Catherine J. Rourke

Catherine J. Rourke - Editor

Florence, OR, USA

Professional book editor/award-winning literary journalist with 35 years of crafting words that glow in the dark

Request a quote
Verified identity

Overview

Your book represents your heart and soul; it deserves only the best... a genuine and caring professional who understands the literary journey, knows the publishing industry, possesses the editorial expertise, and upholds the sacred trust between an author and editor with compassion, ethics, integrity, and respect.

As a professional book editor and award-winning literary journalist, writer, and author from New York City, my editing skills integrate more than 35 years as a staff editor for book publishers, daily newspapers, and national magazines where I was known as "The Editorial Intuitive."

Educated at the University of Oxford, England, and the City University of New York, my rich literary education and award-winning writing skills are reflected in my editing expertise.

I provide line (copy), content, and developmental editing for manuscripts of all genres and have edited more than 200 books in print and digital formats for traditional publishers and self-publishing authors. Several have received top publishing awards.

As an editor who resided for 12 years in Sedona, Arizona, where I served as chief copy editor of the main newspaper and editor-in-chief of a national magazine, I also edited the books of countless spiritual authors. Therefore, I specialize in metaphysics, spirituality, healing, astrology, cosmology, and self-help genres.

I have edited 14 books on quantum physics, including one for a prominent NASA physicist involved in the Apollo 11 team, in addition to memoirs and historical fiction.

Every manuscript receives reverent, kid-glove treatment and flawless attention to detail with a combined left- and right-brain approach. Without altering an author's voice, I know how to make words sing to readers and sell to publishers and literary agents to ensure your publishing success.

I divide my time between the Oregon coast, where the sea serves as my creative Muse, and New York City, where it all began. I am happy to provide you with author references in any genre.
Languages
English (US)
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Health & Wellbeing
Medicine, Nursing, & Dentistry
New Age
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction
Historical Fiction
Historical Romance
Literary Fiction

Certifications

  • Certified in Digital Media, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism & Mass Communications
  • Certificate of Completion, English Literature, University of Oxford, England
  • BA, English, Latin, and Greek, City University of New York
  • Certified in Astrology, Organization of Professional Astrologers

Awards

  • Journalist of the Year, Arizona Press Club
  • 2017 National First Place Columnist, National Federation of Press Women
  • 30 First Place national and state writing awards

Work experience

Professional Book Editor and Literary Coach

Self-employed
July, 2004 – Present (over 18 years)

I perform all types of editing -- line/content, copy, and developmental – for every genre of fiction and nonfiction, in print and digital formats, for traditional and self-publishing authors.

I have edited more than 200 books in the following genres: memoir, self-help, historical fiction, spirituality, health and medicine, quantum physics, New Age, romance, suspense, and many others.

My specialties include spirituality, metaphysics, New Age, self-help, historical fiction, memoir, and medicine.

I have edited 14 books on quantum physics for a NASA scientist and renowned physicist. Author testimonials, rates, and a portfolio are available on the Editorial Intuitive website. Free sample edit and editorial consultation

Book Editor

Luminare Press
June, 2019 – Present (almost 4 years)

As a remote contractual book editor for Luminare Press, I copyedit manuscripts in all genres of fiction and nonfiction. I perform this work in addition to my private editing practice at Editor 911, The Editorial Intuitive.

Book Editor

Kirkus Publishing Editorial Services / Amazon CreateSpace
October, 2012 – May, 2015 (over 2 years)

I provided copyediting and proofreading for manuscripts in all genres, with fact-checking, proofreading, style sheets, and editorial letters.

Managing Editor, Copy Editor, Social Justice Columnist

The Sedona Observer
July, 2007 – April, 2011 (almost 4 years)

Edited weekly newspaper and wrote award-winning social justice columns. Recipient of eight national first-place writing awards and a Journalist of the Year award from the Arizona Press Club.

Editor-in-Chief

Best Life Media Company
March, 2005 – March, 2007 (about 2 years)

Served as editor-in-chief for a national health magazine based in Sedona, Arizona. Edited the entire magazine each month and wrote feature articles on health, wellness, and medicine.

Chief Copy Editor and Columnist

Larson Newspapers, Sedona, Arizona
April, 2002 – February, 2005 (almost 3 years)

Columnist, reporter, and chief copy editor for four newspapers published twice each week. Received numerous state and national press awards.

Portfolio (48 selected works)

The Mother of Jerusalem is Crying

Dr. Rosemary Hartounian Cohen

Blue Song: A Novel

Rhodes, Nancy

Moving On (Old Pueblo Series)

Hart, Diana Taylor

A Shadow Life

McCurry, Leta

Living Medicine

McGarey , Gladys Taylor , McCombs, Ann

When Dreams Bleed

Robin Cain

Unraveled Faith

Burgess, Sharon

Catherine J. has 1 review

Professionalism
Professionalism
Quality
Quality
Value
Value
Communication & Punctuality
Communication & Punctuality

Benjamin Bernstein
Working with Catherine was an exceedingly positive experience! She sleuthed through my New Age self-help manuscript like an obsessed detective, hunting down numerous grammatical errors that would have detracted from its professionalism. She also made helpful word substitution suggestions and completed the work on a tight deadline that other Reedsy editors couldn’t meet. I also admire her flex...
Read more

Benjamin Bernstein, September 2022

Catherine J. Rourke
Every editor should be blessed to work with a wonderful author like Benjamin. All I can say is "Namaste" -- my excellence salutes yours!

Reply from Catherine J. Rourke

Explore the Reedsy Community

Reedsy is a community of top publishing professionals. Join Reedsy today to browse 1000+ profiles.

Lindsay Schlegel

I'm an enthusiastic freelance editor with experience across the industry--bookselling, marketing, publicity, agency, editorial, and writing.

New Jersey, United States

Michael Fedison

Professional editor and proofreader with extensive experience in the publishing industry, working with both nonfiction and fiction titles.

Corinth, VT, USA

To view 1,000+ more profiles, Join Reedsy