We believe every life contains stories worth telling—and that the act of telling them can be deeply healing. When you write your truth, you inspire others to write theirs, and you connect in more meaningful and powerful ways. The truth really does set you free.
Backhouse Press & Collective exists to support writers, seekers, healers, and truth-tellers who are ready to transform their lived experiences into meaningful narratives. Whether you're writing to process trauma, preserve family history, share your successes, find your voice after years of silence, or leave a legacy—we're here to guide you through the steps.
We combine the craft of professional editing, design, and publication with the compassion of understanding that writing is never just about words on a page. It's about reclaiming your voice and honouring your truth as you discover the power within yourself.
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Your story is uniquely yours—and your path to telling it should honour that uniqueness. Founded by Bev Hotchkiss with over 20 years of creative writing, editorial experience, and teaching, Backhouse Press & Collective blends professional expertise with genuine care.
We've worked with bestselling authors, Forbes-featured writers, and first-time writers. Every story matters equally. We don't rush the process. Instead, we take the time to curate and craft your story, knowing that the journey is as important as the results.
Backhouse Press and Collective, where your story matters.
What We Do
For Writers Ready to Write
For Those Processing Difficult Experiences
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Comprehensive self-directed courses that teach memoir craft step-by-step
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Personalized coaching and writing guidance
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Professional editing that preserves your voice while strengthening your story
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A supportive community of writers doing similar inner work
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Strategies for approaching trauma with both honesty and self-care
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Guidance on writing what matters without being retraumatized
For Family Legacy Builders
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Help capture your family's stories for future generations
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Ghostwriting support when you need someone to help tell your tale
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Publishing guidance for creating finished family keepsakes
For Authors Ready to Publish
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Professional editing services (developmental, structural, copy, and more)
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Self-publishing support and guidance
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Complete publishing packages to take your memoir from draft to published book
As Featured In
Praise & Reviews
If I had another book in me, I would look no further than Bev to push me through it once again
Bev Hotchkiss worked as editor of my book. I cannot say enough about her work. The best way to put it is that she made it her own, and it’s as if she lived the life that I had lived. It was so easy to work with Bev. She absorbed the ups and downs of a novice writer and gave direction and encouragement instead of criticism.
Gerard Bradbury, Author, Former Union President Marine Atlantic and ITWF Inspect
My book has been featured in Forbes Magazine!
I cannot express how magical it has been working with Bev. She seemed to know my soul from reading only three or four chapters of the beginning stages of my book. From those few chapters, Bev picked up on my serious and humorous sides and ran with it, making suggestion after suggestion.
Writing With My Eyes would not be what it is without Bev’s expertise and professionalism. Bev knew how to encourage me to dig deeper, deeper than I expected. For that, I am grateful. For that, I feel free from the secrets that haunted me for pretty much my entire life.
Thank you, Bev, for everything. It was and is a joy working with you. I also feel I have a new friend for life, a friend who happens to be a wicked editor and confidante.
Angela Parker Brown, Living While Dying: Writing with my Eyes
My book has a 4.9 rating on Amazon!
I would be the first in line to say that if you want help with your story, hire Bev. First, I got a friend as well as a ghostwriter. Her writing is brilliant. She had an uncanny ability to understand me and turn my story into a poignant memoir that brings my heart and soul to life. I can't recommend her highly enough. She exceeded all my expectations! Did all the formatting and publishing.
Patrick Guy Roy (Retired RCMP Officer)
Canada
My book Finding Self has a 5 Star rating on Amazon.
A big part of that has to do with the magic this woman works. This woman is so much more than an editor. It's like she becomes one with the project and brings the work from good to exceptional.
Recommend, recommend, recommend!
Fulfill your dream!
Brandy Corcoran
Author, Coach, Inspirational Leader.
My first book is on its 3rd edition, and I made over 100k.
I've worked with Bev on two novels. Besides her writing, the thing I love about Bev is her work ethic. She shows up, gets the work done, and I can say that with authority. We've worked together for four years!
Megan Marx (Former Reality TV Star, Author, Influencer) Australia
Besides being the best editor for my novella that I could have hoped for, Bev also gave me the courage to publish my book. She exceeded my expectations, and I would recommend her to anyone interested in getting their story out there. 5 Stars!
Jennie Rodgers
USA
Wow! Amazing!!!
A very smart women who I'm so glad is my editor.
Bev is very talented. I would have never been able to do or think of words like that. She did exactly what I wanted.
Jesse Conley
CEO
Fast and Easy Dispatching, LLC
I know I can consistently rely on Ms. Hotchkiss for any of my corporate needs. Last-minute turn arounds are always delivered
George Brown CEO
George Brown Professional Corporation