Editorial Services for Authors

Catherine is happy to work with you in any chapter of your writing journey.

Her services are tailor-made for chapter book, early reader, middle grade, and young adult writers; fiction and nonfiction picture book writers; and writers who are preparing to query agents.

Not sure what editorial service is best for you? Check out her recommendations, based on what stage you feel your project is in.

Recommended services for each stage of the writing and publishing process:

Beginning

Editorial Assessment
Picture Book Edit
Editorial Consultation
Ghostwriting

Middle

Developmental Edit
Picture Book Edit
Editorial Consultation
First Ten Pages

End

Query Letter Review
Synopsis Edit
First Ten Pages
The Query Package
Editorial Consultation

Overview of Services

Description
Are you staring down that daunting trail called Revision but not quite sure how to get started? Or are you familiar with revising but looking to go deeper into the woods this time? If you’ve answered “yes” to either of these questions, than a developmental edit might be what you need!
What’s Included
- An annotated line edit of your manuscript
- An editorial letter that will highlight the strengths of the manuscript and examine the areas that could be developed further, such as characters’ arcs and motivations, plot points, pacing, voice, and world building. I will also provide feedback on the marketability of the project.
Pricing
- Middle Grade and Young Adult manuscripts: .03 cents per word
- Chapter Book/Early Reader: .025 cents per word
Who is this for?
For chapter book, early reader, middle grade, and young adult writers
Get Started
Description
Do you want a big-picture take on your project but are not ready to jump into line edits yet? Then an editorial assessment might be the best place to start!
What’s Included
- An editorial letter that will highlight the strengths of the manuscript and examine the areas that could be developed further, such as characters’ arcs and motivations, plot points, pacing, voice and world building. I will also provide feedback on the marketability of the project.
- There will be no annotated manuscript/line edits provided.
Pricing
- Middle Grade and Young Adult manuscripts: .025 cents per word
- Chapter Book/Early Reader: .02 cents per word
Who is this for?
For chapter book, early reader, middle grade, and young adult writers
Get Started
Description
Have you written a picture book text and want to whip it into shape? Or are you an author-illustrator looking for feedback on both your text and how it works alongside your illustrations? Then a picture book edit is right for you!
What’s Included
- An editorial letter highlighting the strengths of your story/art and offering suggestions for how you can revise word choice, pacing, plot and character development. I will also provide feedback on the marketability of the project.
- A fully annotated manuscript and/or dummy
Pricing
$300
Who is this for?
For fiction and nonfiction picture book writers
Get Started
Description
Having read hundreds of query letters as an editor, and written my own query letter before signing with my literary agent, I know that the best query letters are both compelling and concise. Let’s get your query letter ready together!
What’s Included
- A fully annotated query letter with line edits and notes, pointing out what you’re doing well and what could be improved upon.
Pricing
- $75 for one query letter review or
- $150 for the first query letter review + a SECOND review, after you’ve had a chance to revise it.
Who is this for?
For writers who are preparing to query agents.
Get Started
Description
Condensing an entire novel into a compelling, concise synopsis can be daunting, but it’s not impossible! Let me know the page count you’re aiming for (most agents ask for a 1-2 page synopsis, while some editors may want a longer synopsis) and I’ll offer suggestions on where to condense, expand, or clarify the plot and character arc in the story.
What’s Included
- A fully annotated synopsis with line edits and notes via track changes.
Pricing
$150
Who is this for?
For writers who are preparing to query agents.
Get Started
Description
Those first few pages are crucial in hooking readers, agents, and editors. I’m happy to provide feedback on your opening ten pages!
What’s Included
- Ten pages, fully annotated with line edits and notes via track changes.
Pricing
$200
Who is this for?
For writers who are preparing to query agents.
Get Started
Description
Just about ready to start querying agents? Then the query package is right for you!
What’s Included
- Query Letter Review
- Synopsis Edit
- First Ten Pages Edit
- and a 15 minute phone call with me to ask follow-up questions about my notes/advice in general.
Pricing
$425
Who is this for?
For writers who are preparing to query agents.
Get Started
Description
Do you have questions about querying agents or children’s publishing? Do you have an idea for a book but are wondering whether it’s marketable? Are you in the middle of revising and need to bounce ideas off of someone? Then an editorial consultation is for you!
What’s Included
- A Zoom or phone call to brainstorm and receive editorial input on your current project, or to answer any industry or query-related questions you may have.
Pricing
30 minute Zoom/phone call: $75
60 minute Zoom/phone call: $150
Who is this for?
For picture book, early reader, chapter book, middle grade, and young adult writers. Note: I do not accept unsolicited queries for Simon & Schuster.
Book Session
Description
Catherine is available to author/ghostwrite intellectual properties/projects in the picture book, chapter book, middle grade, and young adult categories. She has experience creating chapter-by-chapter outlines for middle grade and young adult IP novels for Simon & Schuster. Catherine earned her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and is a published author.
What’s Included / Pricing
If you would like to inquire about her work-for-hire services, please reach out to her literary agent, Dorian Maffei at Kimberley Cameron & Associates: Dorian@kimberleycameron.com
Who is this for?
Editors/Publishers
Get Started

