Catherine J. Rourke

Catherine J. Rourke – Editor

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

Overview

Your book represents your heart and soul; it deserves only the best... a genuine, patient, and caring professional who understands the literary journey, knows the publishing industry, possesses the skills, 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. Every client has been published and several books 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 books for countless spiritual authors. Therefore, I specialize in metaphysics, spirituality, astrology, healing, cosmology, inspirational, and self-help genres.


I have edited 14 books on quantum physics, including one for a prominent NASA physicist from 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.


Please request a quote for a free sample edit and attach your full manuscript for the best feedback.


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.

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs Health & Wellbeing New Age Self-Help & Self-Improvement
Fiction
Contemporary Fiction Historical Fiction Historical Romance Literary Fiction
Languages
English (US)
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
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

Work experience

Self-employed

Jul, 2004 — Present

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 available.

Luminare Press

Jun, 2019 — Present

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.

Kirkus Publishing Editorial Services / Amazon CreateSpace

Oct, 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.

The Sedona Observer

Jul, 2007 — Apr, 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.

Best Life Media Company

Mar, 2005 — Mar, 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.

Larson Newspapers, Sedona, Arizona

Apr, 2002 — Feb, 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

Blue Song: A Novel

Rhodes, Nancy

The Mother of Jerusalem is Crying

Dr. Rosemary Hartounian Cohen

Living Medicine

Gladys T. McGarey

Unraveled Faith

Burgess, Sharon

A Shadow Life

McCurry, Leta

Catherine J. has 1 review

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Benjamin B.

Benjamin B.

Sep, 2022

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

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