Editorial Services

Helena Hansen has an impressive track record, using her expertise as a certified developmental editor to guide hundreds of authors to the publication of their novels.

With more than 30 years of experience in editing and writing, I have developed a reputation as a strong substantive editor who can handle the most problematic assignments–the material that needs reorganization, rewriting, extensive cutting, and/or modification of English as a second language in addition to house styling and correction of grammar and spelling. My repertoire ranges from news, business, and finance to fiction, but I specialize in human and veterinary medicine.

For over a decade, I was an agent and in-house editor at the Elaine Koster Literary Agency, where we represented authors such as Khaled Hosseini (THE KITE RUNNER) and David Ebershoff (THE DANISH GIRL). I helped many of our authors revise their manuscripts in preparation for submission to publishers.

Copyeditor and proofreader with experience in books and serial publications, in print and online/ebook. I try to make the editorial process smooth, friendly, and efficient, and am skilled at working with anyone from new writers to the experienced author. My wide-ranging background includes nonfiction books and fiction/creative nonfiction, serial publications, business communications, Web content, and agency work. Experienced with fiction copyediting, proofreading, and evaluation reads for both self-publishing authors and traditional publishing; fiction specialties include literary and women’s fiction/romance. Major nonfiction topics include gardening, food and cooking, lifestyle, travel guides and outdoors, and entertainment topics. Former instructor at the University of Washington Certificate Program in Editing, taught Editing in Adobe Acrobat workshops, and served as a guest speaker at a number of editing and writing conferences. Freelance clients include: Sourcebooks, the Fretboard Journal, Avalon Travel/Moon Travel Guides, Sasquatch Books, Magnum Photos, Mountaineers Books, Chronicle Books, Dorchester, American Dairy Council, numerous self-publishing authors. Employment history includes such companies as: Slate.com, Microsoft, Landor Associates, REI.

Years in the field: 33
Years freelancing: 18

Years in the field: 2
Years freelancing: -1

I specialize in fiction. My background is in literary fiction, though as an editor, I’ve primarily worked on genre fiction. I’ve worked on manuscripts by numerous New York Times bestsellers, a few National Book Award winners, and a Booker Prize winner, among others. I also have extensive experience in memoir and trade nonfiction, particularly business and self-help.

Redmond, OR
US

Email: chris@writingonmirror.com

Editing and proofreading services for self-publishing authors of fantasy, dark fantasy, dystopian, and horror | Comics and graphic novels | Board games and RPGs

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Years in the field: -2