WriteHive Mentorship Program
#HiveMentor
- AGE/MARKET
- MG
- YA
- GENRE WISHLIST
- Science Fiction
- Romance
- Contemporary
- Space Opera
- Historical
- OKAY WITH
- Novels
| Ever since being shanghaied into a secret society printing contraband pulp magazines from nineteenth-century catacombs, Hannah Kates has sworn to use her editing powers for chaotic good. As a ghostwriter, editor, story-seller, and traveling troubadour, she’s penned work everywhere from the strategic offices of the Pentagon to the haunted streets of Savannah—which are crooked due to all the rotting dead people. With fourteen years of professional editing under her belt in both the traditional and indie spheres, Hannah provides bespoke, mentor-based editing services to writers in all walks of life—many of whom are now agented, published, and/or winning kick-butt awards. She encourages her authors to prends garde of their mental health and focus on processes rather than products. Hannah’s debut middle grade horror, HONORA HAGERTY’S HALFWAY HOME FOR HAUNTS, sold to Viking Penguin Random House and is set for publication summer 2027. Her original fiction is represented by Lynnette Novak of the Seymour Agency. |
In addition to a full read and edit, I’m also offering a submission package edit: query letter, synopsis, and pitch.
Writers, take heed: I’m not the mentor for you if you’re looking for someone to tell you how great your book is.
Now, I’m sure your book *is* awesome, and believe me when I say I’ll be your stalwart cheerleader till the very end. However, I’m not here to cross Ts and dot Is. That’s a waste of both of our time. If you’re looking to work with me, you should do so because you’re seeking *an in-depth developmental edit.*
What’s a developmental edit? It’s a focus on STORYCRAFT—on the bones of your book rather than prose and grammar. My most successful clients come to me more-or-less in the same conundrum: “My book isn’t working, and I don’t know why.”
Sure, they’ve got kick-butt characters, a compelling idea, and nauseatingly intricate world building. But something about their plot just isn’t working, and they’re so deep into the text, they can’t tell what it is.
If you work with me, be ready to ask questions, make mistakes, and get messy. Why is one chapter of your book working better than the next? Where does your story shine, and where does it need a little TLC? I’m not here to give you answers; I’m here to explore those answers with you. I’m never right all the time, and when I’m wrong, we’ll learn just as much investigating *why* we disagree.
When you mentor with me, expect outlining, story study (SAVE THE CAT!, three-act structures, character/plot arcs, etc.), and plenty of discussion. As a best-selling ghostwriter and traditionally published author, I’ve learned from experience that the name of the game isn’t “fixing” anything or “getting it right/wrong.” It’s learning the art of the craft.
So, yes. I will tell you how great your book is. But also be prepared to do significant work to meet your goals.
For more information on what it’s like to work with me, check out my testimonials page:
https://www.authorhannahkates.com/testimonials/
Since I specialize in MG horror, I want all the creepies and the crawlies. Bring me the CORALINEs—the SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS, GRAVEYARD BOOKs, and BLOOMs. I especially enjoy eldritch mysteries like THE MISSING PIECE OF CHARLIE O’REILLY, and bold, quirky characters like THE INK DRINKER.
Even though I’m a house witch, I am completely open to all genres. I’m ravenous for a middle grade, but if you can wow me with your YA, go ahead and ping me. (My appetite is eclectic and insatiable.)
- SciFi
- Romance
- Contemporary
- and even space opera
If your book stuns me, I want it, so don’t be afraid to send your alternate genres just because I’m a part-time ghost.
I eagerly accept any and all #ownvoices, so send me the book of your heart! I love historical, atmospheric settings and novels in verse. If you have a creepy monster or a chilling cultural tale I’ve never seen before, I might just float straight through the ceiling. (Out of sheer happiness.)
Over the years, I’ve found that the best stories are the ones that make readers feel seen. Strong voice, tight storylines, and creative takes enchant me. Send me something GRIPPING. I’m talking SPUD, LONG WAY DOWN, ESCAPE FROM MR. LEMONCELLO’S LIBRARY, THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, or THE TULIP TOUCH. Please, no empty characters or chosen ones being sent to magic schools. If I see another sexy vampire or tepid pseudo-heroine, I’ll shove pencils in my ears.
I would die a second time to get my hands on a Grimm/Americana classic like Over the Garden Wall. Steven Universe, Gravity Falls, Castlevania, and Buffy are a few of my other favorite vibes. I’m also prone to squeeing for madcap adventurers like Dr. McNinja or the Lumberjanes.
Hannah Kates
She/Her
Self-publishing,
Small/Independent Press
Traditional Publishing