Catherine Dee - Editor
Copy editor and proofreader of adult nonfiction. Award-winning author (Little, Brown & Co.). Detail-oriented, direct, easy to work with!
Request a quote
Verified identity
Overview
With your nonfiction book, do you want to:
- Sound like a pro?
- Avoid being judged or discounted for grammar errors and typos?
- Make sure your work is polished and glowing?
- Effectively connect with your readers?
I can help! What qualifies me to work on your book?
I've been an editor of nonfiction books for adults and kids at a small publisher, EarthWorks Press. These titles included The Recycler’s Handbook, The Women’s Voting Guide, and Kid Heroes of the Environment.
I'm also a published author of nonfiction books, so I know what you're going through. I wrote 5 inspirational books to help teen girls build their self-esteem and pursue their dreams. The Girls' Guide to Life was a San Francisco Chronicle bestseller. The Girls' Book of Wisdom won awards from the American Library Association, New York Public Library, and Disney Adventures.
I've also perfected my copy editing and proofreading skills at companies including HP and Google.
As a copy editor and proofreader, I'm known for my ability to:
● Correct grammar errors and typos that others may miss
● Identify ways you could clarify and strengthen your message
● Simplify long and wordy sentences
● Create a softer, more conversational tone
When I'm your copy editor or proofreader, you can expect me to be:
● Straightforward with suggesting all grammar, usage, and style corrections
● Not afraid to tell you what I think you could improve (I may put a bunch of comments in the margins)
● Attuned to the details (or, as I like to say, "in the weeds")
● Approachable and easy to talk to
● Passionate about helping you get your message out
● Efficient, possibly completing your project before the deadline
A couple of testimonials from colleagues:
"Catherine is a solution-oriented oasis of positive energy—a real joy to work with."—Kevin Steen, Google
"Catherine's copy editing skills are top-notch . . . . She is a dream to work with . . . . fast and dependable responses . . . . A true resource!"—Lori McAfee, HP
If this all sounds good, I'd love to bid on your project. My rates are competitive, and I think you'll be pleased with the results.
I look forward to copy editing or proofreading your book!
Catherine
Services
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Career Guides
Education & Reference
Health & wellbeing
Inspirational
Psychology
Self-help & Self-improvement
Sex & Relationships
Writing & Publishing
Work experience
Editor--Dee Best Communications
Self-employed
September, 2019
–
Present
(12 months)
Focused on copy editing and proofreading non-fiction books that inspire and empower people: women, men, couples, singles, baby boomers, millennials, activists, parents, non-parents, entrepreneurs, artists, writers, health-care professionals, business owners, new age philosophers, and more.
Technical Editor
Talend
April, 2016
–
September, 2019
(over 3 years)
Achievements:
● Helped non-native-English-speaking writers improve their English grammar and usage: created editorial style guide and emailed weekly style tip
Responsibilities:
● Edited and proofread software training courses, course certification content, and technical help articles
Copywriter
SapientNitro
January, 2016
–
March, 2016
(2 months)
Responsibilities:
● Edited and proofread web pages for PGE. Project was focused on making content accessible and ensuring alignment with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
Editor
Google (contract)
April, 2015
–
December, 2015
(8 months)
Achievements:
● Edited and enhanced exam questions about Google search, display, mobile, video, and shopping advertising, as well as related study guide material and UI content
Responsibilities:
● Produced educational content for Google AdWords Partners certification program: edited and coded material, collaborated with subject matter experts and legal team
Content Manager
eBay (contract)
June, 2014
–
March, 2015
(9 months)
Achievements:
● Edited web content to help eBay sellers promote their listings, help eBay users create item collections, and simplify buyer-focused help pages
Senior Copywriter
Hewlett-Packard
February, 2003
–
May, 2014
(about 11 years)
Achievements:
● Improved conversions by 12%, content quality by 35%; 66% of customers preferred new messaging; achieved results by strategically rewriting landing page
● Ensured that marketing copy addressed consumer needs and emphasized product benefits
● Wrote and maintained editorial style guide
Responsibilities:
● Edited and proofread web marketing copy and promotional content
Editor
EarthWorks Press
May, 1990
–
May, 1992
(about 2 years)
Achievements:
● Edited trade paperback books about the environment and politics, including The
Recycler’s Handbook, The Women’s Voting Guide, and Kid Heroes of the Environment
● Managed team of writers and researchers, ghost-wrote newspaper columns, promoted books
Portfolio (7 selected works)
Aimed at advising and amusing girls age 12 and up, this collection includes quotations from 500 famous women, including suffragists, pioneers, politicians, moms, musicians, athletes, and actors. The quotes are grouped by categories, such as friendship, confidence, and creativity.