Testimonials

Find more reviews on Reedsy

“While working on re-writes for my latest fantasy novel, I found myself feeling very indecisive about genre—specifically about whether my story was falling into middle grade or YA. I ended up booking Catherine, as an expert on both genres, for a quick video call.
Not only was her insight incredibly valuable, but her process was very gentle and relaxed. I really appreciated the way she let me ramble on about my characters, plot, themes and relationships, asking insightful questions here and there, but for the most part really just listening. And after reading through a few pages, she was able to give me definitive direction. I would definitely come to her for advice in the future!”
– Tanya Lee, author of The Wolf and the Rain
“Catherine is an editor that has an eye for detail and an incredible library of suggestions that will reinforce your work. But along with that she is an editor that will work alongside you while giving you room for your voice to shine through.
I can confidently say after Catherine’s edits my work had a better direction and clarity. I am extremely lucky to have her as my first editor.”
~Hanna Cha, author of Tiny Feet Between the Mountains
“Catherine’s feedback is broad and extremely useful, ranging from overarching notes on character development, plot, and themes to line-by-line notes that help polish up a manuscript. Throughout the revision process, Catherine has been consistently accessible for email clarification or phone chats, and I particularly value her passion and investment in my projects—she takes the time to understand my vision for a story, and points out areas where clarity is needed. I look forward to working together in the future.”
– Janice Lynn Mather, author of LEARNING TO BREATHE and FACING THE SUN
“Working with Catherine on my picture book, SHARE SOME KINDNESS, BRING SOME LIGHT was an incredible experience. As a first time author, her guidance and expertise were invaluable.
She helped me shape the project into a book that I’m proud to share, and the first wave of responses from the sales team and book buyers reflect her skills and ability to help her author’s work shine. Her feedback was thoughtful and easy to understand and implement. She helped me see the whole picture, keep the flow of my story on track and understand my audience.
I directly credit her for helping me accomplish a life long dream. I was so lucky to have her and her editing skills on my team. I would wholeheartedly recommend working with Catherine as an editor.”
– Apryl Stott, author of the New York Times bestselling SHARE SOME KINDNESS, BRING SOME LIGHT
“My middle grade novel MUFFLED had heart and character but the slim story turned into so much more under Catherine’s care. Her detailed editorial letters and insightful line-editing helped me to expand Amelia’s emotional journey on the page and to make every sentence flow.”
– Jennifer Gennari, author of MUFFLED and MY MIXED-UP BERRY BLUE SUMMER
“Catherine is my editor at Simon & Schuster for my middle grade debut THE DREAM WEAVER, coming June 2020. Catherine is smart, insightful and fun to work with. She pushes me to become a better writer with every revision. She’s the best!”
– Reina Luz Alegre, author of THE DREAM WEAVER
“Catherine is a warm and enthusiastic editor, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with her. She knows what she’s doing and never fails to provide honest feedback in a supportive way. My books are significantly better because of her keen editorial eye!”
– Rebecca Kim Wells, author of BRIAR GIRLS and the Shatter the Sky Duology

Insight from a publishing professional

Send Catherine a message to inquire about working together

Contact Catherine

Published Books Edited by Catherine

This is a sampling of the books I've edited over the last ten years at Simon & Schuster.

For the most up to date information, visit Paula Wiseman Books’ website (an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing).

Picture Books

Middle Grade Books

Young Adult Books