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Work With us

A Press for the
Unapologetic Voice.

Backhouse Press & Collective is a full-service creative writing and publishing platform. We specialize in memoir and life narratives — transforming life experiences into powerful legacies. Whether you need editorial support, coaching, a guided residency, or a complete done-for-you memoir, we're here to help you tell your story.

Open Notebook Outdoors
Backhouse Press as featured in Forbes Magazine
Backhouse Press as featured in Silver Magazine
Backhouse Press as featured in Atlantic Books
Backhouse Press as featured in the Halifax Examiner

As Featured In

Memoir & Personal Narrative

Fiction

Essays & Creative Nonfiction

Poetry

Hybrid & Experimental

Children's Books

Business Writing & Ghostwriting

Manuscript evaluation — chapter review, partial, or full manuscript

Developmental editing — structure, arc, themes, narrative architecture

Line editing — sentence-level clarity, style, and voice consistency

Copyediting — grammar, punctuation, consistency, fact-checking

Proofreading — final pass before publication

Ghostwriting — from story blueprint to complete manuscript

01

Editorial Services

Your manuscript deserves precision and care. From early-stage evaluation to publication-ready polish, we bring 20+ years of editorial expertise to every page — always preserving your voice while strengthening your story.

Book a Discovery Call
Editorial services icon – manuscript evaluation and editing by Backhouse Press

Forbes-Featured Results

Multiple 4.8+ star ratings on Amazon. From first-time writers to bestsellers.

Our Services

Every writer deserves the right support.

We don't believe in one-size-fits-all. Your story is uniquely yours — and your path to telling it should honour that. Whether you're writing memoir, fiction, poetry, or hybrid, we meet you where you are.

One-on-one 60-minute coaching calls — tailored to your project

Personalized feedback on your pages — structure, voice, and pacing

Query letter review and submission strategy

Problem-solving for stuck points and creative blocks

Progress tracking and accountability over weeks or months

Email support between sessions

02

Writing Coaching

Personalized guidance from a writer who's walked the path. Whether you're stuck at chapter three, navigating the query process, or trying to find your voice, coaching gives you structure, accountability, and honest feedback.

Book a Coaching Call
Writing coaching icon – one-on-one coaching with Bev Hotchkiss

Your Pace, Your Path

Recorded sessions for reference. Schedule around your life.

Your Life Your Words – 8-module memoir writing course by Backhouse Press

Your Life, Your Words — 8-module memoir writing course

Pre-recorded video teachings with writing exercises

Course + coaching call bundles for deeper support

Craft-driven approach — structure, voice, and form

Community of committed writers

Additional courses across forms launching soon

03

Courses

Structured writing programs designed to deepen your craft. Our flagship course — Your Life, Your Words — guides you through 8 modules of memoir writing, from excavating raw material to finding your voice on the page. Pre-recorded teachings. Work at your own pace.

Six weeks of intensive guided writing

Weekly teaching sessions grounded in craft

Focused writing prompts designed to excavate real material

Editorial feedback that sharpens rather than softens

A small, committed cohort of serious writers

A trauma-informed but craft-first environment

A digital copy of 20 Forms, Mastery, and The Craft of Lived Experience by Bev Hotchkiss

A full manuscript evaluation after the residency to help you take your next step

04

The Quiet Draft — Guided Writing Residency

A six-week guided writing residency for serious writers. Weekly teaching sessions grounded in craft. Focused writing prompts designed to excavate real material. Editorial feedback that sharpens rather than softens. A small, committed cohort. Application-based — not open booking.

Join the Waitlist
The Writer's Draft – six-week guided writing residency by Backhouse Press

Fall 2026

Applications open soon. Join the waitlist to be first to know.

Self-publishing consultation — platform strategy, formatting guidance, launch planning

Traditional publishing consultation — agent research, query letter review, book proposal

Complete self-publishing package — formatting, cover coordination, upload, launch

Amazon optimization and marketing strategy

Post-launch support

05

Publishing Support

From manuscript to bookshelf — we walk the path with you. Whether you're pursuing traditional publishing, self-publishing, or a hybrid approach, we provide the guidance, strategy, and hands-on support to get your book into the world.

Book a Discovery Call
Publishing support icon – from manuscript to bookshelf with Backhouse Press

From Draft to Published

Complete packages from editing to bookshelf — we handle everything.

