Becoming a published author takes a team.

Do you have the seed of an idea for a children’s book? Are you wondering what the next step is for your manuscript? Does your story need a big picture edit or a polish to be ready for submission? Catherine Frank Editorial Services, LLC specializes in children’s writing and publishing and offers personalized editorial expertise.

Editorial Expertise

With more than twenty-five years of experience in children’s publishing—including over a decade in the trenches at a Big Five publisher—I know the ins and outs of how to craft a query letter, how to find the right agent, and, most importantly, how to develop a manuscript into the best possible version of itself. And sometimes my four-legged editorial assistant even helps!

Services

Here you’ll find details about my available editorial services. Please get in touch with questions, or if you’re looking for something specific that might not be listed below. I’m happy to tailor my work to suit your needs, whether you’re an author, illustrator, publisher, or agent.

Authors

Comprehensive editorial services and consultation.

Illustrators

Portfolio reviews and project critiques.

Publishers

Editing, adaptation, and project consultation.

Agents

Manuscript review and client consultation.

Testimonials

Read what others shared. View all.

Before we were introduced, Catherine was described to us as a “world-class editor.” After working with her, we whole-heartedly agree.

Patti Wheeler and Keith Hemstreet

Author

Catherine is experienced, intelligent, and encouraging—a perfect combination for a children’s book editor. Her one-on-one workshop sessions have been invaluable

Whitney Stewart

Author

Catherine pushed me to explore aspects of my novel I hadn’t considered. But while pushing, she was never “pushy”—she was exceedingly pleasant to work with!

Ginger Rue

Author

I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Catherine. Her insight, her patience, and her willingness to bring clarity to my writing was amazing

William Meyer

Author

Catherine advertises her editing expertise, but she is really a coach. She maximized my strengths and helped me identify and tighten the weaknesses in my writing.

Heidi King

Author

I’d heard about how effective Catherine was prior to working with her, but I was truly impressed with the progress I made with her services

Maggie Chang

Author/Illustrator

I brought Catherine the bones to my manuscript, and she guided me to bring breath and life into it. She was very specific on areas of my manuscript I should improve

Ipuna Black

Author

Working with Catherine has been a wonderfully eye-opening experience for me as a writer. She gently shepherded me through the editing process

Melissa Bellanca

Author

Catherine is great. She is smart, experienced, thorough, and diplomatic. (I could pile on a bunch of other superlatives—patient, tenacious, and unflinching come to mind

J.T. Allen

Author

Portfolio

My editorial experience runs the gamut from photographic, award-winning nonfiction to highly commercial, older YA and everything in between. This is a sample of the published books and projects I have recently worked on as a freelance editor (click on a book jacket to learn more).

See Full Portfolio

Passing It On

The Great Influenza

The Year of the Puppy

Extra Life

Zeus the Mighty

Agent Most Wanted

Daisy and the Missing Mona Lisa

Permanent Record

FAQ

Here are a few general questions I get. For more, feel free to check out the full FAQ page.

What kind of editing do you do?

I specialize in developmental editing for children’s manuscripts. I also offer a lot of other options, including: query editing, general manuscript feedback and consultation, adaptation, and partial editing. Wondering if I can help you? Just ask! (Yes, I also sometimes work on projects not intended for children.)

How would you describe your editing style?

I’m thorough and collaborative, and I’ll hold you to a high bar. I ask a lot of questions and always keep your ultimate vision for your manuscript in mind. Take a look at my portfolio to get a better sense of the work I do.

How do your rates work?

I use an hourly rate for small projects (like query letters and consultations). For manuscript editing, I provide a custom editing proposal and quote for every project. Check out my Services page for details.

Can you help me get published?

I can use my extensive editorial and publishing expertise to make sure you’re doing all you can to reach your publishing goal. With me in your corner, you’ll be that much closer.

What else should I know about you?

I’ve been a children’s book editor for more than twenty-five years. I became a freelance editor after I left NYC and wanted to keep doing the work I love. Find out more about me. Also, I love pugs.

Selected Clients

Catherine Frank Editorial Services, LLC offers consultation, editorial feedback, and general guidance about the world of children’s publishing. I can help you turn the dream of just wanting to be published into a reality.