Hannah Kate Kelley
Developmental Book Editor / Writer / Founder of Queer Soccer League
New York, NY
www.kelleyeditorial.com
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Q What do you do?
“I make your fiction books better. ✍️✨”
Developmental book editors help writers understand what is working in your stories and what needs improvement, so you can feel confident pitching to an agent or self-publishing. And we’re all about the high-level stuff: character development, plot, scene structure, tone, theme, pacing, genre conventions, and style.
I’m the editor you go to when you know something is off in your story (or a few somethings), and you need a professional to not only point it out, but also break it down into simple steps to help you fix it.
Outside of working with writers, I run Queer Soccer League, host themed game nights for my friends, and write my own fiction by candlelight.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I’ve always been a nerd for fiction theory and structure, even in middle school.
But when I sat down to write my first book, it took four major rewrites (over many, many years) and a lot of conflicting DIY advice. Once I finished my first book, everything clicked into place, and I've written several more stories since then.
I now work with writers to simplify and speed up the book writing process so you can finish your story without all the guesswork. After all, the world deserves to read your book.
I am certified through Author Accelerator: Fiction Editing & Coaching and I have also had a brief stint in the publishing world for both Red Hen Press and B*tch Media.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I get how hard it is to write a book. And I understand that writers want an editor who is not only going to help them improve, but also connect to their story's deeper themes.
When I get my hands on someone's manuscript, I like to dive deep. When I resubmerge from all the market research and problem solving that goes into developmental book editing, my writers get detailed feedback in a neat package, exploring each option they can take to tweak their story, what is already working really well, how each option caters to their story vision vs. it's marketability, and how to tackle revisions in prioritized steps.
Q What are you working on right now?
I am working on a historical fantasy story full of family betrayal, magical fight scenes, and a steamy enemies-to-lovers trope. Fantasy books, especially with a woman protagonist, are probably my favorite reads right now.
Q What’s your style?
My writers describe my editing style as two things: thorough and kind. I believe the best feedback is just as digestible as it is actionable, and it should motivate you to improve while catering directly to your unique story and publishing goals.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Editing, specifically in sub-genres I'm craving more experience in. Bring on the cozy mysteries, gothic thrillers, and dark romances.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Whether to get bangs again.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
My laundry! While I love living in NYC, most of us don’t have a coveted W&D in-unit. Which means, at least once a week, we gotta scrounge up enough quarters before hauling a huge bag over our shoulders like Santa (sans the reindeers) as we traverse several blocks to the laundromat that’s nearly always half-operational. But if I had weekly laundry help with folding...? *chef's kiss*
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I could help Little Hannah be less shy. And I'd tell her that most people are actually pretty great.
I’ve spent a lot of my young life worried about what people would say if I failed or if they didn’t like me, and the truth is that rejection is inevitable no matter how careful you are. It's better to forge ahead and let the scary parts just remain what they are: temporary steppingstones to bigger & better things.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How to steal art from museums. I swear I won’t do it. Scout’s honor. I just want to know how the art thieves pull all it off. 🖼️
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Bring me your stories, whether it’s just an idea, a half-finished draft, or a full manuscript. Your story deserves to be told and I’m here to help you get to The End with a book that’s both marketable and something you can be proud of.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My favorite clients to work with are serious about improving their writing craft yet are still down to crack a joke. Writing can be tough work, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be fun, too. I also love working in niche genres and on any manuscript featuring a queer, romantic, or mystery storyline.
Q: What is your rate?
$997 for an 80,000-word manuscript evaluation
$497 for basic book coaching
$497 for full submission materials review
$249 for a 2-stage query letter review
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Hit me up! 💌 Tell me what writing project you’re working on now and what you need support with. You don't need to have a completed manuscript before reaching out, either.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Laura Callaghan is an Irish illustrator with a penchant for drawing fashionable women in all their gritty, sexual, embarrassed, and angry facets. After being a fan from afar for years, I now have one of her colorful prints sitting in front of my workspace and it's just lovely.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Exploring new cities & talking to strangers.
This member profile was originally published in June 2024.