The Writer’s Journey Bundle

  • Personalized coaching (six 60-minute calls)

  • Full manuscript evaluation with editorial letter

  • Written guidance and revision support

  • Priority scheduling and email access

  • Accountability and progress tracking

  • A publishing-readiness assessment upon completion

Book a Discovery Call

The Complete Support Bundle

  • Everything in The Writer’s Journey Bundle

  • Full developmental editing

  • Line editing for voice, clarity, and flow

  • Copy editing for grammar and consistency

  • White glove service with dedicated support

Book a Discovery Call

The Legacy Bundle

  • Everything in The Complete Support Bundle

  • Complete self-publishing package

  • Cover design coordination

  • Amazon and IngramSpark setup

  • Launch strategy and marketing guidance

  • Personal your family story — a premium experience

Book a Discovery Call

OUR BUNDLES

Grow Your Voice — Memoir Bundles

Bundled services at every stage of your writing journey.

Each bundle is designed to move you from where you are to where you want to be.

Each bundle is adaptable to your needs.

Coaching Sessions

  • Personalized feedback on your pages (up to 20 pages per session)

  • Structure and focus consultation

  • Problem-solving for stuck points

  • Recorded sessions for your reference

  • Flexible packages: single sessions, 3-session, or 6-session bundles

Book a Coaching Call

Manuscript Evaluation & Feedback

  • Detailed written feedback on structure, voice, and pacing

  • Comprehensive editorial letter with specific suggestions

  • Available at three levels: single chapter, partial manuscript, or full manuscript

  • Margin comments throughout your work

  • Big-picture structural feedback with a revision roadmap

Book a Discovery Call

Professional Editing Services

  • Developmental Editing — big-picture structural editing: theme, narrative arc, character development, scene ordering, and pacing (one round of revision consultation included)

  • Line Editing — sentence-level editing for clarity, style, voice consistency, tone, and flow

  • Copy Editing — grammar, punctuation, consistency in style and formatting, fact-checking, timeline verification

  • Amazon and IngramSpark setup

  • Proofreading (Final Pass) — final error check before publication, typos and formatting issues

Book a Discovery Call

The Story Blueprint (Outline)

  • 5 hours of recorded interviews to capture your story

  • Complete manuscript outline, chapter by chapter

  • Theme identification and story structure planning

  • Timeline organization

  • You write the manuscript using this roadmap

Book a Discovery Call

Collaborative Writing (Partial Ghostwriting)

  • Everything in The Story Blueprint

  • Bev writes 3 complete chapters (approximately 15,000 words)

  • Professional voice development

  • You write remaining chapters using the established voice and structure

  • Two revision passes on the ghostwritten chapters

Book a Discovery Call

Complete Ghostwriting

  • 10–15 hours of recorded interviews

  • Full manuscript ghostwritten (60,000–80,000 words)

  • Three rounds of revisions included

  • Payment plans available

  • Custom quote based on project scope

Contact Us

A LA CARTE

A la carte services

Not sure what you need? We recognize that every project is different. These services can be combined or taken individually — let's talk about what fits your work.

Self-Publishing Consultation

  • 60-minute strategy session

  • Platform comparison (KDP, IngramSpark, etc.)

  • Formatting guidance and cover design resources

  • Marketing basics

  • ISBN and copyright guidance

Book a Discovery Call

Traditional Publishing Consultation

  • 60-minute strategy session

  • Agent research guidance

  • Query letter review (one round of feedback)

  • Book proposal development overview

  • Platform-building strategies, timeline, and expectations

Book a Discovery Call

Complete Self-Publishing Package

  • Everything in Self-Publishing Consultation

  • Professional formatting (print & ebook)

  • Author bio and back jacket blurb

  • Cover design coordination (design fee separate)

  • Upload and setup on 2 platforms

  • Launch strategy guidance with 30-day launch support

Book a Discovery Call

PUBLISHING

Publishing packages

For writers who have finished their manuscript and want help bringing their book into the world.

