Bio

Hannah Kate Kelley is a developmental editor and Author Accelerator certified book coach living in New York City. She is a member of Women’s Media Group and the LGTBQ+, contributes regularly to writing resources such Jane Friedman’s blog and ProWritingAid, and worked for Red Hen Press, B*tch Media, and Missouri Life Magazine. Outside of editing, Hannah is also the founder of Queer Soccer League and loves throwing themed game nights for her friends.

Pronouns: She/Her

MSWL

Writers may submit a manuscript below 110,000 words in any fiction genre, including MG, YA, and Adult.

I am not currently accepting non-fiction, creative nonfiction, memoir, poetry, or children's stories younger than MG.

I read widely, and my clients' manuscripts reflect that. Some of my favorite subgenres include (but are not limited to) Gothic horror in non-Western or atypical settings, queer anything, nail-biting domestic thrillers and literary fiction, steamy and smart New Adult romance, epic historical fantasies, and dystopian adventures reminiscent of the 2010s.

This year, I am giving preference to YA fantasy that has unique worldbuilding and a powerful protagonist character arc.

A few of my favorite titles include:

• THE GUEST by Emma Cline
• BIG FAN by Alexandra Romanoff
• YELLOWFACE by RF Kuang
• THE HACIENDA by Isabel Cañas
• THE FIFTH SEASON by NK Jemisin
• A CRUEL PRINCE by Holly Black
• ONE DARK WINDOW by Rachel Gillig
• THE VASTER WILDS by Lauren Groff
• anything by Tamora Pierce

I am actively seeking stories written by women, queer, trans, POC, disabled, and neurodivergent writers.

When it comes to spice level, I'm comfortable with everything from sweet to dark romance. If your story has sensitive content, feel free to include a content warning, but I do not require one.

Q&A

How can a manuscript’s first five pages make you sit up and take notice?

Within the first five pages, I want to feel something for the protagonist. Nothing too major, and I don't need to know their entire life story. But if they're facing a nettlesome conflict in the first chapter? Then I want to feel their brewing frustration. I want to know what they want in life, or at least what they want in this scene, and how they're struggling to get it.

What can writers expect from working with you during #RevPit, including communication?

My winner gets a full manuscript evaluation on their novel, including thorough feedback on their story's title and length, market positioning, genre conventions, character development, plot, structure, POV, writing style, and pacing.

The purpose of this edit is to evaluate how marketable your story is for traditional publication by helping you uncover what is working well, what could work better, and how to strengthen your story with actionable steps.

Here's what you get in a manuscript evaluation with me:

• Editorial Letter: A clear, actionable set of directives you can take into the revision process that will tighten up your story step-by-step.
• Developmental Edit: Constructive and kind in-line comments on your first 6,000 words to see what’s working at the scene-level.
• Follow-Up Call: A 1:1 with yours truly to discuss any feedback questions or new ideas. You’ll leave with a clear idea of next steps.
• Extra Resources: Additional workbooks, writing materials, and other resources personalized for you and your story.

After our work together, I'll be checking in frequently to ask how revisions and querying is going. If you have questions about the querying process or the feedback I've already delivered to you, you can email me at any time.

What do you expect from writers during the #RevPit revision process, including communication?

After my winner receives their feedback, you'll get a few days to read through and process everything. During this time, my writers typically unlock a well of new ideas for tweaking their stories. Jot these down and embrace the brainstorming sessions.

On our 1:1 call, please bring a list of questions and discussion points. I'll let you lead the call or I can walk us through the highest-level edits--whatever you prefer. By the end, you should have a clear plan for revision work.

What hobbies do you have outside of writing and editing?

I love throwing themed games night for my friends; some of my past favorites were a PowerPoint night and capture the flag in the park. I'm also big on moving my body, so you can find me playing pickup soccer, training for a full marathon, and line dancing across Brooklyn.