehensive editing in a fully bespoke author/editor experience.
Hands-On Collaborators: Authors who want seamless, integrated, totally bulletproof collaborative writing plus comprehensive editing, allowing them to take the writing role that best suits them en route to a successful book.
Hands-Off Generators: Authors who do not want to write, but who want their visions and views to leap off the page in compelling, structurally impeccable writing with their own distinctive voice and flow.
What It Costs and What You Get
My rates are project-based. Full book projects start in the five-figure price range. Shorter documents, like proposals and papers, vary by length and complexity. What this includes:
Discreet exclusivity: Comprehensive, full-service editorial relationships no longer exist in the traditional publishing arena. When you hire me, you are entering into an intimately collaborative creative relationship, bespoke and fully confidential, that produces a distinctive, completely polished finished product ready for publication.
Inclusive and comprehensive: This isn’t only editing and revision but also encompasses interviewing, analysis, thought partnership, project development, coaching, research, and fact-checking in a process geared toward ensuring every sentence is not just correct, but right. Although projects vary, it’s typical for a book project to take 6-12 months from first meeting to final draft.
Experience and expertise: when you hire me to work on your book, you’re hiring a Ph.D. with multiple groundbreaking traditionally-published books to her own name and years of experience in supporting books by exceptional clients: leading academics, artists, community leaders, CEOs, innovators, and beyond.
Clear schedule and delivery: A clear project timeline and progress report schedule is established at the outset, so you know what to expect, when to expect it, and have a dependable timeline and time-to-delivery.
I am happy to talk about hourly-rate projects as well, particularly if a client wants standalone book coaching or has a complete draft of a manuscript already and is looking only for developmental or substantive editing.
More About Me
I’m an experienced literary professional who published her first book in 2000. I’ve worked with a wide range of publishers including Bloomsbury, Seal Press, Beacon Press, Chronicle Books, Forbes Books, Ten Speed Press, and a variety of academic publishers. I have a Ph.D. in history and extensive experience as a researcher as well as years of expertise as a writer and editor, letting me create a trustworthy and page-turning combination of rigor and readability. You can find out more about me here.
What Clients Say
“Incredibly thorough; her keen memory and sharp smarts enables her to provide both extremely detailed and big-picture feedback. The process of working with her has been transparent, direct, and powerful.” — nonfiction book client
“I really can't say thank you enough for the heavy lift you have done here.” — academic press book client
"Hanne was exactly the right person to edit my manuscript, making it the best version it could be. She has a remarkable ability to tighten up prose so it flows beautifully, enhancing the author's voice without changing it into something unrecognizable. I feel completely reassured that her influence on the manuscript took it to the next level, when I couldn't get it any further myself. 10 out of 10 recommend!” — fiction client
“Hanne is generous, encouraging, and kind. She is a delight to work with as she weeds through even the most complex and messy manuscripts.” — nonfiction book client
Book your free Discovery Call or email HBBLiterary@proton.me