About ME
MY EXPERIENCE
With over a decade's experience as an editor in both film and publishing in the UK and US, I have worked with clients in industries including entertainment, journalism, non-profits, local governments, major league sports, and music.
As Editor-in-Chief and co-founder of The Belfast Review, I am very involved in the Irish arts and literary scene. This new literary magazine and blog has a bold mission to champion the arts and mentor emerging and working class writers from Northern Ireland and beyond. Our vibrant community has grown in a short space of time, and it's such a delight to welcome so many diverse voices to the scene.
I have film festival awards in editing, story editing, and more. Also, my screenplays have placed highly multiple times in the Sundance Screenwriters Lab and Blue Cat Screenwriting Contest. Currently I am seeking a screenwriting agent, and I'm also querying two novels.
Since my teens, I have volunteered with non-profits mentoring youths in the creative arts. I have gone on to mentor and teach adults from various in Art, Theatre, Scriptwriting, Creative Writing, and Film Production.
My 'professional' creative life began at age 14, when I began exhibiting and selling my artwork; and I have worked with private clients on art commissions ever since. Also at age 14, I was selected to attend the Young Iowa Writers Workshop, and later went on to study at the Iowa Writers' Workshop and Iowa Playwrights' Workshop.
Last but not least, I have been an avid reader since childhood. My mother managed an indie bookstore and I spent my afternoons in the backroom, reading everything I could get my hands on. Because of this early exposure to 'everything and anything,' I have broad interests and tastes when it comes to authors, subjects, cultures, and voices from around the world.
​
Skip to my Manuscript Wish List or keep scrolling to read more about submitting.
MY EDITING SERVICES
So you have a work in progress, or a finished manuscript, screenplay, or short story collection.
Now what?
There's more pressure on writers these days to have a completed manuscript that's polished to industry standards and ready to go – with less investment from publishers (or production companies) in the development process.
Most graduate level degrees in Creative Writing tend to skip professional skills in favour of self-expression or just learning how to write a 'clean' draft, but they don't touch on the professional development process. That leaves many writers at a disadvantage once they begin to pursue publication.
There's a popular trope that you've probably seen in movies of a lone writer tapping away at a keyboard – and then voila! A finished manuscript! They rush to the nearest publisher or production company, hand it over, and then someone writes them a cheque for millions. (Ahem.)
The behind the scenes truth is that books, scripts, and story collections are the result of creative collaborations. Working with an editor is key, regardless of how well-known or experienced the writer.
But how do you find an editor who's available to work with you, has the right expertise, and (more importantly) the fees you can afford?
In our rush to find an editor who matches all of the above, we often overlook something far more important. Are they a good match for us and our work? What's their background and experience? Are they interested in our development as a writer, or are they just providing a “quick fix”?
Good editors respect you as a writer, as well as your time and your work. They are dedicated to providing valuable insights into elements of craft and structure, and a professional opinion about where things can be improved. They understand art is subjective, and don't profess to know what “everyone” will think about your work. (Spoiler alert: no one has those kind of superpowers.)
As a writer myself, I understand how difficult it can be to find the right editor. As an editor, I like to make things as clear and transparent as possible for writers.
​
WHAT I CAN OFFER
​
For more experienced writers and professionals, I can offer an industry-savvy perspective gained from years in publishing and the entertainment industry. As a professional writer, scriptwriter, and editor (yes, both film and publishing) I have worked with mid-career and VIPs in entertainment, sports, music, and more.
​
For those who have never been published, collaborated, or attended writing workshops, rest assured I have experience mentoring folks just like you – it's never too late (or too early) to get familiar with the editorial process.
I specialise in a range of works, including:
Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Scripts (Screenplays and Theatrical Plays), Short Story Collections
​
LIST OF SERVICES
​
Feedback, from £45
Mentoring Sessions, from £152
Script Analysis, from £250
Manuscript Assessments, from £280
​
*Query me directly for projects requiring Developmental Editing, Script Doctoring, or Ghostwriting.
