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

Money, Money, Honey Bunny! (Bright & Early Books(R))

Marilyn Sadler

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
Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains

Laurel Snyder

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
Tae Kwon Do! (Step into Reading)

Terry Pierce

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
Bloodhound (The Legend of Beka Cooper, Book 2)

Tamora Pierce

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
Made with Reedsy
Haisley's Birthday Money: A Children's Rhyming Story About Saving, Spending, and Giving

Freer, Nycole

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
Archie Finds His Voice

Dworetz-Sofarelli, Pam

Developmental Editing
Made with Reedsy
The Whatif Monster Chapter Book Series: A New Friend for Jonathan James

Nelson-Schmidt, Michelle

Thomas and the Castle (Thomas & Friends)

W. Rev Awdry

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
Puss in Boots (Step into Reading)

Lisa Findlay

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
Gulliver in Lilliput (Step into Reading)

Lisa Findlay

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
The Look-It-Up Book of Explorers (Look-It-Up Books)

Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

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
We Love Ballet! (Pictureback(R))

Jane Feldman

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
My Dad Can Do Anything (Pictureback(R))

Stephen Krensky

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 35 reviews

Professionalism

Quality

Value

Responsiveness

Ryan M.

Ryan M.

Sep, 2021

Pinned
Outstanding experience. Catherine was thorough, patient, and insightful. Her suggestions made my story better, and I am appreciative of the experience. Highly recommend.
Catherine F.
Thank you, Ryan. Good luck seeing your project through to completion!
Sheila K.

Sheila K.

Aug, 2021

Pinned
Having never attempted to write, I was nervous about this process. It took a few days to get the nerve to open Catherine's suggestions and read through them. After doing so, I was completely thrilled with her editorial and inspired to revise my manuscript. Catherine not only had great suggestio...
Read more
Catherine F.
Thank YOU, Sheila. I love reading about neurodiverse characters!
Rick A.

Rick A.

Apr, 2021

Pinned
From start to finish, my experience working with Catherine was excellent. She was friendly, courteous and her evaluation of my written work gave me a great deal of very helpful information to work with. I would whole-heartedly recommend her services.
Catherine F.
Thank you, Rick. Your work tickled my funny bone!
Richard S.

Richard S.

Mar, 2025

As a novice, want-to-be author, this was my first experience with an editor and had little expectations as to what I would receive back. I was amazed with Catherine's analysis. The detail of her work and comments regarding scenes throughout the book showed her devotion to reading the entire manus...
Read more
Catherine F.
Thank you, Richard. I am so glad you are enjoying the process!
Beth G.

Beth G.

Feb, 2025

Catherine's feedback was great! She was professional, timely and offered great insight. I can now go back and refine my story and take it to the next level. Catherine's services were just as her profile described. I am glad that I worked with her. I highly recommend her!
Catherine F.
Thank you, Beth. Working on your project was fun and enlightening!

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