Hello! I'm a children’s book editor with over seven years of experience at Simon and Schuster. I edit YA, MG, and picture books.
My goal is to help all my clients succeed in crafting strong stories that will have a positive impact on young readers' lives. Whether you'd like to hire me as an editor, consultant or work-for-hire author, I'd love the opportunity to work with you! Prior to joining Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in March 2013, I graduated with a BFA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College and completed several internships at children’s publishing houses and literary agencies, including HarperCollins and Sourcebooks. I have edited picture books, middle grade and young adult novels in a wide range of genres (contemporary, fantasy, thriller, etc.) over the course of my career. The books I’ve worked on have received numerous accolades, including starred reviews, being selected as award finalists, Junior Library Guild selections, and Indies New Voices and Indies Kids’ Next Pick selections, and making state reading lists. I have experience with creating IP (intellectual property) project proposals, including full synopses and chapter-by-chapter outlines. I also have experience with presenting, consulting, and editing at SCBWI conferences and private author writing retreats. In addition to editing, I write children’s and young adult fiction and am represented by Dorian Maffei at Kimberley Cameron and Associates.
“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 SHATTER THE SKY and STORM THE EARTH
“In editing my first novel, Catherine made my entrance into the world of published authors easy and smooth. She has now edited my second book, and her 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
“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. I was excited to learn that she will now also be offering freelance editorial services as well. 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
“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 SHARE SOME KINDNESS, BRING SOME LIGHT
“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
Wells, Rebecca Kim
Mather, Janice Lynn
Alegre, Reina Luz
Gennari, Jennifer
Stott, Apryl, Stott, Apryl
Cha, Hanna, Cha, Hanna
Spieller, Lauren
Mather, Janice Lynn
Spieller, Lauren
Wells, Rebecca Kim
Kade, Stacey
Petty, Heather W.
Helgeson, Kat
Bach, Shelby
Sara Metzger, September 2020
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Award-winning Children's and YA Editor, from start to finish, from A to Z, helping writers create and publish amazing stories!
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Experienced children's book editor at HarperCollins specializing in picture books up through teen.
New York, NY, USA