Hannah Johnson lives in Provo, Utah, and is the BYU Chapter President of LDSPMA!
What are some names of the books or other media you have created?
Edits for The Freelance Framework and the Enyo Shatterbelt series.
What inspired you to become a creator of media?
Like many in the Latter-day Saint Publishing & Media Association, I was a chronic reader. I started publishing reviews on Goodreads when I was thirteen. Eventually I found myself writing reviews that were both analytical and constructive. I started to wonder if my perspectives could make these books better. It wasn’t until BYU announced its new editing and publishing major—just a few months before I arrived—that the pieces fell into place and my pipe dream started to feel like a reality.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I’ve loved my developmental editing internship with Book Development Resources because they allowed me so much creative freedom. One book in particular required extensive brainstorming to solve several structural weaknesses. Finding a new plot point that killed all three birds with one stone and seeing the book’s transformation was so fulfilling; it confirmed to me that I’m in the right place.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given in your creative journey?
There’s more than one way to cook an egg! If something isn’t sounding right despite the grammatical rules, find a different way to say it!
What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?
I am someone just starting out in my field (I won’t graduate for another year), but for everyone else out there struggling, I say take every opportunity! Don’t ever think you’re underqualified before you look into it. I would have never believed I’d be on the LDSPMA board, but I’m so grateful that I took the opportunities that brought me here!
What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?
I like to think of positive stories as missionary work. The scriptures are often told in stories, and that’s how we best remember the lessons we learn. To me, the Plan of Salvation is the greatest story ever told. Bringing that spirit into my work always helps me refocus.
What would you like others to know about you or your creative process?
Because BYU’s editing and publishing program is in the college of linguistics, my editing is strongly rooted in how people actually speak and process language. It’s surprising to some, but I believe it produces the most accessible results.
In what ways do you feel you have been able to be a voice for good in your creative pursuits?
Asking honest questions and starting conversations has brought both goodness and greatness into my collaborative efforts. In specific projects, sincere communication has steered our novels and journals toward the most positive product. As a Gen Z-er in the larger publishing community, honestly acknowledging concerns has brought understanding and peace to me and other young members of the Church as we struggle to find our footing in a quickly changing industry.
Where can we find you online?
My website, HannahJohnsonEdits.com, and on LinkedIn and Goodreads.