Catherine Findlay

Catherine Findlay – Editor

I have twenty years of experience with children's books in varying capacities, so let me bring my passion and knowledge to your project!

Overview

Hello! I'm Catherine, and I've worn many hats over the years: editor, freelance writer, library lady, book reviewer, teacher, and mum. After a year on the marketing staff of Simon and Schuster, I spent eight years at Random House Books for Young Readers editing a little bit of everything. Since leaving Random House for a career in education, I have continued freelancing in the publishing world. I now focus on copy editing, developmental editing, completing editorial assessments, and children's fiction writing projects.I hold an M.A. in English Literature, a M.Ed. in Special Education, and an Ed.D. in Language Arts and Literacy Education. Lots of editors have enthusiasm and experience. What makes me unique is the way I understand children's literacy and children's literature and look through both lenses throughout the editing or writing process.

Services
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
Fiction
Middle Grade Middle Grade Fantasy Picture Books Young Adult Fantasy
Languages
English (US)
Certifications
  • *Orton-Gillingham trained at the Academy Associate Level, continuing to work under the mentorship of a Fellow

Work experience

The Horn Book Guide

Jun, 2008 — Jun, 2020 (about 12 years)

Reviewed children’s and teen books for The Horn Book Guide.

Self-employed

Nov, 2007 — Present

I specialize in providing editorial advice and services for children's fiction.

Self-Publishing Company

Jun, 2006 — Jun, 2021 (about 15 years)

• Assessed mechanics, content, and style of manuscripts and gave feedback to authors.
• Performed copy editing services as part of a sample edit process.

New York Public Library--Children's Room

Jun, 2000 — Jun, 2006 (about 6 years)

• Assisted children, parents, and teachers in finding materials for home and classroom use.

Random House Children's Books

Nov, 1999 — Oct, 2007 (almost 8 years)

• Acquired and edited fiction and nonfiction for age groups baby through teen.
• Represented Random House at conferences nationwide.

Portfolio

This delightful book about saving and spending is a perfect "addition" to your child's reading list! Honey Bunny Funnybunny has lots and lots and lots of money. Some she saves, some she spends... read more
Developmental Editing
THIS IS THE tale of Lucy and her best friend, Wynston. Until recently, they spent their days paddling in the river, picking blackberries, and teasing each other mercilessly. But now, King Desm... read more
Developmental Editing
We’re off to Tae Kwon Do class, where we’ll learn to kick, spin, box, jump, and even break a board! We’ll also have fun in this simple Step 1 book. Perfect for kids who are both learning to re... read more
Developmental Editing
Beka Cooper is finally a Dog—a full-fledged member of the Provost’s Guard, dedicated to keeping peace in Corus’s streets. But there’s unrest in Tortall’s capital. Counterfeit coins are turning... read more
Developmental Editing
What I Meant...

Marie Lamba

After 15 years of being a good daughter and loyal friend, wouldn't you expect the people closest to you to believe you? To at least try to understand what you mean? Since my evil aunt moved in... read more
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Little Finn Learns To Swim

Adamowicz, Sherri Lynn

Developmental Editing
Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Archie Finds His Voice

Dworetz-Sofarelli, Pam

Developmental Editing
Percy has been telling ghost stories about Rolf’s Castle, the old ruin near one of the main lines. Thomas doesn’t want to believe in ghosts, but when odd things keep happening, he gets nervous... read more
Developmental Editing
The Hope Chest

Karen Schwabach

A perfect Common Core tie-in, The Hope Chest includes backmatter with period photographs, historical notes about the suffrage movement, and a Voting in America timeline. It's also a New York S... read more
Developmental Editing
A Pickpocket's Tale

Karen Schwabach

A perfect Common Core tie-in, A Pickpocket's Tale includes nonfiction backmatter with a historical map of New York City in 1730, a glossary of period vocabulary words, and an explanatory note ... read more
Developmental Editing
No Castles Here

A.C.E. Bauer

AUGIE BORETSKI KNOWS how to get by. If you're a scrawny loser in the destitute city of Camden, New Jersey, you keep your head down, avoid the drug dealers and thugs, and try your best to be in... read more
Developmental Editing
Poor Puss. His lazy life at the mill has changed overnight. The miller’s son, Tom, is ready to abandon Puss in the woods. But Puss has a few ideas about his and Tom’s fate. He slips on a pair of boots, hoists a sack over his shoulder, and sets off to find the ... read more
This simple retelling of Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels focuses on the first voyage—Gulliver's time on the island of Lilliput. It is a great way to introduce newly independent readers to this classic adventure. Gulliver loves the life he's leading. As a d... read more
How did early explorers navigate? Who was the first human to reach outer space? When did the first person reach the North Pole? Kids can find the answers to these questions and many more in th... read more
Developmental Editing
Grab your tutu - it’s time for ballet class! Full of bright and lively photographs, ballet terms, and easy-to-understand definitions, this fun introduction to a ballet class will have little d... read more
Developmental Editing
What can your dad do? Can he climb the highest mountain? Or swim to the bottom of the sea? In this heartwarming story about how dads are strong, brave, and all-around great, dads can do anythi... read more
Developmental Editing

Catherine has 31 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Bill C.

Bill C.

Jan, 2024

Catherine did a great review for me on my first (and probably only) book attempt. It is amazing how a good reviewer immediately sees things that the writer was so close to, he/she didn't see the obvious. She was great in finding those and maintaining consistency in the point of view. I appreciate her work and professionalism Bill Conley
Catherine F.
Thank you, Bill. I enjoyed working on your project!
Melissa B.

Melissa B.

Jan, 2024

While I appreciate Catherine's feedback, if I had understood the process, I never would have entered into it. It was a waste of my money, simply because of the time frame. Once I agreed to the amount, and signed the contract, I was told it would be a week before I could upload my documents...then she wouldn't get started on them for a while. This may work for some, but I'm in a workshop and I...
Read more
Catherine F.
Hello Melissa, I am so sorry that you feel like you wasted your money--that's not an experience I want any client to have! I wish you had told me earlier that you were submitting to a critique gro...
Read more
Bonnie B.

Bonnie B.

Dec, 2023

I am extremely grateful for the professionalism of Catherine. She has taught so much about writing in the present tense which is the preferred tense for a children's picture book. This has been an amazing revelation to me since my first love was teaching math! Thank you, again!!
Catherine F.
It was a pleasure working with you, Bonnie. Verb tense can be tricky, and every project is individual in terms of the tense it calls for. Internal consistency is the key. Good luck as you move t...
Read more
Julie H.

Julie H.

Nov, 2023

I was pleased with comments and help Catherine did for me with my book.
Catherine F.
Thank you, Julie. I hope your project turns out great!
Nina S.

Nina S.

Oct, 2023

Great job.
Catherine F.
Thank you, Nina. Good luck with the completion of your project!

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