Where Stories Flourish

Editorial Ethos

For every editor there’s a different approach to the editing process. Mine is structured on four pillars: collaboration, curiosity, consistency, and connection.


Consistency

Consistency builds trust, both on the page and in the editing process.

I value clarity and consistency over conventions or rigid notions of “correctness,” and my approach centers the reader and their experience of the story. Rather than asking whether something is right or wrong, I’m asking how it will be received and whether it delivers on the expectations you’ve established in the story. I bring that consistency to my relationships with clients, too, and strive to show up with reliability, transparency, and care at every stage of our work together.

Photo of a waterfall framed by trees, caption reads, "Latourell Falls, Columbia River Gorge, OR"


Collaboration

Editing is, at its heart, an exercise in empathy.

I approach every project as a conversation and a partnership grounded in trust, not a list of prescriptive fixes. I ask questions, highlight what’s working, and help you clarify your vision and goals. There’s never only one way to solve a problem, and ultimately, every decision is yours. You have the power to “stet” a change or disregard a suggestion that doesn’t serve your story. My role is to support you, advocate for your audience, and work collaboratively to shape your book.

Photo of mushrooms on a mossy tree, caption reads, "Photo: Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island, WA"


Curiosity

I’m a big believer in approaching life with curiosity.

A sense of openness and inquiry fuels both my editing practice and my relationships with my clients. I dig deeply into character motivations, narrative choices, and the questions at the heart of your work, approaching each project with curiosity rather than assumptions. I’m also committed to continued study of the craft of writing and the business of publishing, and I seek out professional development to keep up with the evolving industry.

Photo of a curious deer approaching in a grassy yard, caption reads, "Photo: My backyard"


Connection

Strong books are forged through strong relationships.

I enjoy getting to know my clients and bring humor, openness, and genuine interest to our work together. If your project calls for expertise beyond the services I offer, I’m happy to act as a bridge to trusted professionals in my network—whether that’s a copyeditor, sensitivity reader, or another publishing specialist—to connect you to the next steps on your path to publishing.

Photo of a wooden bridge in the woods, caption reads, "Photo: Trout Lake, Skykomish, WA"
Photo of a smiling white woman with brown hair and a navy floral shirt in front of green leaves

The Story of an Editor

I'm Hannah Streetman (she/her), founder of Dingbat Editing and lifelong book nerd. My editing work focuses on the big picture through developmental editing, but I also love zooming in at the line level to polish language until it shines. After nearly a decade of part-time freelance editing—and a range of roles across the publishing and nonprofit worlds—I launched Dingbat Editing as my full-time business in 2026. Originally from outside of Denver, I now live near Seattle, where I’m often found combing thrift shops for vintage grammar guides, exploring a park, or trying to catch a glimpse of an orca fin in the Puget Sound. The photos on this website are taken from my adventures around the PNW.

I

Inciting Incident:
A Dream

My love of language started early, fueled by trips to the library and my dad’s bedtime stories. After a short-lived dream of becoming a marine biologist, “editor” became my standard answer to the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” That early conviction led me to study creative writing in college, where I also earned certificates in professional editing and content development.

II

Rising Action:
Early-Mid Career

I spent years learning the publishing industry from every angle: reading for literary magazines, attending the Columbia Publishing Course in New York, interning with a writers conference and an independent publisher, and editing for a trivia website. Through an apprenticeship, I learned the craft of editing from an expert in the industry. Meanwhile, I worked in nonprofit conference planning for library associations, a role that taught me how to manage chaos and confirmed my belief in the power of stories and access
to them.

III

Climax & Resolution: Dingbat Editing

I began working with a literary agent, and with the increase in my freelance workload, I needed to carve out dedicated time for editorial projects. Soon, I realized the days I set aside for editing were the ones I looked forward to most. In 2026, I launched Dingbat Editing to grow my long-time freelance work into a full-time focus. Today, with nearly ten years of experience behind me, I approach every project with care, creativity, and deep respect for the work my clients entrust me with. It’s a privilege to help shape their stories.

Meet the Editorial Assistants

Photo of a brown tabby cat sitting on a chair in front of books

Sophie is a social butterfly/tabby whose distinctive three-legged gallop announces her presence well before you see her. She was a nominee for the 2023 Washington Library Association Pawsident (an honorary, non-voting, ex-officio board position), which she still can’t believe she lost to a dog. Assisting Hannah since 2016, Sophie is now 17 years old and not yet ready for retirement.

Photo of a tortoiseshell cat curled up on a patterned quilt

Calliope (Callie) is a socially anxious tortoiseshell who is happiest in a warm, familiar lap. She hides from strangers, loud noises, and occasionally even her best friends, but all fear is overcome when she hears the crinkle of the treat bag. Now three years in, Callie loves the work-life balance, by which she means the ability to nap on the job.

Background

Highlighted Education

  • Columbia School of Journalism

    New York, NY | 06/2017–07/2017

  • Western Washington University

    Bellingham, WA | 09/2012–06/2016

    • Minored in Technical Writing and Web Development

    • Received the Western Undergraduate Exchange Scholarship

    • Recognized as an honoree during 2015 Scholars Week

    • Graduated cum laude

  • Western Washington University

    Bellingham, WA | 09/2014-06-2015

  • University of Washington

    Online | 03/2026–Present

Highlighted Experience

  • Remote | 02/2016–10/2025

    • Edited 5–7 books a year as an independent contractor, primarily offering developmental editing for independent authors of genre fiction

    • Cultivated relationships of trust leading to long-term client retention; frequently received positive feedback on my encouraging “bedside manner”

  • Remote | 10/2020–present

    • Provide part-time developmental editing services to agent Laura Rennert for adult, young adult, middle-grade fiction, as well as picture books, graphic novels, and the occasional TV script

    • Assess 40+ full and partial manuscripts a year

    • Maintain knowledge of the book market and genre conventions, advise on title audience and positioning, and research comparative titles

    • Write pitch letters and synopses to entice acquisition editors

  • Seattle, WA | 02/2016–10/2025

    • Copy edited and fact checked user-created quizzes on leading trivia website

    • Specialized in the curation and publication of daily word puzzles

  • Coupeville, WA | 06/2015–03/2016

    • Evaluated manuscript submissions for quality and market viability

    • Studied developmental and line editing under an expert editor; edited sample chapters and then full client manuscripts

    • Assisted with market research, book proposals, and query letters

Full Resume
Photo of a black vintage typewriter

Get in touch

Interested in working together? Please share share some information about the project and services you’re seeking. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!