The Girls' Book of Success: Winning Wisdom, Stars' Secrets, Tales of Triumph, and More
Catherine Dee, Ali Douglass
With quotes, suggestions, poems, and advice from celebrities, such as Beyonce Knowles and Amelia Earhart, provides young girls with encouragement and inspiration for achieving success in any career they wish to pursue. Original.
A handbook for girls ages ten to sixteen familiarizes them with the basic issues affecting girls and women today and explains how to cultivate a healthy self-image, presenting a mix of facts, activities, profiles, poems, and resource lists. Original.
The Girls' Book of Love: Cool Quotes, Super Stories, Awesome Advice, and More
Catherine Dee, Ali Douglass
A collection of true stories, quotes, poems, and personal advice on various aspects of romantic relationships and being in love includes work by Oprah Winfrey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Amy Tan, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and others.
The Girls' Book of Friendship
Catherine Dee
The Girls' Book of Friendship published by Little, Brown and Co. for Hallmark Card (2003) [Hardcover]
AAL Member Benefit edition
In Dotcom Divas, prepare to meet some of the most talented, energetic, and visionary Internet entrepreneurs who ever plunged into the e-business revolution. And, oh, by the way -- they're all women. Industry insider, Elizabeth Carlassare, introduces readers to the inspiring women founders of 20 Internet companies, including LookSmart, EDGAR Online, E-Loan, RightWorks, and Marimba. In Dotcom Di... read more
Catherine has 12 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
I loved working with Catherine, her attention to detail was great,
I appreciated the thought and feedback she gave me aside from the general edits, making me think hard, questioning what I had written and more importantly why, or the context of it,
All this I am sure will make the book a better read, and higher value for the reader - so THANK YOU. AWESOME JOB.
Would definitely use again an...
Read more
Debbie Ireland, July 2020
Reply from Catherine Dee
Catherine was extremely easy to work with and was super committed to our deadlines - in fact she sent the book edits back early! I really appreciated her insight and feedback!
Velera Wilson, May 2020
Read more
Reply from Catherine Dee
Catherine was very professional, and very helpful. I'm looking forward to having her on my next project.
Janet Kelly, May 2020
Reply from Catherine Dee
Catherine was:
friendly
competent
very helpful.
Here's the ultimate test of an edit: how many of the suggestions by the editor does the author agree with and incorporate in the final manuscript? In this case, the answer is all 200 of them!
I am giving Catherine a credit as copy editor in my book. She deserves it.
I would both work with her again in a heartbeat and highly recommend her to ...
Read more
Firdaus Kharas, May 2020
Reply from Catherine Dee
I was so happy with Catherine. She did a fantastic job of improving my book without going crazy and over editing.
I highly recommend her!
Daniel Ratner, May 2020
Read more
Reply from Catherine Dee
Explore the Reedsy Community
Reedsy is a community of top publishing professionals. Join Reedsy today to browse 1000+ profiles.
Diane Szulecki
I'm an experienced nonfiction editor: I edit books, articles, papers, and more. I'll polish your writing so it stands out from the crowd!
New York, NY, USA
Edward Levy
Experienced, award-winning nonfiction book editor, providing developmental and substantive editing, evaluations, and coaching
New York, NY, USA
