Catherine Nichols - Editor
Experienced children's book editor. Specialities include: picture books, easy readers, chapter books, and middle-grade novels.
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Overview
As both an editor and an author of more than 60 published titles , I have a special appreciation for the business of putting good books in young people's hands. With twenty plus years of experience working with major publishing houses, including Scholastic, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and DK, I've worked on children's fiction and nonfiction books, both for the trade and educational markets. For a number of years, I also taught fiction writing at a continuing education venue. This opportunity helped clarify for me the needs of writers who are just starting the long road that leads (hopefully) to publication.
When I work with a client, I like to tailor my approach to the person's needs. In some cases that means helping the writer to flesh out ideas, themes, and characters. When a complete body of work is submitted, then I carefully review the manuscript and make specific notes on how to improve the text. I also provide an extensive overview of the manuscripts strengths and weaknesses. Some works require multiple revisions; others don't. I generally find that writers who embrace revision have happier results.
When I work with a client, I like to tailor my approach to the person's needs. In some cases that means helping the writer to flesh out ideas, themes, and characters. When a complete body of work is submitted, then I carefully review the manuscript and make specific notes on how to improve the text. I also provide an extensive overview of the manuscripts strengths and weaknesses. Some works require multiple revisions; others don't. I generally find that writers who embrace revision have happier results.
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Children’s Non-Fiction
DIY & Crafts
Fiction
Middle Grade
Mystery & Crime
Picture Books
Certifications
- CUNY, BA in English, magna cum laud
Work experience
Freelance Editor and Writer
Self Employed
January, 2010
–
Present
(over 12 years)
Portfolio (11 selected works)
The Beast of Blackslope (Sherlock Files)
Tracy Barrett
Xena and Xander have been looking forward to their vacation in the peaceful country village of Blackslope. But when a huge monster begins to terrorize the town, the young detectives are faced with a mystery that seems impossible to solve. Sherlock Holmes, Xena and Xander's famous ancestor, investigated the case of a horrible beast in Blackslope, but that was nearly a hundred years ago. It coul... read more
The Missing Heir (Sherlock Files)
Tracy Barrett
Xena and Xander have just learned that their shy classmate, Alice, is the heir to a royal throne! Then they discover that their ancestor, Sherlock Holmes, had his suspicions about the kidnapping and return of Alice's grandmother, the princess of Borogovia. Alice is to be crowned on her thirteenth birthday . . . but she goes missing days before the ceremony. Who would kidnap a princess? Where w... read more
Take a little Horror home with you!Marco is a diehard fan of The Ooze, a comic book villain with the power to sludge his enemies. So when he finds a super-rare edition at the Chiller House gift shop, Marco is sure he has found something special for his collection. Outside of HorrorLand there are a few other people interested in the comic book. The kinds of people you don't want to mess around ... read more
Take a little Horror home with you!Jonathan Chiller has called the kids from books #13-18 back to HorrorLand to collect payment. The only way for the kids to get back home is for them to win at a HorrorLand-style scavenger hunt. They each must find a red chest. Inside, the miniature Horror will act as a portal to send them back home.They'll be competing against Murder the Clown, Chef Belcher, ... read more
Baby Sign Language by Sarah Christensen Fu (2013-11-12)
Sarah Christensen Fu
MythBusters: Don't Try This at Home
Mary Packard
It's a tough job separating truth from urban legend, but the MythBusters are here to serve. For example, is it true that if you step in quicksand , you'll be sucked down to your death? Only two men would be inventive - and adventurous - enough to try to find out: Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, the MythBusters. Each week, hosts Savage and Hyneman, both special effects experts, use modern scienc... read more
Dolphin Rescue (Animal Planet Adventures Chapter Books #1) (Volume 1) (Animal Planet Adventures Chapter Books (Volume 1))
Animal Planet, Catherine Nichols
Siblings Maddie and Atticus love living by the sea. Their dad traps lobsters off the coast of Maine. They love helping with the family business and volunteering at the local aquarium. The summer is shaping up to be a super one, for sure. Then one day they spy a pod of dolphins in the cove looking distressed. How will the kids use their knowledge of animals and their awesome problem-solving ski... read more
Puppy Rescue Riddle (Animal Planet Adventures Chapter Book #3) (Animal Planet Adventures Chapter Books)
Animal Planet, Catherine Nichols
Nine-year-old twins Ava and Rosie are headed for adventure. City kids, they don’t know what to expect from a small zoo in Iowa—and they have to live there for the rest of the year while their mom writes a book! Being away from the busy city and their friends feels like punishment, but Dad sets up a project for them all—running a zoo camp for students to attend during spring break. That could b... read more
Alice's Wonderland dives down the rabbit hole and looks at the dazzling ways that Wonderland has been imagined by artists, filmmakers, writers, and more. Get a behind-the-scenes looks at how the books were created, meet Alice Liddell, the inspiration for the fictional Alice, and view the original manuscript copy of Alice in Wonderland, illustrated in Carroll's own hand.The fantastical world im... read more
John Deere: How Does It Grow?
Parachute Press, DK Publishing
How Does it Grow? is a beautifully photographed book that teaches readers how things grow, from grass to flowers to fruits to vegetables. With featured narration by Johnny Tractor. ©2008 Deere & Company. Books created and produced by Parachute Publishing, L.L.C.
DK Readers L1: John Deere: Good Morning, Farm!
Catherine Nichols
People, animals and machines are up and working early in the day, and have lots to accomplish before breakfast! John Deere Reader: Good Morning Farm lets young readers learn about the very busy mornings at a farm. (c) 2009 Deere & Company. Books created and produced by Parachute Publishing, L.L.C.
Catherine has 31 reviews
Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality
Catherine responded faster than promised and gave additional comments that exceeded my expectations. She was honest about the shortcomings of my work and encouraging. She nailed the balance of those. I will work with her again.
Ben Matthews, July 2022
It cost a bit more than others, but I loved having the confidence of knowing that Catherine's dedicated eyes were the ones to be sure the quality was second-to-none. She is also communicative, prompt, and supportive. I appreciate her and am grateful that she was the one to edit my book!
Linda Lacunza, June 2022
Catherine was everything you would expect of an amazing editor. Her feedback was spot on, she was flexible with our schedule, and we felt she was worth every penny.
Jennifer Niles, April 2022
Many editors can tell you what's wrong with your story. Catherine is one of the rare individuals who can give you concrete suggestions on how to fix those problems. My co-author and I were struggling over the mystery element of my middle grade book. Catherine was very supportive about the book as a whole while giving concrete suggestions about increasing the tension, adding red herrings and new...
Read more
Cristina Rouvalis, April 2022
This was my 2nd time working with Catherine ... and she did not disappoint! I'm grateful for her perspective and insight.
Sarah Jane Nau, March 2022
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