​
Skip to Editing services here
Read more about my Manuscript Wish List here
​
MY APPROACH TO EDITING
My approach to editing is “story first, prose second,” meaning that I focus on whether the foundational elements of the story (plot, character development, dramatic arcs) are well developed and consistent all the way through. If the structure isn't working then no amount of well-crafted prose, clever jokes, or dialogue can 'fix' your story.
Poets might wonder how I approach poetry, in that case. Rest assured, I'm very much a wordsmith and lover of languages. I notice folks tend to think of poetry as either emotions-based and loosely structured, or ideas-based and tightly structured. Most contemporary poetry lands somewhere in between, with alternate moments of showing (emotion) and telling (ideas). I can help you to identify which parts of your poem are doing what, and also clarify the effect from a reader's point of view. I love a wide range of poetry and styles, and do my best to meet you where you're at in terms of what you're trying to say and how you're trying to say it.
In terms of prose and scrips, I believe that “plot is character, and character is plot,” meaning that most readers want to invest in well-developed characters with strong motivations. At the heart of every story is a character's core dilemma that leads them to make choices, take action – and get into trouble. We can't wait to see what they'll do next, and that's what keeps us turning the page. Character actions fuel the drama by bringing them into conflict with others, the world around them, and themselves. (Yes, conflict can also be internal – don't panic, anyone who writes about introverts.)
I like to give laser-focused, actionable advice on how to improve the elements of your story. I'm not going to give vague feedback like, 'This just doesn't work for me.' I ask questions and offer suggestions to encourage you to get in touch with your creative instincts, think deeply about the tools of story craft, and clarify your ideas on the page.
I am very interested in preserving the author's voice, intentions, and ideas. As an editor, my goal is to ensure things are expressed with utmost clarity while also maintaining dramatic tension to ensure your audience stays hooked until the end.
​
​
​
CURIOUS? TRY A FEEDBACK SESSION
The best way to get a feel for how I can help your story – without having to financially commit to a Manuscript Assessment or multiple Mentoring sessions – is to book a “First Look” Feedback session (£45).
​
A single read through of your writing sample with general editorial notes about strengths and areas for improvement.
-Includes 1-3 page feedback report
-Available for Prose (6K), Scripts (20 pages), and Poetry (4 pages)
-No querying required, but submission guidelines apply
Purchase directly in my Ko-fi shop, submit a cover letter and writing sample, and get an editorial report in 10-14 days.
​
If that's too much commitment, try an "Ask an Editor" session (£35). Submit up to 3 professional questions about writing, editing, publishing advice, recommendations, etc. and receive 250-600 words in reply to each within 7-10 business days.
​
Visit my Ko-fi shop here.
​
Keep scrolling for more information about Submissions.
SUBMISSIONS
I accept submissions in Fiction, Nonfiction, Screenwriting, and Playwrighting. Some of my services require a querying process, and others can be booked direct from my Ko-fi shop. Submission guidelines apply in both cases.
All manuscripts must be your own original work and not AI-generated, plagiarised, or otherwise an infringement on the copyright, trademarks, or intellectual property of others.
​
​
WHO CAN SUBMIT
I am happy to work with writers from anywhere in the world writing in English, who are aged 18 or over. It is recommended that you have written and verbal proficiency in English in order to make the best use of my services.
I also encourage submissions from emerging, working class, marginalised, and LGBTQIA+ writers.
Your identity, personal details, pen name, and project details will remain confidential. For high profile clients that require the assurances of a NDA, I'm happy to discuss it.
​
​
HOW TO BOOK SERVICES
-Visit my Ko-fi shop (here) to select and pay for your preferred service. (Accepts credit, debit, PayPal, ApplePay, etc.)
​
-You will be redirected to a Google Form to provide details and upload your work.
