Is there something missing in your story that you just can’t place?
Are you too close to the story? Have you fallen in love with your characters and themes and metaphors, and now you need an objective third party to guide you through the editing process?
Are you preparing your manuscript for self-publication and need a fresh set of eyes?
Are you planning to query agents and want this manuscript to be as strong as it can be?
Do you want to learn valuable skills that will help you not only with this project, but with your future projects as well?
Writing is a journey, but you don't have to travel alone.
Why Hire an Editor?
The First 5K
A comprehensive edit of the beginning of your project that provides both big-picture and line-level suggestions.
Pricing: $250 $175 (Special Introductory Pricing until 12/31/24)
Editorial Services
The Manuscript Evaluation
A single pass edit of your project, focused on big picture suggestions for strengthening your characters and story arcs.
A manuscript evaluation does not include any line edits, but I will make broad suggestions on prose and voice.
Pricing: $0.015/word $0.01/word (Special Introductory Pricing until 12/31/24)
The Developmental Edit
A double pass, comprehensive edit of your project that includes marginal comments, an editorial letter, and a book map to help you better understand your story arcs.
A developmental edit does not include any line edits, but I will make broad suggestions on prose and voice.
Pricing: $0.03/word $0.021/word (Special Introductory Pricing until 12/31/24)
Coming Soon...
The Line Edit: A full-manuscript edit with a focus on prose clarity, imagery, continuity, and scene structure.
Project Development and Writer Coaching: Video calls, email correspondence, and draft reviews for writers with un-written ideas or unfinished manuscripts.
My Editing Philosophy
When you work with me, I will offer constructive feedback that identifies your story's strengths along with areas for improvement.
I'll not only help you find the footing you need to perfect your novel, but I'll teach you craft concepts so you grow as a writer and improve for your next project.
I offer the tools and guidance to help you tell the story you want to tell.
My goal is that you will return to your manuscript feeling encouraged and excited to keep writing!
About Me
I'm Catherine, the editor! I am a life-long reader with a particular interest in story craft. I love to figure out how stories work, what makes them meaningful, and how I can use that knowledge to help improve your manuscript.
My qualifications
I have 10+ years of experience researching and learning craft (i.e. how to write!)
I have a BS in Film and Television from a top US university and an MFA in Creative Writing from a top UK university.
I have taught university-level writing courses and workshops.
Along with my writing craft education, I have also completed editing courses from Liminal Pages and the Editorial Arts Academy.
When I am not editing, I can usually be found working on my own novel or exploring Scotland (and sometimes both at once!)
Testimonials
"I have worked with Catherine as a colleague for a few years now and have been privy to her eye for detail and writing knowledge. It helps that she herself is a talented and unique writer who can lend her expertise to anyone's work. She is truly an exceptional resource to have in an industry that can be detrimentally solitary, and I would recommend her to anyone looking for a kind, intuitive, and sharp editor for their body of work."
- Emery Shaffer, Writer and Colleague
"Writing is a solitary and often lonely act of creation. You are at once your own worst critic and fiercely protective of your words. To have the guiding hand of a supporter and critical eye like Catherine makes me feel less alone, and more confident that what I’m writing isn’t just a barbaric yawp flung into the void."