I offer editorial input on poetry and nonfiction manuscripts of any style or length (in English or in English translation). Your manuscript will benefit from my perspective as a longtime editor at nationally recognized literary magazines (Asheville Poetry Review, 16 years; Indiana Review, 3 years), as the founder and editor of a non-profit literary press (Orison Books), and as a published poet, literary critic, and translator. Books that I’ve edited and published have been featured in The New York Times Book Review, The New York Times Magazine, Poets & Writers, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Foreword Reviews, Literary Hub, The Rumpus, Electric Literature, The Millions, and many other places.

My critique service includes line-by-line suggestions, commentary on the organization and/or narrative and thematic arc of the manuscript, a list of suggested reading, and a phone or video call to discuss the manuscript. My rates are listed below.

CLIENT COMMENTS

“I’m working with Luke right now, and his editorial eye for poetry—in the case of logic, sound, form, and atmosphere, as well as the deep insight that he pulls from various disciplines within and outside of poetry (and art in general)—is sublime. His general manner when commenting on the poem via the page and on video calls is insightful, honest, quick-witted, and meaningful. The manuscript I’m working on has leapt forward leaps and bounds from working with him.”

“Luke is the best editor I’ve ever worked with, bar none. He made suggestions but always let me have the final say on edits and was a great guide throughout the book making process. He’s tireless, a great listener, and really made a difference in my writing life!”

“I’ve hired Luke Hankins several times and 10/10 would recommend.”

“Luke was exceptional at providing feedback that directly addressed areas needing improvement while doing so in ways that felt truly constructive, supportive, and encouraging. His love for the art form and his devotion to helping poets at all levels of their writing journey better their work was evident both in his editing skills and approach. You won’t regret taking advantage of his services.”

“Luke is a thorough, insightful reader, generous and specific about what works in a poem, and quick to see what doesn’t. When he offers suggestions, they are useful without being insistent. I think I’m lucky to have found him.”

RATES

Poetry

  • 1–39 pages: $10.00/page
  • 40+ pages: $10.00/page for the first 39 pages, $8.50 for each subsequent page

Nonfiction

  • $0.03 per word

Please contact me with any questions, or if you’d like to sign up for a manuscript consultation.