​
-Alternately, you can email: hannanielson @ outlook (dot) com with the following materials in ONE single file:
-A cover letter with details about yourself, your project, and your writing goals
-A project description or synopsis, 1-3 pages detailing the subject matter of your work, themes, characters, etc
-A writing sample (equal to or less than the limit specified for your purchase)​
​
​
FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS
-File formats: .DOC .DOCX .PDF
-Font: 12 point standard font such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Courier New
-Double spaced
​
​
ABOUT BESPOKE SERVICES
For longer projects or requests for specialised editing or mentoring, I offer a free Bespoke Query option for you to submit a cover letter, project details, and writing sample up to 6K words.
​
HOW I EVALUATE QUERIES
First, I'll take a look at the project details and description provided in your cover letter (or optional synopsis) and read the sample pages you provide to assess the amount of work to be done. I also consider any other information you provide about yourself and your goals. This helps me determine whether my skills, expertise, and availability are a match.
If I decline a project, it should not be taken as a 'rejection' in the sense that it reflects on the work's literary merits or chances for publication. There are only so many longer projects I can take at a time.
​
NEXT STEPS
If I accept a project query, I will further correspond with you to confirm your needs regarding editorial services and deadlines, including expedited rates.
I aim to offer a bespoke quote within 7-10 days of our conversation.
You will have a further 10 business days to accept it. Quotes for fees and deadlines cannot be guaranteed for longer than 10 days.
Project commencement will begin as soon as payment is received.
At the agreed upon deadline, the project materials will be delivered as agreed.
​
​
ABOUT MY RATES
My rates are calculated based on industry standard minimums for creative professionals with 5+ years experience in the UK, and are subject to change depending on work load, expedited deadlines, etc.
Please do not ask for a lower rate or attempt to haggle after receiving a bespoke quote from me. I already offer lower cost feedback services in my Ko-fi shop, and editorial services I offer include exceptional value compared to many editors in my price range.
You are always free to search elsewhere for editors whose fees better suit your budget.
​
​
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The following terms and conditions apply to all services agreed upon, paid for, and performed by Hanna Nielson, and are accepted by you in agreeing to use those services.
1) You must be 18 years of age to use my services and agree to these terms and conditions.
​
2) All works submitted to me will be dealt with confidentially and with professional sensitivity.
​
3) I agree not to distribute, disclose, or otherwise make use of your copyrighted works for personal or professional gain, nor shall I use them in the training of AI-generation software or future text-generating technologies, either known or unknown.
​
4) You agree that you have read my submission guidelines (listed in product descriptions in my Ko-fi shop) and that your project adheres to stated content that I accept. It is your responsibility to contact me ahead of time with any questions regarding potentially unacceptable content or requests for expedited rates before submitting.
5) Purchases of either Feedback, Mentoring, Script Analysis, or Manuscript Assessment do not include Developmental Editing, Copy Editing, or Proofreading.
​
6) Works submitted by you are assumed to be your own original work to which you own full and complete copyright, and which does not violate the intellectual property (including characters, worlds, or trademarks) of others. You agree that you have not appropriated any currently copyrighted works, in whole or in part, or included AI generated text (which by design uses the copyrighted works of others).
​
7) I reserve the right to refuse any work that does not adhere to stated content guidelines, or is otherwise offensive and/or professionally unsuitable.
​
8) Redrafts of manuscripts will not be accepted. Only upload the manuscript you intend for me to work on.
​
9) Expedited rates are available for most project types. If they are not listed as a purchase option in my Ko-fi shop, you must use the Bespoke Quote option. Requests for expedited completion cannot be added after I have commenced work on your project.
10) Delivery times: I aim to delivery projects at the earliest possible convenience while still maintaining standards of excellence. Unless otherwise agreed, or barring events or acts of God beyond my control, all projects will be delivered on or before the due date.
​
11) Copyright remains with the author.
​
12) My rates do not include VAT. As a freelancer, I do not meet the UK VAT threshold and therefore I do not include VAT in my prices. Your invoice include a VAT number.
​
​
​