Established authors complete package

Everything you need from draft to launch:

  •  10 coaching sessions over 12 months

  • Full manuscript evaluation

  • Developmental editing (up to 80,000 words)

  • Line editing, copy editing, and proofreading

  • Complete publishing package

  • 6-month post-launch support

Best for: authors with book deals or serious publishing goals who want comprehensive support

Contact us

The heirloom package

Complete done-for-you memoir — from interviews to bookshelf:

Writing phase

15–20 hours of recorded interviews, full manuscript ghostwritten, unlimited revision rounds

Editing phase

Developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, and proofreading

Publishing phase

Premium cover design, professional formatting, ISBN & copyright setup, multi-platform publishing

Marketing phase

Amazon optimization, launch strategy, press release template, 3 months of marketing consultation

Support

Dedicated project manager, monthly check-in calls, priority response

Best for: clients who want a premium family legacy memoir with zero hassle

Contact us

PREMIUM

Premium packages

For writers who want comprehensive support from draft to publication — or a complete done-for-you memoir experience.

Custom packages available

Every project is different. We're happy to create a custom package combining any of the services above.

Contact us at hello@backhousepress.com or book a discovery call to discuss.

Book a discovery call

1

Discovery Call

Free 30-minute conversation. We'll talk about your project, your goals, and the best path forward. No pressure, just honest guidance.

2

Your Plan

Based on our conversation, we'll recommend the right combination of services. Custom packages built around your needs and timeline.

3

The Work

Hands-on collaboration. Clear communication. Regular check-ins. Your story takes shape with professional support every step of the way.

4

Your Book

Publication-ready. Whether that means a finished manuscript, a published book, or a family legacy — your story lives in the world.

How It Works

From first conversation to published book.

Gerard Bradbury, author and former Union President, Marine Atlantic – Backhouse Press client

Gerard Bradbury

Author, Former Union President, Marine Atlantic

Beverley absorbed the ups and downs of a memoir writer and gave attention and encouragement rather than criticism.

Smiling Bearded Man

Dr. Fouad M. Alame

Author, Inspire Your People

She's an incredible editor. I consulted with her on developmental aspects of my books. Her insights and work are exceptional.

Smiling Man Portrait

Dr. Fouad M. Alame

author of Inspire Your People

"I consult with her on developmental aspects of my books. Her insights and work are exceptional."

Business Professional Portrait

Brandy Douglas Corcoran

author of Finding Self

"She becomes one with the project and brings the work from good to exceptional."

Angela Parker Brown, author of Writing with My Eyes, featured in Forbes – Backhouse Press client

Angela Parker Brown

Living While Dying: Writing with My Eyes · Featured in Forbes

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. Writing With My Eyes would not be what it is without Bev's expertise and professionalism.

All Forms Welcome

We work with writers across every form.

Memoir & Personal Narrative

Your lived experience, shaped into story. From family legacies to personal transformation.

Fiction

Literary, commercial, genre — wherever your imagination lives, we help it find the page.

Essays & Creative Nonfiction

The personal essay, long-form journalism, hybrid — the space between fact and art.

Poetry & Hybrid

From lyric to prose poetry, experimental to traditional. We honor form-breaking work.

Free Resources

Start here — no commitment required.

Free 30-Minute Discovery Call

Talk about your project, your goals, and your options. Honest, professional guidance with no pressure. We'll recommend a path forward that fits your needs and budget.

Book Now

Memoir Writing Starter Guide

3 foundational concepts, 3 complete exercises, and 10 writing prompts to help you begin. Free download — no strings attached.

Download Free

Free Resources

Start here — no commitment required.

Free 30-Minute Discovery Call

Talk about your project, your goals, and your options. Honest, professional guidance with no pressure. We'll recommend a path forward that fits your needs and budget.

Book Now

Memoir Writing Starter Guide

3 foundational concepts, 3 complete exercises, and 10 writing prompts to help you begin. Free download — no strings attached.

Download Free

Monthly Newsletter

Writing tips and inspiration, memoir craft articles, success stories from writers, and special offers for subscribers.

Your Voice Matters — Free Guide

A memoir and fiction writer's self-discovery guide. The perfect starting point for finding your story.

Payment Plans Available

For services over $1,000, we offer flexible payment plans — 3, 6, or 12 monthly installments depending on the package. Ask us about options when we connect.

Ready to begin?

Not sure where to start?
That's what the call is for.

Book a free 30-minute discovery call. We'll talk about your project, explore your options, and find the path that fits you best. No pressure. Just a conversation between writers.

Book Your Free Discovery Call
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